Tourist Attractions in Brunei

Tourist Attractions in Brunei

Brunei Darussalam is probably the least noticed independent country with a lot of exciting destinations for nature lovers. Brunei is a sovereign Sultanate governed by the Sultan.

`The Green Heart of Borneo, Brunei - A Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures' has been used to describe Brunei.

Neat, catchy, modern but peace abounds. Brunei Darussalam or `The Abode of Peace' which lives up to its name as its tranquility is apparent, even to the casual visitor.

Yet the country is current in infrastructure with wide roads, the latest cars and contemporary architecture dotting its city, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Brunei Darussalam has 161 km of pristine coastline, filled with palm-lined beaches and blue waters.

No wonder it has been called the `Pearl and Tropical Paradise of the East'. Brunei also has vast tracts of virgin, uninhabited rainforest. This is mostly in the Temburong District. For this reason, Temburong is known as the `Green Jewel' of Brunei.

There are four districts in Brunei - Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is located in Brunei-Muara, the smallest of the four districts.

Around 60,000 people live in this capital, which remains remarkably quiet even at the height of rush hour, save for the occasional minor traffic clog around schools at times.

The excellent museums, resplendent mosques and scenic spots in the country will awe the visitor.

Most are located in and around the capital. Further out, tourist attractions tend to be more nature-inclined with lakes, forested hills and seashores being the predominant features.

Attractions

MUARA DISTRICT

Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer Stretching for several miles along the banks of the Brunei River, Kampong Ayer, Brunei's famed water village, is a fascinating glimpse into Brunei's past.

Built entirely of stilt houses and wooden walkways, this cluster of 42 villages housing more than 30,000 inhabitants is the world's largest water village. Some people refer to it as the 'Venice of the East'.

Kampong Ayer retains much of the historical features of the 16th century when Ferdinand Magellan's chronicler first discovered it.

The traditional lifestyle of its inhabitants-fishermen, river traders (or padian as they are called in the Malay language) and artisans making and selling traditional handicrafts (silverware, brassware, woodcarving and cloth weaving) - has remained unchanged since then.

Today Kampong Ayer is an almost self-sufficient community being equipped with modern facilities such as schools, shops, markets, mosques, clinics, police stations and fire brigades. All are connected by a maze of stilted platforms and walkways.

Kampong Ayer is a national heritage and efforts are being made to preserve this lifestyle so that the legacy of the 'water' people of Brunei will be retained, not only as a tourist attraction, but also for the future generation of Brunei.

Visitors can have a personal experience of this heritage by taking one of the many water taxis that ply daily between the water taxi jetty in front of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in the centre of town and the water village itself.

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah

The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex is both a foundation initiated by His Majesty the Sultan to generate revenue for the welfare of the Bruneian people and an up market shopping centre.

Opened in July 1996, Yayasan (as it is called in short) sports traditional Malay and modern architecture and is a prominent landmark in the heart of the capital.

The paved open-air foyer decked with landscaping offers a splendid view of the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque at one end and Kampung Ayer at the other end.

Framed by blue skies or the brilliance of the evening sun, this is where most people come to enjoy the view and a breath of fresh air.

Inside, Hua Ho is the anchor tenant surrounded by innumerable shiny stores offering branded and non branded goods of all kinds, restaurants and cyber cafés.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

This is one of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia. Built in 1958 as a symbol of the Sultanate's faith, the mosque which bears the name of the Sultan who built it, features resplendent marble and granite floors, stained glass and chandeliers from all over the world.

Outside, the mosque is surrounded by a serene manmade lagoon where a 16th century mahligai or royal barge reposes. The view is especially captivating at night when the lights are on.

The Mosque is open for visits in the day but visitors are asked to dress conservatively when entering the building.

The Royal Regalia Museum

Built to commemorate the 1992 Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's ascension to the throne, this ornate building with a distinctively gilded dome holds a veritable collection of precious ceremonial regalia.

Priceless collections such as jewel-encrusted crowns, a royal chariot, gold and silver armory, a replica throne and gifts that His Majesty has received plus a full documentation of the history of the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam are all exhibited here.

The building, located at Jalan Sultan, is open to the public everyday of the week except Fridays when opening hours are shorter. Visitors are advised to remove their shoes prior to entering the building.

