Brunei Darussalam is location on north-west corner of the island of Borneo.
It has a land border with the Malaysian state of Sarawak and a coastline along
the shore of the South China Sea, encompassing a total area of 5,765 square
kilometres.
It is divided into four districts : Brunei-muara, Tutong,
Belait and Temburong.
The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is in the Brunei-Muara
district and this is the main centre of population and administration.
Some 70%
of the land is covered by tropical rain forest .
Brunei is a Malay Islamic
Monarchy with a 600 year recorded brief history, which has given rise to
well-established traditions and a unique cultural identity.
The state is ruled,
in accordance with traditional Islamic values, by His Majesty Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Mu 'izzadin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of
Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Play music In Brunei
Since resuming full sovereign independence in l984,
Brunei has played an important role in regional affairs as member of the
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The population is about
280,000 of which Malays comprise 70%. There are also communities of Chinese,
Indians and others.
Bahasa Malay is the Brunei official national language, but English is
widely spoken and used in business and commerce.
Brunei's equatorial climate brings consistently high levels
of temperature, rainfall and humidity, with only minor seasonal variations. The
average temperature is 28 degrees celsius.
Tourist Attractions in Brunei Muara District
Brunei-Muara, with an area of 570 sq km, is the smallest of
Brunei's four districts.
But it remains the most important, populous and
bustling district because the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan - seat of the
government ministeries and departmental headquarters - is located here.
Starting from the city centre itself and moving out into the rural areas, the
district has a wide variety of sights to see and places of interest to visit.
The City Center
Bandar Seri Begawan
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Dominating the city centre of
Bandar Seri Begawan, this is one of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast
Asia and a symbol of the strong Islamic faith of the people of Brunei
Darussalam.
Completed in 1958, it is named after the 28th Sultan, Omar Ali
Saifuddien, who is still referred to as the architect of modern Brunei.
The
mosque's design reflects the use of the world's most elegant materials,
including marble from Italy, granite from Shanghai, stained glass and
chandeliers from England and carpets from Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
Located in
a lagoon beside the mosque is a replica of a 1 6th century mahligai barge,
which was used to stage colourful religious ceremonies such as Koran reading
competitions during the 1960s and early 70s. Visitors to the mosque are advised
to remove their shoes before entering and should be dressed conservatively.
Visiting hours: Sunday through Wednesday from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon, 1.00 pm to
3.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. On Friday: 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm . The mosque
is closed to non-muslims on Thursday.
Kampong Ayer
Early European visitors to Brunei Darussalam described the
Kampong Ayer, or Water Village, as the Venice of the East.
Today, visitors
continue to be fascinated by these traditional and historic houses on stilts
which span the greater part of the Brunei River.
Home for about 30,000 people, the Kampong Ayer is accessible
by boat or via wooden bridges from the houses in Kampong Ayer are joined by a
maze of inter-connecting wooden walkways, and visitors are free to roam at
their leisure.
His Majesty's government has provided every modern facility for
the residents, including schools, clinics, police stations and mosques. A visit
to Brunei Darussalam would be incomplete without a trip to this unique and
intriguing place.
The Royal Regalia
Building
Situated in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the Royal
Regalia Museum was built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's
accession to the throne in 1992. This museum is home to a collection of royal
regalia, including the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury, the
jewel-encrusted crowns used during the coronation and a replica of the throne
which His Majesty uses on state occasions. There is also an exhibition which
fully documents the history of the constitution of Brunei Darussalam. The Royal
Regalia Building is open to the public daily from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, and on
Friday from 9.00 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm. Visitors should remove
their shoes before entering the building.
Brunei History Centre
Established in 1982, the Brunei History Centre was founded
to undertake research into the rich history of Brunei Darussalam.
Among the
areas of special interest is the genealogy and history of the Sultans of Brunei
and the Royal Family. There is a display area open to the public from 7.45 am
to 12.15 pm and 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm on Monday through Thursday and on Saturday.
