What are the health risks in Brunei? Is it safe and where are the places with the highest crime rates?

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Health risks

Brunei is a developed modern country where there is very little risk of exotic diseases.

However, the country is located in the tropics and therefore can experience typhoid fever or dengue fever. However, the risk of infection is low as the level of hygiene is comparable to western standards.

Malaria does not occur in Brunei and Brunei is the only country in South East Asia where rabies has been eradicated.

Health care and possible treatment

Healthcare and hospitals in Brunei are modern and of a high standard. In case of an emergency, you don't need to worry about treatment.

It's a good idea to have a good health insurance policy as you will have to pay for any treatments as a tourist.

Drinking water

The quality of tap water in Brunei is the highest of any country in Southeast Asia and is considered drinkable.

However, we do not recommend drinking tap water, especially during the rainy and flood seasons when it can become contaminated.

However, tap water is perfectly fine for brushing your teeth or washing, for example.

Dangerous animals

What animals that can pose a threat to humans will you encounter in Brunei?

Stray dogs

Brunei has a fairly large population of stray dogs, which you will encounter mainly in the countryside, but you may also see a few free-roaming dogs in Bandar Seri Begawan, especially around markets and garbage bins.

Owners usually do not have their dogs sterilised, and this leads to uncontrolled breeding. Excess dogs are simply let loose on the streets.

The dogs are usually not aggressive and lie in the shade especially during the day.

Rabies does not occur in Brunei.

Tropical animals and venomous snakes

Most of Brunei is covered by tropical jungle, with hundreds and thousands of species of wildlife.

For example, leopards, some species of monkeys and the Malayan bear, the smallest bear species in the world, can be dangerous to humans. However, as a tourist, you have virtually no chance of encountering these animals.

There are around 30 species of snakes in Brunei, 14 of which are venomous. Snakes are common in the jungles, less common in the countryside and absolutely rare in the cities.

Compulsory vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for Brunei; it is a standard developed country with no major risk of tropical diseases.

If you are heading to Brunei from a country with yellow fever, you must have a vaccination certificate.

Of the recommended vaccinations, consider typhoid and hepatitis A or B.

Crime

Brunei is a very safe country.

The crime rate is extremely low and the locals are very friendly and kind to foreigners.

Violent crime is very rare in Brunei and pickpocketing is not common.

Important contacts

You should know the following telephone numbers when in Brunei.

• Fire Brigade - 995
• Ambulance service - 991
• Police - 993

All numbers are normally spoken in English.

The international telephone code for Brunei is +673.