Brunei History Centre

Established in 1982, this centre, located just beside the Royal Regalia Museum holds documents of Brunei's historical events and the full genealogy and origins of the Sultans of Brunei and the Royal Family.

Taman Tasek

A forest reserve and recreational park in the middle of the city. Only in Brunei would an urbanite be able to commune with nature with just a 15-minute walk from the heart of the capital. Taman Tasek has a natural waterfall in the middle of a lush forest.

Brunei Shell, as part of their community work, has also installed an eight-meter high wall for those interested in climbing.

Lapau and Dewan Majlis

Another magnificent building is the Royal Ceremonial Hall or Lapau where His Majesty the Sultan was crowned in 1968.Traditional royal ceremonies are often held here.

Another splendid building is the Dewan Majlis or Parliament House which is adjoined to the Lapau.

Tamu Kianggeh

The Kianggeh Tamu is also known to the locals as the Amah's Market, and for good reason. Every day, before the crack of dawn, this community market situated on the banks of the Kianggeh River opposite the Chinese Temple, is filled with all sorts of local fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and handicraft - just the kind of things an amah would want to pick up for the kitchen. Most of the produce sold here would be finished by early evening.

The Arts and Handicraft Training Centre

This centre, which also holds classes for those interested in a career making handicraft, displays brocades called 'jong sarat, hand-woven baskets, silverware, brassware, woodcarvings and snake-like daggers called 'keris'.

The Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre are located at Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Brunei Museum

Located up the hill of Kota Batu is the Brunei Museum which houses a collection of archaeological artifacts, natural history subjects, Brunei Malay culture exhibits, centuries-old Chinese porcelain, ceramics and jade (discovered during the course of an offshore pipeline survey), Islamic artifacts and exhibits of the development and discovery of oil.

First established in 1965, the building has occupied this site at Jalan Kota Batu

The Malay Technology Museum

Again at Jalan Kota Batu, the Malay Technology Museum displays the traditional technologies of the Water Village, its people and the traditional technologies of the inland people from the late 19th to mid 20th century.

Displaying three dimensional mock-ups of boat making, house-building, metalworking and gold smiting, the exhibits serve to provide an insight into the past lifestyle of the Brunei Malays.

The Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah

One of Brunei's greatest Sultans was the fifth Sultan of Brunei known as Sultan Bolkiah or Nakhoda Ragam which means 'captain of great manner and activity'.

It was under his rule that Brunei's sovereignty extended over the whole of the coastal kingdom of Borneo and the islands of the Philippines. His tomb, which lies within a mausoleum at a quiet alcove of greenery off Jalan Kota Batu, commemorates that golden age of the nation.

The House of Twelve Roofs

This quaint piece of British architecture - once the home of the British Resident when the British Residential System was introduced in Brunei in1906- has exhibits that examine the long relationship between Brunei and the United Kingdom since the 19th century.

Between 1905 and 1906, an agreement was signed between the two countries for the establishment of a British Resident in Brunei, the stabilizing factor in this country at a time when Brunei was vulnerable. In 1906, Malcolm McArthur became the first British Resident.

Today, the building shows historical photographs of the lives of individuals and those involving the state politically, economically and socially.

Regarded as one of the oldest surviving buildings in Brunei, The House of Twelve Roofs is situated on Jalan Residency,

The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Grand and opulent, with shimmering golden domes and intricately ornamental minarets set in a landscape of gardens and fountains, this mosque is arguably the most magnificent in Brunei today.

The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is also known as the Kiarong Mosque because of its location.

The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Park and Recreation Area Built in 2002 in tribute to His Majesty the Sultan's 56th Birthday, this beautiful six-hectare-large Silver Jubilee Park and Recreation Area in Kampong Pusar Ulak, Mukim Kianggeh, is situated not far from the centre of town.

Land marked by lush landscaping and an imposing structure featuring columns and fountains leading out to a tranquil pier, this park is a contribution of the citizens of the Brunei-Muara District, various Government Departments and the private sector in commemoration of the Sultan's 25 years of splendid rule.

Istana Nurul Iman

Three kilometers west of Bandar Seri Begawan's city centre lies the Istana Nurul Iman, the residence of His Majesty The Sultan.

It is the largest residential palace in the world with golden domes and sweeping rooflines that can be seen from the long road of Jalan Tutong.

The palace is open to the public during Hari Raya, when locals and tourists alike have the opportunity to greet His Majesty and members of the royal family.

