We docked in the largest City in the Sultanate of Brunei …
The weather was hot and it was dry.

We got off the ship and were ready to go…
And set foot for the first time on Borneo.

In the City BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN Capital of Muara
A Country of East Asia.

An English Protectorate before…
But independent from the UK since 1984.

What we found…
Was a 78% Islamic Country were it is summer year round.

The language spoken is Malay…
Education and healthcare is free for all they say.

The man pray…
Several times a day…

But maybe that is necessary…
To keep peace with the four wife’s they can marry.

The City appears organized and clean
But only a few locals are being seen.

The “Palace of the light of Faith” with a golden dome.
Is the Sultan’s private 2 million-yes 2 million square foot home.

There is a mosque with 39 golden domes
Also surrounded by more very big beautiful homes

The Sultan is the worlds richest man we are told…
And it looks like his favorite color is gold.

We are not haunted to spent a dime…
And it is forbidden to drink alcohol or wine.

They produce oil and gas and seem to have money to burn…
Tourist dollars they do not appear interested in to earn.

Everything seems lavish and opulent
They do not need the tourist to spend a cent.

A Royal Polo Club for the Sultan’s use
Were one of 300 horses he can choose.

A six star Empire hotel where the Sultan’s guest…
Can be pampered and rest.

Then we saw a view…
That is also very true…

Kampong Ayer built in water on sticks…
Is one of the villages where thousands live and intermix.

“Venice of the East” it is being called
But we were a bit appalled..

That behind the glitter and glory
Also here lies another story.