Negara Brunei Darussalam, to give Brunei its full title, is located on the island of Borneo which is a mere speck in the middle of the South China Sea. Although very small, the sultanate of Brunei is one of the world’s richest oil states. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is quite a wealthy man too, once topping the world rich list with an estimated fortune of a $40 billion. Brunei, the gateway to Borneo, is a tea-total, alcohol-free country, so if you fancy a tipple you’ll have to pop across the border into neighbouring Malaysia. Jerudong Theme Park is the most commercially developed tourist attraction but if you want to get away from it all, the Belalong National Park takes some beating with its jungle and rainforest walks.

Despite its diminutive size, Brunei has five golf courses from which to choose and most are set against a rainforest backdrop or the glistening South China Sea (or both). Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club is the “Augusta of Asia”, according to Ronald Fream its designer and the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club which overlooks Brunei Bay is a nice test. The Jack Nicklaus designed course at the extravagant 5 star Empire Hotel & Country Club is a rather impressive “monument to luxury”