The centre is situated next to the Royal Regalia Building.
Lapau and Dewan
Majlis
Another magnificent building within Bandar Seri Begawan is
the Royal Ceremonial Hall, better known as the Lapau, where the present Sultan
was crowned on the 1st of August 1968. An exquisite golden dome highlights the
Lapau's interior. Traditional royal ceremonies are normally held here.
Adjoining the Lapau is the Dewan Majlis or Parliament House.
Tasek Recreational
Park
This is one of the oldest recreational parks within the
city. As well as a natural waterfall and lake, the park features a beautiful
garden of trees and flowers. For those who want to get away from the noisy
traffic of the city, this park is an ideal place to spend some time. It takes
about 15 minutes to walk there from the Lapau. Brunei Shell, as part of their
community work, have also installed an 8m high wall for those interested in
climbing.
The tamu, or open market, is situated on the banks of the
Kianggeh River in central Bandar Seri Begawan. Here one can find a wide variety
of items including local dishes, fruits and vegetables, flowers and
handicrafts. The tamu is open every day from morning to late evening.
The Brunei Sultan Palace Istana Nurul Iman
and Taman Persiaran Damuan
The most impressive site in Bandar Seri Begawan is His
Majesty's royal palace, known as the Istana Nurul Iman. It is the largest
residential palace in the world, and its golden domes, vaulting roof and
riverside setting make it a spectacular subject for photographs.
The palace is
open to the public only during Hari Raya, when residents and visitors alike
have the opportunity to greet His Majesty and the royal households.
The best
view of the istana is from the Persiaran Damuan, which is a park along the
river bank offJalan Tutong.
It has walkways, a well equipped playground and
feature six outdoor sculptures by ASEAN artists, on the theme of Unite in
Diversity.
The Persiaran Damuan is popular for jogging and has several foodstalls
in the evenings.
Yayasan Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex
Adjacent to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, this is the
latest imposing addition to the skyline and waterfront of Bandar Seri Begawan.
It is a commercial and shopping complex, designed to generate revenue for a
foundation dedicated to the welfare of the people.
It is a personal initiative
of His Majesty, and is a testament to his abiding concern for the well-being of
the people of Brunei.
The complex is designed withan amalgamation of both
traditional Malay and modern architecture .
Its main walkway features excellent
views of the OmarAli Saifuddien Mosque at one end and Kampong Ayer at the
other.
The shopping complex, opened in July 1996, and contains the biggest
selection of shopping facilities in Brunei. Various branded goods are sold
here.
With the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex, Bandar
Seri Begawan aims to create a complete new image in the city centre, thus
making it a major tourist attraction.
Jalan Tutong Area
Taman Mini Perayaan
Kampong Parit
About 26 km from Bandar Seri Begawan, the Taman Mini
Perayaan Kampong Parit features authentic mini replicas of dwellings that
represent rural Brunei and the Kampong Ayer.
The models are built in the
traditional manner and are surrounded by forest greenery, making it easy to
imagine what life was like in days gone by.
Kampong Parit also includes a
childrens' playground and open-air local-style food stalls. Community events
and festivals are often held here, such as the Sultan's birthday celebration.
Wasai Kandal
Wasai Kandal offers some delightful jungle walks only a few
minutes from the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan.
The wide trail has bridges and
hand-rails, making this walk safe as well as scenic.
Located about 10 kms from the city in Mukim Kilanas, Wasai
Kandal is best known for its picturesque pools and waterfalls.
The first is
called Air Terjun Menyusop (Menyusop Waterfall), and is only some 360 metres
from the road. From there, the path leads on to Tasek Laboi (Laboi Lake), a
still, swampy pond surrounded by tall trees.
Further on, the trail passes Wasai Lumut Lumpan, a small
pool with a cascade below it, and Wasai Dang Umai, where there is another pool
and a small waterfall .
