Wednesday 26 June 2013

Setting Up Businesses/Company in Brunei Darussalam

Industrial policies including manpower, ownership, government support and facilities remain open and flexible for all categories of industrial activities. A variety of arrangements are feasible. Policies relating to ownership allow for full foreign ownership, majority foreign ownership and minority foreign ownership, as per type of industry and situation. Industries for total export can be totally foreign owned. Generally, any industrial enterprise will be considered.

All businesses in Brunei Darussalam must be registered with the Registrar of Companies and Business Names at the Attorney General’s Office. The proposed names of business or company must be submitted to the Registry of Companies and Business Names for approval and a fee of B$5.00 is imposed for each proposed name. The general guideline is that the name to be used must not be identical or similar to any names that had already been registered at the Registry of Companies and Business Names.

Businesses in Brunei Darussalam may be established under the following business entities:

SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
A sole proprietorship is owned and managed by only one owner. The sole proprietor has absolute responsibility from business transactions to legal matters. Upon approval, a business name certificate is issued at a fee of B$30. Sole proprietors are not subject to income tax. Foreigners are generally not eligible for sole proprietorship but they may set up business under other categories.

PARTNERSHIP
A partnership may consist of individuals, local companies and/or branches of foreign companies and is governed by the Contract Acts. The maximum permitted number of partners is 20. Applications by foreign individuals are subject to prior clearance by the Immigration Department before they are registered. Upon approval, a business name certificate is issued at a fee of B$30. Partnerships are not subject to corporate or income tax.

COMPANY
Companies that are incorporated in Brunei Darussalam are governed by the Companies Act (Cap 39) and may either be Private (Sendirian Berhad) or Public (Berhad).

Private Company
A private company must, by its constitution, restrict the right of members to transfer shares. It must have at least two and not more than 50 shareholders. Shareholders need not be Brunei Darussalam’s citizens or residents and a subsidiary company may hold shares in its parent company. No minimum share capital is required.

Public Company
A public company is one which may issue freely transferable shares to the public. There must be at least seven shareholders. The shareholders need not be citizens or residents of Brunei Darussalam. A subsidiary company may hold shares in its parent company. No minimum share capital is required for setting up a public company. It may be limited by shares, guarantee or both by shares and guarantee or unlimited. There is no restriction under the Companies Act as to the ownership in the equity of a company. However, it is a requirement that at least half of the directors in the company must be nationals of Brunei Darussalam.

Procedures for Incorporating a Company
The principal requirements for incorporating a company in Brunei Darussalam are as follows:
Submit the application to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) in the prescribed Form A (Application for Approval and Reservation of Name for A Company to be Incorporated under the Companies Act, Cap 39) to determine if the proposed name is available.
The following documents should be submitted to the ROC for the use of approved name:
Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A);
Statutory Declaration of Compliance;
List of Directors;
Consent to act as director by all theproposed directors;
Notice of Situation of Registered Office; and
Copies of identity cards or passports of all shareholders and directors.
The registration fees are based on a graduated scale on the authorised share capital of the company. The amount of the authorised share capital and division into shares have to be stated in the M&A. Companies incorporated in Brunei Darussalam are required to pay an amount ranging from B$300 where the capital does not exceed B$25,000 to a maximum of B$35,000 where the capital is in excess of B$150 million. Upon approval, a Registration of Companies certificate will be issued and a fee of B$25 is imposed.

Branch of Foreign Companies
Any foreign company wishing to establish a business in Brunei Darussalam and does not incorporate as a local company must register as a branch of the foreign company as provided under Part IX of the Companies Act. The branch must have a registered office in Brunei Darussalam and must appoint local authorised persons.

Procedures for Registering a Branch of a Foreign Company
The Companies Act also stipulates the requirements for the registration of a branch of a foreign company in Brunei Darussalam. The proposed name of the branch must first be approved by ROC prior to the approval for registration.

The following are required to be submitted:
Form A;
certified true copy of the foreign company’s Certificate of Incorporation from the Country of Origin; and
copies of passports or identity cards for all the directors.

The filing documents required for registering a branch are as follows:
A certified copy of the Charter, Statues or other instruments defining the constitution of the foreign company, duly authenticated and when
necessary, with English translation;
An original copy of the Board of Directors’ Resolution approving the registration of a branch in Brunei Darussalam; and
A list of directors together with their particulars and the names and addresses of one or more persons residing in Brunei Darussalam authorised to accept notice on the Company’s behalf.

Upon approval, a Certificate of Incorporation will be issued and a fee of B$25 is imposed.

