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