Brunei has wealth to rival even that of Dubai’s. The tiny Sultanate located on the north-west tip of Borneo is surrounded by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. At only 5,765 square kilometres Brunei is also one of the world’s smallest states. The Sultan of Brunei is reputed to own more Rolls Royces than anyone else in the world and the his subjects aren’t doing too badly either.

The capital of Bandar Seri Begawan is a spectacularly clean town featuring gorgeous palaces, well-maintained gardens and mosques, lots of mosques. The sultan’s population aren’t living in poverty either so although you will see the centuries old picturesque over-water village of Kampung Ayer, rest assure that the residents have garages for their Mercedes, just they are a boat ride away.

The country is actually 70% undisturbed tropical jungle, the oil-wealth means there is no reason to log and destroy this beautiful land. A 20-minute longboat ride from towns will bring you to Bandar River home of a huge array of wildlife one of the best preserved areas of mangroves in South East Asia.

To be honest, Brunei doesn’t write up as one of the world’s must see destinations. The star attraction of Brunei may well be the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Located in the centre of the capital the Empire’s mission appears to be to showcase the country’s wealth. So bring on the unadulterated opulence: jewel-studded staircases, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, 12-storey high pillars, 11,000 square meter swimming pool, eight-lane bowling alley, a theatre and cinema. All are uber-luxurious but have you ever seen such as classy bowling alley?

Multiple first-class restaurants serving everything for fragrant Malaysian cuisine to English High Tea. A word of warning though: one thing you won’t find anywhere in Brunei is alcohol, unlike neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, Brunei is dead serious about its no alcohol policy. BYO is OK though - so consider bringing in some with you - and no Royal Brunei Airlines doesn’t serve alcohol either.

If you are feeling energetic then maybe try out the Empire’s gold course which in their own words is:

“An awe-inspiring course. 7,029 yards. Cliffs and ravines. Tight fairways. Large bunkers. Floodlit for nighttime games. The front nine overlook the ocean from high ground, while the back nine reach to the sea. The signature 15th hole takes you right along the beach, hugging the coastline and challenging you with sprawling bunkers.”

The Empire has a full range of 5-star plus luxury rooms and suites but maybe just go right for the top end and check out the award-winning, Presidential Suite. At over 650 sqm its more a large private home than a hotel room. It includes its own private pool where you can entertain your guests with a DVD projection system of professional quality. Then onto the personal steam room and sauna. Anyone care to play? The grand piano is a statement in the living room, and don’t forget to checkout the bedroom, dining room, bathrooms, study and drawing room. You might even forget to go out and check out the rest of Brunei with all of this to play with.