The path climbs a low ridge line into the next small
valley, passing Ayer Terjun Tinggi (the High Waterfall), which nestles in a
grotto surrounded by trees a hundred feet or more high.
From there, the path winds its way along a stream bed and
past stands of bamboo to Ayer Terjun Rendah (the Low Waterfall), which has a
large plunge-pool.
Kota Batu Area
The Arts and
Handicraft Centre
This is situated alongside the Brunei River onJalan
Residency, and it is where the traditional arts and crafts of Brunei Darussalam
have been revived.
Here traditional, intricately designed sarongs are woven
using gold or silver threads called 'jong sarat'.
They have been worn on
ceremonial occasions for centuries, and are valued as heirlooms and collector's
pieces.
Hand-tooled silver jewellery and artifacts, such as
ornamental cannon and the snake-like dagger known as the 'keris', can be
purchased from the centre's handicrafts shop.
The centre is open daily from 7.45 am to 12.15 pm and from
1.30pm to 4.30 pm, except on Friday and Sunday when it opens between 8.30 am
and 2.00 pm.
Bumbungan Duabelas
Further up the road along Jalan Residency is a grand old
building called Bumbungan Duabelas, the House of Twelve Roofs, which was built
in 1906.
It used to be the official home of the British Resident and has a
panoramic view overlooking the Kampong Ayer.
Now owned by the government, the
building is used for entertaining foreign dignitaries and staging cultural
performances.
The Brunei Museum
The architecturally distinctive building which houses the
Brunei Museum is about 6.5 km from Bandar Seri Begawan along the Brunei River.
Here the visitor can enjoy a variety of displays including a
unique and priceless collection of Islamic art.
A large private collection of
elaborately gilded Holy Korans are testament to the dedication and
craftsmanship of ancient calligraphers, and there are also treasures of
ceramics, glassware and carpets.
Other galleries here contain bronze ware, Borneo
ethnographic displays, a natural history collection and one devoted to the oil
industry. The museum is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily except Monday, and
from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 5 pm on Friday.
The Malay Technology
Museum
Situated near the Brunei Museum, the Malay Technology Museum
offers the visitor an intriguing insight into the lifestyle of the people of
Brunei in bygone days.
Focusing on the traditional techniques of house-building
and other aspects of Malay life, it shows the ingenuity of earlier generations
and their skillful use of locally-available materials.
Authentic,
three-dimensional displays of boatmaking, fishing, metalworking and
goldsmithing transport the visitor back to traditional times.
The museum is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily except
Tuesday, and between 9.00 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm on Friday.
Gadong Area
The Gadong area is best known as Bandar Seri Begawan's
commercial and shopping district.
Initially developed during the 1970s, it is
still growing rapidly and now features many fine restaurants, department stores
and shops.
It is a thriving and bustling area, busy and thronged with shoppers
into the late evening.
Jame 'Asr Hassanil
Bolkiah Mosque
The Largest and most magnificent mosque in Brunei, known
locally as the Kiarong Mosque, itwas built to commemorate the 25th anniversary
of His Majesty's reign.
Its gold-topped domes tower over artfully landscaped
gardens and fountains.
A visit to this memorable place of worship is a must for
any visitor by day or night. It is situated in Kampong Kiarong, a few
kilometres from the capital.
Horticulture Centre,
Kampong Rimba Gadong
For nature lovers, a visit to the Horticulture Centre at
Kampong Rimba Gadong should be interesting.
Here, a wide variety of local
household plants and flowers are sold at reasonable prices.
The centre is open
during normal working hours and is situated about 3 km from Bandar Seri
Begawan.
Berakas Area
Hassanal Bolkiah
National Stadium
This is the national stadium of Brunei Darussalam, and is
situated about 5 km from the city centre.
The stadium boasts many modern
facilities, including the Sports Medicine and Research Centre, which has the
latest medical and research equipment related to sports medicine.
