Brunei

Cost of living

What a month costs

No personal income tax and heavily subsidised fuel keep daily costs low. Alcohol is banned, so there are no bar tabs, though imported goods run pricey.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Bandar Seri Begawan

1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien MosqueMarble and gold mosque set in its own lagoon with a replica royal barge.
2. Kampong AyerCenturies-old water village of stilt houses linked by boardwalks on the river.
3. Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah MosqueBrunei's largest mosque, crowned by 29 golden domes.
4. Royal Regalia MuseumThe Sultan's coronation regalia, state gifts and a gilded chariot.
5. Istana Nurul ImanThe Sultan's palace and the world's largest residential home, best seen from the river.
6. Tasek Lama Recreational ParkA green valley with a waterfall and trails minutes from downtown.
7. Brunei Museum and Malay Technology MuseumHistory and river-village culture at Kota Batu, east of the centre.
8. Gadong Night MarketSmoky grills and Bruneian street food after dark at Pasar Malam Gadong.
9. Yayasan ComplexWaterfront shopping arcade beside the main mosque.
10. Proboscis monkey river safariMangrove boat trips from the waterfront to spot the long-nosed monkeys.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Ulu Temburong National ParkPristine rainforest and a swaying canopy walkway, reached across the long Temburong Bridge.
2. Empire Brunei, JerudongBeachfront resort with a vast lagoon pool and golf, a short drive west of the city.
3. Jerudong Park PlaygroundThe sultanate's amusement park near the coast, a family classic.
4. Muara and Serasa BeachSandy shores and a water-sports lagoon at the tip of the peninsula.
5. Seria and Kuala BelaitOil-town coast with the Billionth Barrel Monument, about two hours west.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Piccolo CafeSpecialty coffee spot in the Kiulap district.
2. The Coffee Bean and Tea LeafReliable branch inside the Yayasan Complex.
3. StarbucksBusy branch at The Mall in Gadong.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Aminah ArifThe go-to for ambuyat, Brunei's sticky sago national dish.
2. Excapade SushiLong-running Japanese chain popular across the city.
3. Pondok Sari WangiHearty Indonesian cooking and a local staple.
4. Kaizen SushiAnother well-liked Japanese kitchen for sushi and donburi.
5. Tarindak D'SeniBruneian buffet at the Arts and Handicraft Centre by the river.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Chop Jing ChewHeritage downtown kopitiam for kaya toast, half-boiled eggs and local kopi.