Impacts of Gender, Patriarchy, and Culture on Bruneian Women’s Travel Experiences

Limited research has examined the travel experiences of Asian women living in patriarchal societies. This study explores the interrelationships between gender, patriarchy, culture, and the travel experiences of women in Brunei where Islam plays a central role religiously and culturally. Intersectionality served as a guiding theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 49 girls and women aged 18 to 64. Findings show that Bruneian men tend to be viewed as breadwinners, providers, protectors, decision makers, and leaders, while women are homemakers, housewives, cooks, care givers, and helpers. Interviewees said they encounter more restrictions than men in terms of travelling for leisure. These are of socio-cultural, religious, and gender-related nature, which cumulatively affect women’s holiday choices. While travelling abroad, their multiple identities (female, Muslim, Asian/Malay) often intersect, shaping how they are judged and treated in different cultural contexts. Implications are discussed for further research on gender and tourism.