It is home to
Brunei's national teams and is open to the public from 8.00 am to 12 noon and
1.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
Next to the main stadium are three other new complexes: the
International Tennis Centre, the International Swimming Complex and the
Practice Track and Field Complex.
More sports complexes, including an athletes'
village - a squash centre, hockey centre, an indoor stadium which can seat
6,000 and a multi purpose hall which can seat 2,000, are being built under the
6th National Development Plan of Brunei Darussalam.
The stadium is a popular
spot for jogging; enjoyed by the young and the old.
International
Convention Centre
This Convention Centre is of International standard, and
started its operation in July 1989.
It is equipped with modern and
sophisticated facilities including 2 convention halls which can accommodate
800-1000 people (in theatre style), numbers of small meeting rooms, banquet
hall, Minister's lounge, dining hall, kitchen, IDD telephone, etc. The centre
can be used for any kind of function except trade exhibitions.
Berakas Forestry
Recreational Park
This park is located on the Muara-Tutong Highway, only about
10 km from Bandar Seri Begawan.
The total area of forest reserve within the
park is 199 hectares.
The area consists of mainly kerangas forest, with a
number of interesting types of tree, such as the rurunang (casuarina) and selunsor
(tristania species).
There are picnic and barbecue facilities, as well as an
observation tower.
Meragang Beach
Further along the highway towards Muara, at the junction
with Jalan Meragang, is Meragang Beach - sometimes called 'Crocodile Beach'.
Despite the name, you will not find one! The beach is quite unspoilt; a
peaceful spot to enjoy the sea breeze and popular with the expatriate community
in the country. Meragang Beach is on the coastal road, 7 km Muara and is about
15 minutes drive from the city by way of Jalan
Berakas.
Jerudong Area
Jerudong Park
Playground
A large, state-of-the-art theme park, Jerudong Park
Playground is the only one of its kind in the world because it is entirely free
of charge to all visitors.
It opened in 1994 to coincide with His Majesty's
48th birthday and now welcomes about 2,000 visitors per day, who come to be
thrilled by adventurous rides that cater to all ages.
It has become one of
Brunei's top tourist attractions.
The grounds, which have extensive childrens' play facilities,
are open from 2.00 pm until 2.00 am daily. The games and rides open as follows
: Mondays-Wednesdays 5.00pm-12.00am Thurdays & Saturdays 5.00 pm - 2.00 am
Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays 2.00 pm -12.00 am During Ramadhan 8.00 pm
- 2.00 am.
Muara Area
Muara Beach
The coast of Brunei Darussalam is caressed by the glistening
waters of the South China Sea, and a trip to the beach will be a memorable part
of any visit to the country.
Less than 27 km from Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara Beach is
very popular with adults and children alike; its long stretch of perfect golden
sand is ideal for strolling or sunbathing.
The facilities in the area include a well developed picnic
ground, changing rooms, toilets, a childrens' playground and - at weekends -
food and drink stalls.
This is an ideal place for a family outing.
Bukit Tempayan Pisang
After the rigours of the beach, why not spend a while
climbing the jungle path to the summit of Bukit Tempayan Pisang?
Near the main
road to Serasa Beach, the hill offers a commanding view of the coast and Muara
town.
The remains of the Brooketon coal mine are also accessible,
in dense secondary forest near Bukit Tanjong Batu, on the outskirts of Muara
town.
The mine operated between 1888 and 1924.
Serasa Beach
This is about 10 minutes drive from Muara. It is popular
with watersports enthusiasts at the weekends and has a purpose-built
watersports complex, from which you can rent jet skis or kayaks.
Jet-skiing and
windsurfing are the favourite activities along this bustling, lively beach.
The soon-to-be-completed new Government Watersports Complex
has facilities for international-level competition events such as sailing,
windsurfing and water skiing, a swell as facilities for casual sportsmen and
families.
Serasa Watersports
Complex
A newly built water sports Complex situated at Serasa Beach
in Muara District.
