After some time at home, we are once again setting off for Asia. Our journey begins with three fascinating days in Brunei – a place that feels both different and surprising.

The nature here is absolutely stunning. We ventured into the dense mangroves and tropical forests, where we spotted curious monkeys swinging from tree to tree and even caught sight of some lurking crocodiles along the riverbanks.

To get a feel for the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, we joined a local bus tour that took us past the majestic mosques, bustling markets, and the Sultan’s grand palace. It was a slow and charming way to see the city through local eyes.

One of the highlights was a boat trip through Kampong Ayer – the incredible water villages built entirely on stilts. Life here floats above the river, with colorful houses, schools, and shops connected by wooden walkways. It’s like a whole city living on water.

In the evening, we made our way to the northern coast for a cozy dinner by the sea. Sitting with a perfect view of the illuminated bridge stretching across to Malaysia, we enjoyed fresh seafood while the sun dipped below the horizon.

One night we decided to order Brunei’s national dish, served alongside a storytelling performance with traditional sagas, unfortunately left a little to be desired flavor-wise. To get a point you can imagine eaten glue for wallpapers 🤣

Still, the warmth of the local people and the richness of their culture made it an unforgettable start to our journey. The restaurant contacted our host at the Homestay who picked up the food and for us, we ordered something else