Golden domes and a village on stilts
Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the small oil-rich sultanate of Brunei, is quiet and orderly. Its landmark is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, with a golden dome reflected in a lagoon, and the larger Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is equally striking. Across the river, Kampong Ayer is a sprawling village of stilt houses linked by walkways, reached by water taxi. Boat trips also head into the mangroves to spot proboscis monkeys, and the Royal Regalia Museum displays the Sultan's ceremonial treasures.