Taman Persiaran Damuan

The best view of Istana Nurul Iman is from the Taman Persiaran Damuan, a leafy, scenic park along the river bank off Jalan Tutong.

It has walkways, a well-equipped playground and features six outdoor sculptures by Asean artists, on the theme of Unity in Diversity. Persiaran Damuan is popular for jogging and has several food stalls in the evenings.

The Wasai Kendal

Located in Mukim Kilanas about 1.5km off Jalan Tutong, the Wasai Kendal or Kendal Waterfall, is a retreat famous for its wide trails, cool crystal waters, picturesque pools and beautiful blooms.

Jerudong Park

Jerudong Park is the famous four-in-one state-of-the art entertainment, golf, horse riding and exclusive club catering to the well-to-do in Brunei Darussalam.

Comprising the Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club, Trijaya Jerudong Equestrian Park, Jerudong Park Polo Club and Jerudong Park Playground, the first three parks used to be exclusive only to members, but today, all four are open to visitors.

The Jerudong Park Polo Club is where His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei flexes his skill on the polo fields.

When time allows him, it is not uncommon to see visiting clubs, foreign dignitaries or other members of the Royal Family join him in a game on one of the three magnificent fields in this park.

Close by lies the Clubhouse which hosts an exclusive clientele through its luxurious decor, collection of equestrian art, personal photographs and many special facilities such as the European-styled magnificent Banquet Hall, restaurant, a private four-lane computerized bowling alley, a covered pool featuring a sunken bar and a magnificent pavilion providing shelter from the tropical sun, a fully computerized gym where workouts can be tracked, two full-sized private squash courts (where Jahangir Khan once played), a full-sized Riley billiard table set in a parlor, a 'chip n putt' eight-hole golf course and a private beach.

Not far away is the Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club with a Par 72, 18-hole championship, 6,165m buggy only course.

Designed by none other than Ronald Fream, it is considered a 'thinker's course' with its tight fairways and varying slopes. The golf course is consistently maintained to the high standards demanded by the USA PGA.

For golfers who prefer night playing, powerful floodlights provide daytime visibility for a satisfying game.

The Jerudong Park Playground is a beautiful, 57-hectare wonderland that took four years to complete.

Filled with manicured lawns, a musical fountain and 39 hair raising rides such as the' Sky Tower'-a rotating platform that rises 78m to offer a 360-degree panoramic view of Jerudong; 'Pusing Lagi' - a 5G force rollercoaster; 'Giant Drop'- a 48m dead drop at 4G forces, ' Log Flume Ride'- a wet exhilarating ride with a reverse drop, 'Top Spin' - a two-tiered platform that flips in two different directions and many others, Jerudong Park is the place to be for a night of fun.

Other features include a Roller Blade Skating Rink, a Supa-Kart (Go Kart), a Video Arcade, a Shooting Gallery, Baby Dodgems and a French Carousel for the younger ones and of course the famous Jerudong Park Amphitheatre where Jacky Cheung, Siti Nurhaliza, Westlife, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and of late Academy Fantasia have performed.

Jerudong Park Playground charges a modest fee for the use of its rides. The buggy for visitors to roam the park is also for hire. Opening hours for the rides are generally from 5pm till midnight.

Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park

This is a 70-hectare stretch of rolling verdant hills designated for hiking, cycling and fishing. An ideal getaway to work up a good sweat, this hilly area is usually crowded with fitness enthusiasts in the evenings. Entrance is free.

The Empire Hotel and Country Club The most magnificent hotel in Brunei, this 6-star establishment features a Jack Nicklaus golf course, a theatre and cinema complex, a selection of restaurants, a range of accommodation choices, a sports complex, water sports facilities and many other world class features.

Bukit Tempayan Pisang

Bukit Tempayan Pisang is a 500m-high hill in Muara. The summit gives a panoramic view of the coast and Muara town.

BELAIT DISTRICT

The Anduki Recreational Park

It was opened in 1992 to commemorate His Majesty the Sultan's Silver Jubilee year and is sponsored by Brunei Shell Petroleum. Developed from an abandoned sandpit to a marvelous park with blue lagoon and landscaped flowers, it is an ideal place to have family outings and picnics.

Sungai Liang Forest Recreational Park

This is one of the very few lowland forests in Southeast Asia where parts of the virgin jungle have been turned into a park with well-marked nature trails.