It has facilities for formed recreation and sports
activities e.g. regatta, sailing, powered boat racing, water sports training
and also informal recreation and sports activities which require simple
semi-permanent structures e.g. picnicking, water skiing and fishing.
The water
sports Complex will also be the venue for specific sports activities and in
particular international level competition such as sailing, wind surfing,
regatta and water skiing.
Pulau Selirong
It takes about one and a half hour by boat to reach Pulau
Selirong, otherwise known as the Mosquito Island. This little mangrove island
is situated off Brunei Bay.
It covers 2,566 hectares and is a source of much of
the timber used for piling in the construction of homes, buildings and bridges.
Facilities include a 2kms wooden walkway, observation tower, toilets and
resting huts.
How to get to these
places?
Places of interest within the city areas are accessible by
taxis and buses. However, to get to locations outside the city, cars are
available for hire .
City tours can be arranged by the hotels, offering
air-conditioned coached for comfort.
Tutong District
Tutong District covers an area of 1166 sq km, making it the
third largest of the districts.
The Main town isTutong.
Less than 30,000 people
this district, and this includes various indigenous groups such as the Tutong,
Kedayan, Dusun and lban tribes.
Sungai Basong
Recreation Park
This park lies just short of Tutong town centre along the
Muara-Tutong Highway.
It is one of the most popular spots in the district for
picnickers. The park includes a mini-lake, platforms, shelter huts and open
activity areas.
From the town centre, Sungai Basong Recreation Park is just
a 5-minute drive.
Tamu Tutong Kampong
Serambagun
This big tamu, or open market, offers a great variety of
produce, especially local foods, fruits, vegetables and handicrafts.
Most of
the vendors of these items are people from the inland forest areas, who come
here to sell their produce and also to buy for their own needs.
Open every day,
the tamu is situated 1 km from the town centre.
Seri Kenangan Beach
Pantai Seri Kenangan - literally the unforgetable beach - is
a popular recreation area at Kuala Tutong.
Here, the beauty of the beach is
enhanced by the narrow spit of land that has the South China Sea on one side
and the Tutong River on the other.
Further along the road one passes through Kampong Kuala
Tutong, amidst a forest of coconut palms, to reach the old jetty.
This was the
site of a ferry across the Tutong River before the present bridge was built in
1959. The beach is a 5-minute drive from Tutong town, and a lovely spot for
picnics, fishing and swimming.
Tasek Merimbun
Those who enjoy nature will delight in a day-trip to Tasek
Merimbun, Brunei's largest lake. The lake naturally forms an unusual S-shape.
Tasek Merimbun
There is a small island in the centre, which is accessible
by way of a wooden walkway.
The island has pavilion facilities made from tree
trunks for picnicking, and is a restful and quiet spot.
For those interested in
botany or birdwatching, there is also a trail through the jungle.
Tasek
Merimbun is about 1 hr 15 minutes' drive from Bandar Seri Begawan.
How to get to Tutong
District?
The best option is to hire a car for the day, because the
main sights are quite far apart.
Tutong may be approached either on the coastal
Muara-Tutong High way, or by following the old Jalan Tutong Road. The latter is
more scenic and takes an inland route.
Belait District
Belait is one of the most important districts in the state,
because it is the centre of the oil and gas industries - the country's main
resources.
Oil was first discovered in Seria in 1929, and commercial production
began in 1932.
Sungai Liang Forest
Recreational Park
Sungai Liang is about 70 km from Bandar Seri Begawan, and
the drive takes about an hour along the coastal highway.
The park is 450 metres
from the main Sungai Liang junction along the road to Labi.
This is one of several parks which have been developed and
maintained for public recreation.
The park is one of very few lowland forest
areas in Southeast Asia and has facilities for general recreational activities,
such as picnicking, jogging and hiking.
It also caters for natural history
devotees, with self-guided or organised group tours of the forest.
The main
pond, with its shelter platforms and open areas in the central complex, should
satisfy visitors looking simply for fresh air and beautiful outdoor surroundings.
