Perhaps having lived in a district where big time robbery is quite unheard of, we are lulled into believing that it is as safe elsewhere in the country.

Of course, as in all other big cities where people are too busy that next door neighbours are practically strangers and the need to preserve privacy means we could not care less what happens outside our own gate.

This combined with being used to our low crime rate, it is easy to be careless – and this makes it easier for the ill-intended.

When even the risk of being electrocuted is not enough to deter theft, what are door locks when all they need to deal with are panicky occupants.

Not many cities in the world can escape crime – but the good thing about a small country such as Brunei is that there is a high possibility that crimes will get solved and those responsible will be found.

Driving in Brunei is stress-free as compared to driving in nearby cities like Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) or Miri (Sarawak).

With good timing and route, you can travel smoothly and quickly – you’ll even have the mood to wave thank you to the traffic police as they let your line through.

It is not only the higher volume of cars. It is also the presences of motorcycles coming up from behind up or cyclists trying to cross the road, which can be unnerving.

Even having to deal with fast moving trucks on narrow roads such as the ones between Tutong and Lumut (Brunei) is nowhere as difficult as to trying to overtake fully-loaded timber trucks on the narrow, winding and uphill road from Penampang to Tambunan (Sabah).

We should also be glad that we do not have to worry about another extra long vehicles. The motorhomes. Not that they are sold here or maybe even Malaysia – although there would surely be market for the smaller and cheaper  range (with equally cheap motorhome insurance) as these would be perfect for long distance driving.