September 2,

Up and around by 0700. We had our Javas and breakfast of leftover macaroni with apple, honey, cinnamon, and yogurt. It was tasty. Then we packed and readied. We texted our host a picture of the key in the lock box by 1057 – our official check out. We loaded up in our car, now we had only ten plus hours until our flight! 😆😂🤣

We went to check out some wine stores, but ended up going to a local place finding some Malaysian “rum.” Not surprisingly, we found out that no wine is produced here on Borneo – we always try to find and try local, if possible. Anyway, we went on to a mall to pass time, keep cool, and get steps. So win, win, win! We found a lunch place in the food court that sounded interesting. So we went back to our car and grabbed some water then went back into the mall and ordered a Beef Laksa and a Kolo Mee, which was a bowl of noodles topped with chicken and smoked duck. It was 23 RM or $5.44. We spent a couple of hours here and then left the food court and that mall – paid 3 RM/0.71 cents for parking. We opted for another mall – a little bigger and got more steps in, found some chocolate in this mall. At 1630 we left this second mall and went to a hamburger place for supper, called Chubbs. We split a Chubbs Original Double Beef Hamburger; Sweet Potato Fries; and an actual chocolate milkshake. This cost us 51 RM, or $12. We finished and left, finally going to the airport. We arrived at 1805, but our car rental return people did not show up until 1825. Jeff got the return deposit, so everything was okay.

We went into the airport and got our bags checked. We are flying on Royal Brunei for the first time. So all checked in we sat and waited, our flight time was still 3 hours away. We were so very early, we could not even go through International Passport Control yet! I blogged and Jeff walked about getting a couple of chocolate tiramisu bites, exchanging money, and just people watching. Around 1930 we could go through. Our lady security was very nice, pleasant even! We found a new place to sit and wait. Our plane arrived by 2030 and we boarded by 2100.

At 2133, the plane backed up – seven minutes early. There was an overhead announcement of prayer to Allah. Definitely different. At 2146, we took off. Then everyone was served an egg salad and cheese sandwich with a box of tea!! Surprised Jeff and I. It was a short, no problem flight, and we touched down at 2243.

     Welcome to Bandar Seri Begawan, Capital of Brunei!!!

We were off plane and through immigration by 2310. We had to fill out a form since we brought some alcohol. Certain amounts are allowed, since no alcohol is available in Brunei! Jeff ordered a pick up by Dart, and the driver arrived at 2320. The driver told us about sights to see in his country. We made it to the Jubilee Hotel by 2332 and checked in. By 2336, in our room on the fifth floor. It is a very basic, semi-dated hotel room. We unloaded, and readied for bed. Tucked in and lights out by 2359!!