Ada gula, ada semut.
“Where there is sugar, there are ants.”
People are naturally drawn to wherever there is benefit, wealth, or advantage to be gained.
— Traditional Brunei Wisdom, Brunei
Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Brunei
Like the bamboo and its riverbank.
Two parties support and depend on each other, thriving only through mutual cooperation.
Like a frog under a coconut shell.
Describes someone with a narrow view of the world who mistakes their small experience for the whole of it.
Do not assume calm water holds no crocodile.
A quiet, gentle manner can conceal danger, depth, or hidden intentions.
Wanting finds a thousand ways; unwilling finds a thousand excuses.
A determined person finds many paths forward, while a reluctant one finds many reasons to avoid trying.
Like an areca nut split in two.
Describes two people or things that closely resemble each other, such as twins or a well-matched couple.
Climb the hill together, descend the valley together.
True companions share both the hardships and the ease of life side by side.