The more energetic may care to explore the network of
well-marked nature trails that wind their way around the park, including a
high-level canopy walkway in the tree-tops.
This wonderful facility will give
you a totally different perspective on the rainforest.
Tamu Sungai Mau Opening only on Sunday mornings between 6.30
a.m. and 11.00 a.m., this tamu provides a market place for locals, although
some customers come from as far afield as Bandar Seri Begawan.
Shoppers can
find fresh goods such as fish. deer meat and wildvegetables from the remote
jungles of Labi.
It is best to arrive early in the morning, when the tamu is
crowded with people and the goods are at their freshest.
The tamu is 15
minutes' drive from the Sungai Liang/Labi road junction.
Sungai Mau Recreation
Park
This is situated on the Sungai Liang Labi road. The Belait
River runs along one side of the park, which has a lush canopy of green
tropical for
Luagan Lalak Forestry
Recreation Park
Lying about 25 km from Sungai Liang along the Labi road,
this park covers an area of roughly 270 hectares within the Labi Hills Forest
Reserve.
A rare and interesting place, it features an alluvial
freshwater swamp or empran.
During rainy periods it fills up like a lake, and
in drier spells the waters recede and the valley becomes covered with sedges -
mainly of the species Lepironia.
There are shelters, footpaths and a 200metre wooden walkway
which spans most of the lake.
Wasai Wong Kadir
Wasai Wong Kadir is a 45-minute walk from the Labi road. It
is ideal for those who enjoy, or would like to try, jungle trekking up and down
steep ridges.
The Wasai, or waterfall, is a popular picnic spot.
The walk crosses several steep ridges en route to the fall,
but once there you can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the jungle and the cool,
pure water of the river.
Because this is a long walk, it is advisable to take
with you both drinking water and sun protection gear.
Labi longhouses Further down the Labi Road, past Kampong
Labi itself, there are several examples of a form of dwelling unique to Borneo
- the longhouse.
A village under one roof, longhouses consist of a row of
family houses - r doors - with a communal area running the length of the
building.
This is the social centre of the village.
Rampayoh longhouse has 16 doors and is the nearest to Labi.
Othersinclude Mendaram Besar, Mendaram Kecil and, at the end of the road,
Teraja.
They are populated by Iban folk - once feared as headhunters but now
more given to pastoral activities. Visitors are always warmly welcomed.
Etiquette requires that you take some small gifts, ask permission before
entering and remove footwear before doing so.
Several trails head off into the jungle along this stretch
of the road.
They are clearly sign posted and marked, and lead the walker to
scenic waterfalls and hills in virgin primary forest. They are relatively
undemanding and guides are not necessary, but for your own safety you are
advised to seek local advice before setting off.
Anduki Jubilee
Recreational Park
The Anduki Jubilee Recreation Park is located about 80 km
from Bandar Seri Begawan.
It was opened by His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di
Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, in 1992, a contribution from Brunei Shell
Petroleum to the commemoration of the Silver Jubilee. The park has general
recreation facilities and an attractive lagoon of blue water. A very popular
spot.
Lumut Beach
For those who prefer a day of sun and sand whilst in Belait,
there is Lumut Beach. It lies about 100 km from Bandar Seri Begawan and about
10 km from Seria.
Like other beaches in the state, it offers facilities for
picnicking, jogging and family outings. There are huts and shelters especially
designed for visitors.
Seria is an oil town, and "nodding donkey" oil
wells are a common sight in the area.
Nevertheless, Seria is an oasis of quiet
after the bustle of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Tamu Seria
Tamu Seria is located about 15 minutes from town between
Jalan Bolkiah and Jalan Nakhoda Manis Seria, and it opens every Saturday from
6.00 am to 11.00 am.
Among the items sold are fresh vegetables, local and
imported fruits, household goods, local delicacies, clothes, freshwater fish,
poultry, plants and birds.
