Brunei, more formally Brunei Darussalam, is a small country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Rich in petroleum resources, Brunei remains an absolute monarchy, ruled by a hereditary Sultan.

The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), is a relatively small city, enhanced by spectacular Islamic architecture of mosques and palaces. In contrast, it contains a centuries-old water village of houses raised on stilts. My visit in July 2023 coincided with a grand parade marking the 77th birthday of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

I was also able to join a day excursion to the stringently-protected Ulu Temburong National Park, which conserves a large tract of unspoilt tropical rainforest. Travel within the Park is by longboat plus the Canopy Walkway, whose pylons rise 43m from the forest floor to afford striking views across the rainforest canopy.