Coverage in SADJ
BRIDEX 2009
Location
Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam, on the Island of Borneo
Website
www.bridex2013.com
Contact
info@bridex2013.com
Next Show
December TBD, 2015
Focus
All areas of defense with an emphasis on aerospace, military vehicles, and maritime.
Dress
Working uniform / business attire; temperatures can be very high and humid.
Language
Malay is the official language; English is widely used.
Show Food
There are exhibitor lounges with meals during the day, coffee shops, and in the East building at the end are a variety of Western and local fast foods including pizza. In the West building there is a buffet.
Hotel Hints
Stay at one of the official or supporting hotels from the BRIDEX website, as these hotels provide shuttles to the exhibition.
Power & Plug Types
240 V, 50 Hz. United Kingdom standard plug, BS-1363.
Cultural Hints
Upon entering a mosque, remove shoes and never walk in front of a person praying. Women should cover their heads in a mosque as a sign of respect. Although Brunei’s weather is hot and humid, modest dress is a must for women at all times (covering knees and arms). If you are light-skinned you will attract attention, so be prepared.
Use your right hand to hand things to people and remember to point with the thumb of your right hand. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, so if you are there during this time try to refrain from eating in their presence.
Alcohol is not sold in Brunei. Private consumption by non-Muslims over 17 years old is allowed, but you must bring your own in your checked luggage and declare it at customs (at press time the allowance is 2 bottles of liquor equaling no more than 2 liters and 12 cans of beer). Be advised to consume this with discretion.
Tipping
Restaurant: 10% if not included. Taxi: None. Bellhop: BND $2. Housekeeping: BND $1/day.
Currency and Tax
Brunei Dollars (BND) and Singapore Dollars (SGD) are accepted on a 1:1 ratio in Brunei. Go to www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
Getting Around
CAR: Drive on the left, British style. Park at the Jerudong Playground where shuttles run to the exhibition. TAXI: this year Taxis were allowed near to the Trade Entrance for drop off and pick up. There are no taxi lines at the exhibition so you must arrange for a taxi pick-up well in advance. Inside the Trade Entrance is a transportation desk, and the people there are quite helpful in arranging taxis. SHUTTLE: Official and supporting hotels offer shuttles to BRIDEX. LEAVING BRUNEI: You’ll need extra Brunei cash when you leave to pay the exit fee, which was BND $12 at press time. This might be included in your airfare costs, check to see, you’ll need the receipt that if prepaid you can get at the airline check in counter. For more information go to: www.tourismbrunei.com.
Tourism
Top sights include: Brunei Museum, Royal Regalia Museum, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (largest mosque in Brunei), Kampung Ayer (water village on stilts), and Istana Nurul Iman (royal palace, only open to visitors a few days a year but can be viewed from the waterways). Parks and beaches abound so ask your hotel’s concierge for a recommendation.
