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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kuala Belait is a coastal town located in Brunei, known for its oil and gas industry and lush natural surroundings. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30–50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Brunei Dollar (BND). 1 BND ≈ 0.74 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally drinkable, but it's advisable to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include DST Communications and Progresif. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international credit and debit cards are accepted. Banks include Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnbs, with average pricing for a one-bedroom unit around BND 800 per month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted but cash is still preferred for small transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available with options starting around BND 50 a night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; however, some budget hotels like The Brunei Hotel offer rooms starting from BND 60. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area offers scenic views and is close to local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Living close to the Central Business District provides easy access to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lokasi Co-Working Space offers desk rentals and is equipped with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Zone is a popular spot with a relaxed atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are less common, but expat communities often connect through Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Brunei Expatriates Group on Facebook organizes weekly meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is popular for taxi services in Kuala Belait. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available from local shops; pricing around BND 15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Seria Beach, approximately 30 minutes away, is the closest major beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Brunei Airlines is the main airline servicing the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines operate international flights from Brunei. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major routes connect Kuala Belait with the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transit is limited; most people rely on cars or taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No standardized public transport passes; pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses travel to and from the capital, with fares around BND 3. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kuala Belait Hospital provides essential healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness studios are limited; local gyms offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24 offers gym facilities starting from BND 50 monthly. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, with services costing about BND 10 for a wash and fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is a popular choice for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Kandar, a mixed rice dish with various curries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Sunset Grill offers vegetarian dishes, one of the few options in the locale. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tropical Cake House is known for its delicious local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Sungai Liang offer fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Qoo10 are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery services provided by Econsave. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kuala Belait is quiet at night; some cafes offer a relaxed evening atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brunei does not have local breweries due to strict alcohol laws. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Due to local regulations, wine bars are not common. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street food experiences can be found near the waterfront on weekends. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Chowking offers Filipino cuisine and is quite popular among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kuala Belait Mosque is a beautifully designed landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Brunei History Centre is accessible and provides insight into local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Malay Technology Museum, located in the capital, is significant. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kampong Ayer, the water village nearby, is culturally significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations are vibrant and colorful. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The water village of Kampong Ayer offers a unique cultural experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Brunei Arts and Culture Center hosts occasional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kuala Belait Night Market is worth visiting for local delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music performances occur during festivals, primarily traditional genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is limited; however, some murals can be found around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary courses are available from a few hotels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Brunei Gallery in Bandar Seri Begawan hosts art exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a notable architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kuala Belait is rich in oil and gas heritage, highlighted in local museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bukit Shahbandar Forest Reserve offers hiking trails and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ulu Temburong National Park is famous for its canopy walk. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the river are suitable for both walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Tanjung Batu provides stunning sunset views over the sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The mangroves near Kuala Belait are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Seria Beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone repair shops offer services in the town center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Recreational centers occasionally offer ping pong facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language classes are offered at community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kuala Belait Library is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kuala Belait Community Center hosts various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges, but local cafes offer gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Brunei does not have casinos due to government regulations. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BND 60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BND 48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BND 108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BND 78,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BND 160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BND 128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 18.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No dividend withholding tax for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Brunei operates a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | There is no personal income tax in Brunei. |
| 🧾 VAT | No value-added tax applied in Brunei. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | There are no CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax is levied in Brunei. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | There is a nominal property transaction fee upon purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Brunei offers 0% tax on personal income, making it attractive for digital nomads. |