There are sheltered platforms to enjoy the surrounding view. Good for picnic and jogging.

The Billionth Barrel Monument

It was built to commemorate the billionth barrel of oil produced by the Seria Oil Field and is situated near the seawall at the S1 site, the first well that was dug about 70 years ago.

Designed by local architect for Brunei Shell Petroleum, the monument features a tall arched entrance between two rows of trees and a tiled floor that symbolizes the nation's strong Islamic faith.

Seria 

Known as the oil town of Brunei due the first discovery of oil in the area. Several "nodding donkeys" can be seen along the road that never fails to amuse passers-by, especially kids.

The Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC)

Set up by the Brunei Shell Petroleum in September 2002, it is the latest landmark in Seria aimed at educating the public about science, technology and the environment.

Apart from seven galleries that showcase 150 exhibits covering the multi-facets of science, the OGDC also has a challenging outdoor setting, among these a giant chessboard, a skateboarding ring, a jogging track and a walkway that leads directly to the Billionth Barrel Monument.

Wasai Wong Kadir

The Wong Kadir Waterfall or wasai is what visitors will find at the end of an arduous uphill jungle trek that is worth the workout.

Luagan Lalak Recreational Park

About 25 km away lays the famous Luagan Lalak Recreational Park, a 270-hectare site of lush, green hills.

An alluvial freshwater swamp fills up during the rainy season but dries up to become a valley of swishing sedges in the dry season.

The effect is striking and most people admire the scene by strolling along the 200m walkway that meanders along the lake.

TUTONG DISTRICT  

 

Pantai Seri Kenangan

Located within five minutes from the town centre is a narrow split of land with the South China Sea on the side and Tutong River on the other.

Pantai Seri Kenangan or the `beach of beautiful memories' is a popular haunt for weekenders. Shutters or `Pondok' are built along the coastal way for picnickers.

There is a restaurant at the riverside opposite the playground, where you can savour the scenic view of the Tutong River while dining.

Sungai Basong Recreational Park

Just five minutes from Tutong town centre, this is one of the most popular spots in the district for picnickers and joggers, the park features 'Rumah Budaya' (cultural village) which showcases the five ethnic groups in the district - namely the Tutong, Kedayan, Iban, Dusun and the Chinese community.

The exhibitions also help to project the rich diverse cultures and the cultural identity of the different ethnic groups such as the Kedayan, Murut and Dusun people found in Tutong.

The 'Rumah Budaya' was constructed in 2001 at the cost of B$800,000 and is the only cultural house in the country.

Tasek Merimbun

About 27 km inland from Tutong is Brunei's scenic Tasek Merimbun or Lake Merimbun, an unusual `S'-shaped black water lake which has been earmarked as an Asean National Heritage Site.

Actually a flooded segment of a tributary of the Tutong River, this 120-hectare site surrounded by swamps and sedges, has gravestones that date back to the 15th century.

History has it that this was once the burial ground of early Borneo tribes, notably the Dusun people.

Tasek Merimbun is also the nature lover's delight offering views of bird, plant and insect life. Altogether, the lake covers 7,800 hectares of Lake Wetland, peat swamp forest, fresh water forest and a lowland mixed Dipterocarp forest.

A tiny island in the centre features a pavilion that provides visitors a place to picnic or just admire the view.

TEMBURONG DISTRICT   

  

Batu Apoi Forest Reserve & the Ulu Temburong National Park

The Batu Apoi Forest Reserve is an endless spread of thick virgin jungle and inside lies 50,000 hectares of parkland that has seen very little human impact.

Called the Ulu Temburong National Park, this tract features steep, swampy terrain and thick impenetrable jungle land. Because there are no roads that lead here, the only access is only by boat or' temuai'.

A trail from the forest takes visitors to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre, a research facility set up for the study of the abundant ecological treasures found in these parts. However, charting the difficult terrain to get there requires the help of a guide.

This forest features a seven-kilometer walkway, tree houses about 30 meters high and hanging bridges intended for nature 66 observation of the surrounding mountains and the river and forest below.

The Kuala Belalong Mini Park

Situated at the Temburong Civic Centre Padang, this park which was opened in 1993, has a waterfall, a pond, a landscaped garden and huts similar to those in Kuala Belalong.

However, these are not used for accommodation but for exhibiting pictures of His Majesty's Temburong visits and findings made at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre.