Brunei is a small but fascinating country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Though Brunei is geographically quite small, it has a rich culture and history that provide ample material for riddles. In this article, we have collected 47 riddles about Brunei, with the answers provided after each one. Some touch on Brunei’s culture, geography, history, economy, and more. We hope these riddles will provide some fun and introspection for those interested in learning more about this unique country.
Geography Riddles
Riddle 1
I’m a small country on the island of Borneo, surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. I’m located on the northern coast of the island. What am I?
Answer: Brunei
Riddle 2
I’m Brunei’s longest river, arising in the country’s mountainous interior and flowing northward to Brunei Bay. What am I?
Answer: Belait River
Riddle 3
I’m a small Brunei town known for its water village, a settlement built entirely on stilts over the Brunei River. What town am I?
Answer: Kampong Ayer
Riddle 4
I’m a conservation area located in the Temburong district of Brunei, containing pristine rainforest that is one of the country’s top eco-tourism destinations. What am I?
Answer: Ulu Temburong National Park
Riddle 5
I’m Brunei’s highest mountain, reaching over 3,900 feet in elevation in the Temburong district. Local lore says I’m haunted by spirits. What mountain am I?
Answer: Bukit Pagon
History Riddles
Riddle 6
I was a powerful empire based in Brunei from the 15th to 19th centuries, controlling all of Borneo and parts of the Philippines and Indonesia. What empire was I?
Answer: Bruneian Empire
Riddle 7
I’m a large 16th century mosque located in Brunei’s capital city, known for its golden dome and ornate architecture. Many consider me one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia. What mosque am I?
Answer: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Riddle 8
I’m Brunei’s first sultan who ruled from 1363 to 1402, establishing Brunei as an independent Islamic sultanate. My mausoleum is a popular tourist site today. Who am I?
Answer: Sultan Muhammad Shah
Riddle 9
I’m a British adventurer who became the first European to visit Brunei in 1521, paving the way for British influence in the region. James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak, was my nephew. Who am I?
Answer: Sir John Malcom
Riddle 10
I’m a historic water village in Brunei that was the center of royal life in the 15th and 16th centuries. My ruins were discovered by archaeologists in 1997. What am I?
Answer: Kota Batu
Culture Riddles
Riddle 11
I’m a traditional Brunei Malay wedding costume worn by the bride. I consist of embroidered clothing, decorative headgear, and elaborate golden accessories. What am I called?
Answer: Penguluran
Riddle 12
I’m a traditional Brunei Malay dance often performed at cultural events. Masked male dancers act out scenes from Brunei folklore through energetic movements and costumes. What dance am I?
Answer: Adai-Adai
Riddle 13
I’m a traditional Brunei Malay musical instrument that is shaped like a box with strings stretched across it that are plucked with the fingers. What instrument am I?
Answer: Caklempong
Riddle 14
I’m a sweet Brunei Malay confection made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, traditionally served at celebrations like Hari Raya. What am I?
Answer: Penyaram
Riddle 15
I’m a spicy Brunei Malay condiment made from fermented shrimp or fish paste, chili, garlic, vinegar, and citrus. I add a kick to dishes like nasi katok. What condiment am I?
Answer: Sambal belacan
Economy Riddles
Riddle 16
I’m a valuable black liquid found under Brunei’s ground that accounts for over 90% of the country’s exports. What am I?
Answer: Oil
Riddle 17
Thanks to me, Brunei has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world and doesn’t need to charge personal income taxes to its citizens. What am I?
Answer: Oil exports
Riddle 18
I’m a port located in Serasa near Brunei’s capital that handles most of the country’s international trade. I’m operated by Muara Port Company. What port am I?
Answer: Muara Port
Riddle 19
I’m the national airline of Brunei, headquartered in Bandar Seri Begawan. My name contains the Malay term for Brunei. What company am I?
Answer: Royal Brunei Airlines
Riddle 20
I’m the currency of Brunei whose name means “money” in Malay. One of me is divided into 100 sen. What am I?
Answer: Brunei Dollar
Government Riddles
Riddle 21
I’m the current absolute monarch of Brunei who has reigned since 1967. I’m one of the world’s wealthiest royals thanks to Brunei’s oil reserves. Who am I?
Answer: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Riddle 22
I’m the legislative body of Brunei that currently only has advisory powers but may be granted more authority in the future. All my members are appointed by the Sultan. What council am I?
Answer: Legislative Council
Riddle 23
I’m the Prime Minister of Brunei since 2015. I previously served in several government ministry positions. Who am I?
Answer: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (in addition to being the Sultan, he is also PM)
Riddle 24
I’m a unique Brunei political concept that emphasizes mutual assistance and consensus instead of partisan politics. My name translates as “family.” What concept am I?
Answer: Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB)
Riddle 25
I’m Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by a Minister of Foreign Affairs. My roles include advising the Sultan on foreign policy. What ministry am I?
