In this day and age, traveling has never been easier. I love discovering new places, trying out different types of food, and visiting all the scenic locales. With Google Maps, it’s as if I have a personal local guide with me; bringing me new experiences every moment. Cafes? Checked. Landmarks? Checked. A beautiful but secluded scenic spot? No longer impossible!
However, this may not be completely true if you happened to land on the country I currently reside in - Brunei Darussalam. Contrary to popular beliefs, no, people here do not live on trees. No, there isn’t a pipe in the backyard of every home that spits out oil. And yes, this is one of the most peaceful countries on earth.
Brunei is stuck between being a developing and a developed country, mainly being held back by it’s small population. And because the country is not fully developed, the people of Brunei often travel outside the country to see the world. That’s me, too!
I have realized long ago that it is so easy to travel around while in other countries with the help of Google Maps. But in Brunei though, the Maps features are not fully developed - much like the country itself. And I can only imagine foreign visitors’ frustration if they were to attempt to use Google Maps to move around. The roads are not accurate, the smaller routes are not all there, and retail establishments may not even be listed!
Which is why I am constantly on Google Maps; fact-checking, updating, adding missing places because I wish for others to see Brunei the way I am able to see Brunei. I hope they can discover the places that I have discovered, to taste the local delicacies and knowing where to find them. Brunei has one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, but to see that while taking in one of the grandest mosques ever built just adds that extra photogenic quality to it.
But Brunei is more than just mosques and being “Venice of the East”. Not many people are aware of the fact that 70% of Brunei is covered with rainforest. How many other countries can claim that? Brunei has one of the most natural, untouched mangroves in the world surrounding it. And actually, not even a lot of Bruneians know about this!
But I believe I can change that. With the power of technology - powered by Google - I aim to introduce Brunei to the rest of the world, one map at a time.