Asia
Golden domes, water villages and rainforest left largely intact.
Brunei is a small sultanate on the north coast of Borneo, calm, orderly and wrapped in rainforest. In Bandar Seri Begawan, the gold-domed Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque rises above Kampong Ayer, a village of stilt houses linked by boardwalks and water taxis. The Temburong district protects Ulu Temburong National Park, where a canopy walkway climbs above primary forest, and river trips through the mangroves often turn up proboscis monkeys.
Life moves gently here. Alcohol is not sold, evenings centre on night markets such as Gadong, and ambuyat, nasi katok and satay are local staples. Public transport is thin, so taxis, a hire car or tours are easiest. It is hot and humid all year; February to April is usually the driest stretch, while November to January is the wettest.
March, April.