Answer: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Religion Riddles
Riddle 26
I’m the official religion of Brunei followed by over 75% of the population. I was first brought to Brunei by Arab and Indian traders in the 10th century. What religion am I?
Answer: Islam
Riddle 27
I’m a major celebration in Brunei marking the end of Ramadan with prayer, feasts, and family gatherings. Locally I’m known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri. What holiday am I?
Answer: Eid al Fitr
Riddle 28
I’m an Islamic honorific title carried by important male royals and officials in Brunei. I’m equivalent to “His Royal Highness” in English. What Brunei title am I?
Answer: Pengiran
Riddle 29
I’m a village in Brunei’s Temburong district that is known as the “Venice of the East” for its scenic waterways and stilt houses. What village am I?
Answer: Kampong Ayer
Riddle 30
I’m a mosque located in Bandar Seri Begawan considered one of the most beautiful in the world. I was built in 1958 and feature motifs like stained glass and golden domes. What mosque am I?
Answer: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Education Riddles
Riddle 31
I’m the first and oldest university in Brunei, founded in 1985. I have campuses in Gadong and Tungku Link. What university am I?
Answer: Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Riddle 32
I’m a boarding school in Brunei attended by the country’s royal and elite families. I emphasize both academic and religious studies. What school am I?
Answer: Jerudong International School
Riddle 33
I’m a unique concept in Brunei’s education system emphasizing holistic education aligned with Islamic values. All schools in Brunei are required to follow my principles. What concept am I?
Answer: SPN21 (Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad Ke-21)
Riddle 34
I’m a Brunei school term that runs from January to March each year. I’m followed by a long mid-year school break before the next term starts in June. What term am I?
Answer: Term 1
Riddle 35
I’m a standardized test taken by Year 6 students in Brunei as an exit exam before moving onto secondary school. I test skills in Malay, English, math, and science. What test am I?
Answer: Primary School Assessment (PSR)
Tourism Riddles
Riddle 36
I’m a family entertainment center in Jerudong, known as the “Disneyland of Brunei.” I feature rides, shows, restaurants, and more. What am I?
Answer: Jerudong Park Playground
Riddle 37
I’m a popular tourist village built entirely on stilts over the Brunei River. I display traditional Brunei Malay culture and architecture. What village am I?
Answer: Kampong Ayer
Riddle 38
I’m an eco-tourism site in Temburong district featuring steel walkways through pristine jungle. Visitors to me can experience Brunei’s natural wildlife and scenery. Where am I?
Answer: Ulu Temburong National Park
Riddle 39
I’m a heritage park located 16 km from Bandar Seri Begawan showcasing Brunei’s rich culture and handicrafts. Skilled artisans demonstrate traditional arts and crafts here. Where am I?
Answer: Malay Technology Museum
Riddle 40
I’m a popular diving spot off Brunei’s coast, known for colorful reefs, undamaged coral, and plentiful tropical fish. Where am I?
Answer: Brunei Barrier Reef
Food Riddles
Riddle 41
I’m a quintessential Brunei breakfast dish consisting of rice, sambal, and chicken or fish. My name means “knocking rice.” What dish am I?
Answer: Nasi katok
Riddle 42
I’m a sweet Brunei Malay desert made from coconut milk, rice flour, and pandan leaves. I come in many bright colors and flavors. What am I?
Answer: Kueh
Riddle 43
I’m a thick, curry-like Brunei dish made from beef and coconut milk, flavored with ginger and lemongrass. I’m often served at celebrations. What am I?
Answer: Rendang
Riddle 44
I’m a popular Brunei drink made from grass jelly pieces and coconut milk. I come in flavors like coconut pandan. What am I?
Answer: Chendol
Riddle 45
I’m a noodle dish found across Southeast Asia, including Brunei. I consist of stir-fried egg noodles, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. What dish am I?
Answer: Char kway teow
Miscellaneous Brunei Riddles
Riddle 46
I’m the national flower of Brunei, known for my fragrant white petals tinged with yellow. I represent beauty, elegance, and purity. What flower am I?
Answer: Simpoh Ayer
Riddle 47
I’m the national airline of Brunei, named after Brunei’s Malay term meaning “State of Brunei.” My hub is Brunei International Airport. What airline am I?
Answer: Royal Brunei Airlines
Conclusion
Brunei may be small, but it is filled with fascinating culture, history, cuisine, and sights just waiting to be discovered. These 47 riddles provide a sample of Brunei’s diversity, touching on topics ranging from geography to economy to tourism and more. Whether you’re planning a visit to Brunei or are just curious to learn more, these riddles reveal some of the country’s unique treasures. If you enjoyed these Brunei riddles, see how many you can get right, and stay tuned for more riddles exploring other parts of the fascinating world around us.
