Day 178 Travel Day by Bus 1 August 2012

Today we left Brunei and entered Malaysia, then we left Malaysia and entered Brunei, then we left Brunei and entered Malaysia (all Malaysia travel was in Sarawak state until we reached Sabah state).

For every state and country entrance and exit we got a stamp in our passport!

After a 7 hour bus ride we arrived to Kota Kinabalu!

Day 177 Brunei in a Day 31 July 2012

Today we spent exploring the capitol of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan (or BSB). After a leasurely breakfast we headed for the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (Brunei’s version of Fata Morgana of the Efteling). Unfortunately it was closed for non Muslims since it is Ramadan. The outside however was a sight of its own.

We continued with a visit to the Royal Regalia Museum, where the sultan displays all the gifts other heads of state have given him. We had to take off our shoes but luckily were provided with slippers. Sorry, no photographs allowed inside, but imagine a lot of silver, gold and daggers.

Someone however gave him a small replica of this piece of art.

After some Pizzahut and Coffee Bean we walked some more, looking all over town for a souvenir (besides the stamp in our passports).

We came across a ceremony to bring down the flag that was up for a month to celebrate the sultan’s birthday.

We also saw a huge lizard and the poster from the Bollywood movie we saw in India!

At night, the mosque was even prettier.

Day 176 Travel day to Brunei 30 July 2012

After repacking our freshly laundered travel clothes we hung out at the guesthouse and waited for our taxi to take us to the bus station. Here we caught a bus to Brunei. The bus dropped us off literally in front of the hotel, where we had a dinner with Brunei treats. This time the green treat was tasty- like a cold crepe/pancake stuffed with coconut.