The Billionth Barrel
Monument
This monument was commissioned by Brunei Shell Petroleum,
and was designed by a local architect. It commemorates the production of the
billionth barrel of oil by the Seria oilfield, and stands near the seawall
close to site of S-1, the first well dug some 60 years ago.
The approach to the monument is through an arched entrance
and between two straight rows of trees.
The arches serve to remind visitors
that Brunei is an Islamic environment, and the floor is made up of tiles laid
in an Islamic pattern.
There are several "nodding donkey" wells still
operating in the area, pumping oil from hundreds of metres below. The cool sea
breeze makes this a delightful area in which to relax. The monument is just a
5-minute drive from town centre.
This is the centre of local government administration and is
the most important town in the Belait District. Only about 17 km from Seria, KB
can be reached either by the Seria by-pass or along the old coast road from
Seria.
To enjoy good views, visitors are recommended to use the old road, along
which one can see the Istana Mangeleda - the Sultan's residence during his
visits to the town.
The road runs parallel to a long stretch of beach up to the
Belait River, where there is a ferry to Kampong Sungai Teraban.
One can travel to the Malaysian state of Sarawak by road
from Kampong Sungai Teraban to the immigration post at Sungai Tujoh.
Tamu Kuala Belait
Open every Sunday from 6.00 am to 11.00 am, this tamu is
located in Jalan Padang Kuala Belait, a 5-minute walk from the town centre.
The
goods sold are similar to those available at Tamu Seria.
There are also a
number of hawker food stalls close by, next to the Complex Harapan.
Silver Jubilee Park
This park is situated in Jalan Maulana, facing the South
China Sea and about one km from Kuala Belait town. It has an area of 2,679
hectares.
The park was built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's
accession to the throne, as a gift from the people of Kuala Belait to His
Majesty.
The pintu gerbang, or main gate, symbolises the concept of Malay
Islamic Monarchy or MIB (Melayu Islam Beraja).
The main monument symbolises the
peacefulness of the country and the loyalty of the citizens towards His
Majesty.
Apart from the pintu gerbang and the monument, there are
exhibition huts, shelters, public toilets and a childrens' playground for the
convenience of visitors.
How to get to Belait
District?
(Getting to Belait District via the coastal road takes more
than an hour from Bandar Seri Begawan. It is advisable to rent a car, but the
trip can also be arranged through the hotels.
Temburong district
On your river trip to Bangar, which is the main town in
Temburong, keep a close watch along the shores at low tide for monkeys, monitor
lizards and crocodiles basking in the sun.
Most of Temburong is dense virgin
forest, with a few patches of land used for cultivation by the Malays, Muruts
and Ibans who live there.
Kuala Belalong Mini
Park
The Kuala Belalong Mini Park is in Bangar near the Temburong
Civic Centre Padang, about 1 km from the town centre. It was opened on the 22nd
of July1993, when His Majesty visited the district in celebration of his 47th
birthday.
The park has a natural pond which is used for remote-controlled boat
racing.
For those unable to get to the remote Kuala Belalong Field Studies
Centre, this park is an alternative attraction. It has six pondoks, or huts, of
similar design to those at Kuala Belalong.
Three of them are used to exhibit
pictures of His Majesty's Temburong visit, and the activities of the local
people. The other three display some of the findings made at the Kuala Belalong
centre. Scenic beauty is provided by the natural landscape, a waterfall,
shelters and flowers.
This is about 16 km from Bangar. It is bordered by towering
the crystal clear waters of the Temburong River.
The park has open areas for
picnics alongside the river, as well as wooden walkways for strolling and
playgrounds for children. Swimming is allowed, but the current can be very
strong.
Rainforest Field
Studies Centre Kuala Belalong
The FSC is located near Kuala Belalong, within the Batu Apoi
Forest Reserve. It is a joint venture project between Brunei Shell Petroleum
and University Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
Brunei Shell donated the funds to build
seven timber houses,including accommodation, a laboratory and a dining room.
