Culture defines us

Hello there fellow readers! Today is 31st of December which marks the end of 2007.  Say hello to 2008 and goodbye to 2007. Anyway, that is not my reason of blogging tonight for I am here to share with you our very own culture. 

As you all know, Brunei is quite similar to Malaysia and Singapore in a way; our country is multiracial. Brunei consists of Malay and Chinese in majority and Indian and indigenous Malay as minority groups. In other words, we celebrate different kinds of festivals here throughout the year.

Nevertheless, Brunei is adopted to a national philosophy called Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy). It is a blend of Malay language, culture and Malay customs, the teaching of Islamic laws and values and the monarchy system which must be esteemed and practiced by all. That is why all Bruneians are known for their politeness, respectful manners and discipline.

Enchantment of Brunei's Nature

Today's night is calm. Standing by the balcony, one could feel the gentle night breeze brushing through his hair, whispering mildly in his ears and noting its presence. Even the crickets’ ‘song’ seems so much melodious than ever. Blanketed by the starry sky above, every sad moment seems to have vanished soundly. By stretching out your arm, you could sense the humid air clustering around it like children gathering around Santa Claus during Christmas. The trees and grasses too, are dancingly happily with the mild chilly breeze, as if they were celebrating this festive season together. So much enchantment the nature of Brunei brings, the feeling it lays on our very soul. Such mystic, although abundant, but yet too dear to hold.

Brunei in Brief

A sun-washed jewel clenched between the South China Sea and North Borneo's rainforest, the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam exudes the colour and mystique of a nation whose sovereignty once stretched across the entire island of Borneo and parts of the Philippines.

Indeed, the word 'Borneo' is an adaptation of the name "Brunei", by which the entire island was once known.

Sixth-century Chinese explorers and traders knew Brunei as "Puni" or "Poli", where Islam had taken deep root as early as 1371. References from 1521 described Brunei as a powerful maritime sultanate, the heart of a trading and tributary empire that dominated the South-East Asian region.

Just 443 km north of the equator, modern Brunei's 5765 sq km land area is bordered by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak to the east and west respectively and Kalimantan (Indonesia) to the south.  Rainfall and humidity are high, with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celcius throughout the year. Yet Brunei rests outside the tropical typhoon and earthquake belts.