Brunei Stamps Profile

Brunei is a small country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. The area is separated into two parts by the Malaysian province of Limbang (Sarawak state). In fact, Brunei is surrounded by the state of Sarawak, except for its South China Sea coast-line. The same family has rules Brunei for over six centuries although it was a British protectorate during the period from 1888 to 1983 – A treaty between the Sultan and the British Government in 1979 resulted in independence in 1983. Brunei has a land area of over 2200 square miles with a population of close to 400,000 making it fairly densely populated at around 175 per square mile – the eastern part of Brunei is scarcely populated with only around 10,000 people living in the mountainous area. Brunei is mostly within the Borneo lowland rain forests although there are areas of mountain rain forests inland. It has typical tropical rain forest climate with temperatures steady through-out the year in the 25 to 30 degree centigrade range and average annual rainfall approaching 3000 mm. Thanks to its vast petroleum and natural gas reserves, the country enjoys the fifth highest GDP per capita (ppp) of over $50,000. Further, government provides for all medical services and subsidizes both rice and housing.

The first stamps of Brunei were Labuan Stamps of 1902-03 Overprinted and/or Surcharged in Red with ‘BRUNEI’ and the denomination issued in 1906 – Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888 but postage stamps were issued only after the administration was transferred from the Sultan to the British Resident. Mail was routed through Labuan during this period and so Labuan stamps had to be used for International mail (outside Labuan & Brunei). The set (Scott #1 to #12) catalogs for around $700 MNH and $1000 Used. For local mail (Labuan & Brunei), a local issue set of ten stamps (Scott A1 to A10) issued in 1895 was used. That set is valued at around $170 MNH and around $490 Used. The first original issues were a set of 26 stamps (Scott #13 to #39) issued between 1907 and 1921. The design shows a scene on Brunei River and the set consists of several denominations in the range 1c to $25 and background colors. The set catalogs for around $550 MNH and around $1000 Used.


Below are other relevant stamp issues of Brunei over the years:

1. A set of three stamps (Scott #59 to #61) released between 1924 and 1931 showing the Dwellings in the Town of Brunei. The Set catalogs for around $25 MNH and $35 Used. A sister set of three stamps (Scott #76 to #78) were released in 1949 and show Sultan Ahmed in the left panel and Pile Dwellings of Bandar Seri Begwan. The set catalogs for around $5 MNH or Used.
2. A set of fourteen stamps (Scott #83 to #96) released on March 1, 1952 depicting Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin & River Kampong. The set catalogs for around $40 MNH and $15 Used. Kampong Ayer, the Water Village on River Kampong in within the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan on the Brunei River. The government considers Kampong Ayer as Brunei’s most valuable heritage and supports it extensively by building numerous facilities such as a police station & clinics.
3. A set of three stamps (Scott #144 to #146) released on September 29, 1968 showing some of Brunei’s prominent government buildings. The set is very affordable and catalogs for around a dollar MNH and $3 Used. The designs show the opening of the hall of language and culture and the broadcasting and information department building. The stamps are special in that the original design had a 1967 imprint but all issued stamps have a 1968 overprint with 1967 crossed-out using four bars (horizontal lines).
4. A set of two stamps released on December 31, 1973 (Scott #192 & #193) to mark the Winston Churchill Memorial Exhibition. The set catalogs for under a dollar MNH or Used. The designs show Churchill Painting Outdoors and Churchill making “V” sign. This set along with the next set (Scott #194 to #209) depicting Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in a striking design in multiple colors and denominations are considered Brunei’s most recognizable stamp issues. The set catalogs for around $25 MNH and $90 Used.
5. A set of four stamps (Scott #300 to #303) issued on September 23, 1983 in the “Fishing Industry” theme. The set catalogs for around $15 MNH and $10 Used. The designs show Shrimp & Lobster with Fisherman on a boat, Pacific Jacks, Parrotfish & Flatfish, and Tuna.
6. A set of four stamps (Scott #313 to #316) issued on April 21, 1984 in the “Forestry Resources” theme. The set catalogs for around $20 MNH and $15 Used. The designs show Enrichment Planting in Forest, Irrigation Canal, Recreation Forest, and Wildlife.
7. A set of five stamps (Scott #406 to #410) released on December 28, 1989 to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Oil & Gas Industry. The set catalogs for around $25 MNH and $20 Used. The designs show Drill, Tanker, Refinery, Rail Transport, and Offshore Rig.
8. A set of nine stamps (Scott #447 to #455) released in 1992 in the Birds theme. The set catalogs for around $20 MNH or Used. The designs show Crested Wood Partridge, Long-tailed Parakeet, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Magpie Robin, White-rumped Shama, Great Argus Pheasant, Malay Lorikeet, and Black & Red Broadbill.
9. A horizontal strip of four stamps (Scott #572 a-d) released on September 1, 2001 to mark the “Visit Brunei Year”. The strip catalogs for around $2 MNH or Used. The designs show Bridge, Waterfall, Aerial View of City, and Dock.
10. A horizontal strip of three stamps (Scott #582 a-c) released on March 27, 2004 in honor of the Brunei National Philatelic Society. The strip catalogs for around $2 MNH or Used. The designs show Magnifying Glass focused on Brunei’s first issue, Tongs, Perforation Guage with stamps, and a set of Brunei stamps and cancels.
11. A set of twenty stamps (Scott #N1 to #N20) issued between 1942 & 1944 during Japanese Occupation of Brunei during World War II. The stamps are very collectible and catalogs between $5 and and $9000 depending on the denomination. 

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Last Updated: 07/2011.