The centre is a focal point for teaching, training and
research into the lowland tropical forests of Brunei.
It can also provide
facilities for fieldwork at both university and secondary school level, which
are available to schools, higher education institutes, government departments
and bona-fide overseas scientists. The centre can accommodate up to 24 people.
The trip there is not easy, and can take up to two and a
half hours of pushing and pulling a longboat over a series of 23 rapids. But the
site is a natural wonder of international importance.
For example, one
entomologist doing research there found over 400 species of beetle in a single
tree.
Applications for overnight visits must be made through the UBD.
Peradayan Forest
Recreation Park
This park is situated within the Peradayan Forest Reserve,
and covers an area of 1,070 hectares.
It is about 15 km from Bangar on the road
to Labu. A visit to the park can include a 1.6 km forest trail that winds up
and down a mountainside to the peak. The full trek requires about two hours.
The Peradayan Forest Reserve includes the twin hills of
Bukit Peradayan, which rises to 410 metres (1225 ft) and Bukit Patoi, at 310
metres (950 ft) above sea level.
The area has a unique geological character, with some
unusual caves and rock formations. One may also encounter wildlife, such as
kijang (deer).
The rocky summit of Bukit Patoi has an open patch of flat stone
which acts as a viewpoint and helipad. There is a pleasant breeze at the
summit, and panoramic views of green jungle, blue sea and the villages and
fields of neighbouring Sarawak.
Outward Bound Brunei
Darussalam (OBBD)
Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam is situated in the virgin
tropical rain-forest on the banks of the Temburong River. A joint venture of
the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport with Brunei Shell Petroleum, OBBD has
a logistic centre close to Batang Duri and an operations centre further
upstream, in the heart of the forest.
It aims to give groups of people a
carefully designed and activity-based jungle experience, which fosters
confidence, practical problem-solving, team-work, determination and a sense of
adventure.
OBBD tailor their courses according to the nature, age and
requirements of the client group, and the amount of time The facility is not
just for schools and youth groups; it can also offer activities as part of an
organisation's management development programme or for people who simply want a
challenge.
OBBD is unique among Outward bound - being the only one situated in
dense primary rainforest.
The National Park is located within the Batu Apoi Forest
Reserve. It has an area of approximately 50,000 hectares. Due to its location,
rugged terrain and its conservation purposes, human impact in the area been
limited. The area is rich in biodiversity.
Most of the development of the
facilities and amenities has been undertaken by the Forestry Department. Nature
trails have been constructed and these include 7 km of wooden walkways which
improves access to steep and swampy terrain, protects the ground vegetation and
prevents erosion.
There is also a forest canopy walkway, giving both scientists
and tourists an opportunity to examine the upper layers of the forest which are
so rich in life. There are also Tree houses about 20 metres high whichare
connected by hanging bridges. These can be used for nature observation.
Panoramic views are often difficult to obtain in tropical rainforest but a
number of observation points of river and mountain scenery have been
identified.
At the Park Headquarters located at theconfluence of the
Temburong and Belalong there will be an information centre, staff quarters and
a surau. Accommodation for visitors is located nearby; there are about 7 guest
houses and 3 camping sites complete with facilities within the Park. Access to
the Park is by Temuai or Long Boat.
How to get to
Temburong District
The only practical method for the visitor | is by boat. Fast
ferries leave when full from the jetty on Jalan Residency, between 7.00 am and
5.00 pm daily. The return fare is $14.
Charters/trip can be arranged by private
negotiationor through the hotels. visitors should bring some identification,
such as a passport.
The journey takes 45 minutes and whisks passengers along
mangrove-lined waterways, meandering along narrow, winding creeks and then
zooming through open waters.
Source:
http://www.asiatravel.com/brunei/bruinfo
http://www.asiatravel.com/brunei/bruinfo
Brunei Darussalam Holidays Gateway to Borneo
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