The registration fees payable in respect of the registration of a branch depend on the authorised share capital of the holding company but are 50 per cent less than the fees payable for local incorporated companies. For example, a company with an authorised capital not exceeding B$25,000 will pay a registration fee of B$150. Where the capital is in excess of B$150 million, the maximum fee imposed is B$17,500.


INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION

Brunei Darussalam is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organisations and a signatory to the Berne Convention as well as signatory to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Therefore, adequate protection is given to both domestic and foreign investors.

Trademark™
Trademarks for goods and services can be registered provided the requirements laid down in the Trademarks Act and Rule (Cap 98) are satisfied.

Protection of a registered mark begins on the date on which the application for its registration is filed. The term of protection is initially for 10 years and thereafter for an indefinite period provided the renewal fees are paid every 10 years. Any person who obtained a grant of a patent in the United Kingdom or Malaysia or Singapore may apply to the Registrar of Trademarks within three years of the date of issue of such grant registered in Brunei Darussalam under the Inventions Act (Cap 72).

Industrial Designs
Industrial designs are protected under the Industrial Design Order 1999. An industrial design must be new at the date of the application or the priority date (if claimed). An industrial design is new if it has not be registered, published, used or sold in Brunei Darussalam or elsewhere before the date on which the application for registration was made. An industrial design which is registered in Brunei Darussalam is protected for a period of five years beginning from the filing date and can be renewed for a further period of 10 years upon payment of renewable fee which is payable every five years.

Layout Design On Integrated Circuit
Layout designs of integrated circuits are protected under the Layout Design Order 1999. Protection is automatic as there is no requirement for registration or deposit of layout design. The duration of protection is either 10 years after the first commercial exploitation, if the exploitation takes place within years it is made, or in any other case, 15 years after the year it is made.

Copyright©
Copyright and related rights are protected under the Copyright Order 1999. The Order protects literary and artistic works, sound recordings, film, broadcasts or cable programmes and the typographical arrangement of published edition. Proceedings for infringement of copyright can be brought in the civil court or the criminal court.

For further information and clarification, please contact:
Attorney General Chambers

Tel: (673) 224 4872
Fax: (673) 224 1428

Email: info@agc.gov.bn
Website: www.agc.gov.bn

SETTING UP A COMPANY
A number of procedures are required in setting up a company in Brunei Darussalam.
The first step is acquiring approval from the Registrar of Companies for the use of the company’s name. The Registrar of Companies may refuse registration of a proposed name if it is identical or similar to the name of an existing business registered in Brunei Darussalam or if it is likely to mislead the public.
The timeframe for approval of company name is about 1 to 2 weeks.
Upon approval of the company name, the following documents should be lodged with the Registrar of Companies within the stipulated reservation period:
Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Statutory declaration of compliance.
Other prescribed documents:
-Form X
-Consent to Act as Directors
-Notice of Situation of Registered Office
The incorporation process typically takes about 5 to 6 weeks to finalise before a certificate of incorporation is issued, at which time the company may commence business.
Special Licenses
In some cases special licenses must be obtained from the government before a company can commence business. This applies primarily to businesses that directly affect the public, such as banks, finance companies, insurance companies, travel agencies and money-lenders.
http://www.mofat.gov.bn/index.php/investing-in-brunei-darussalam/setting-up-businesses
http://www.bedb.com.bn/doing_guides_setting_company.html

Kompleks Mohammad Yussof Hotel Apartments

Kompleks Mohammad Yussof Hotel Apartments brunei

KOMPLEKS MOHAMAD YUSSOF HOTEL APARTMENTS
Facilities:
• Long-term and Short-term Lease
• Banquet Facilities/ Conference Rooms
• Bank/ Restaurants
• Laundry/ Dry Cleaning
• Ample Parking Space

Address
Jalan Laksamana Abdul Razak, Km 2, Jalan Raja Isteri, Batu 1, BSB BA1712, Brunei Darussalam
Tel +673 223 5532
Fax +673 223 5528


email: kmyhotelapartments@gmail.com
http://kompleks-mohd-yussof-hotel-apartments.blogspot.com/

Sunday 9 June 2013

Brunei Holidays : Beautifully of Brunei Darussalam


Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddin
Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddin

Brunei Holidays : The Beautifully tourist attractions in Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam is a small yet prosperous country situated on the island of Borneo and flanked by the  Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. This oil-rich land is known primarily for the astounding wealth of its Sultan and its inhabitants, where the citizens live a tax-free, heavily-subsidised existence. It comes as no surprise that its population enjoys one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world, owing to its wealth of natural resources relative to the size of the country and its population. 

Brunei is also well-known for its multi-faceted beauty - a quaint little country with so much aesthetic and intrinsic qualities to offer.

Brunei Traditional House
Brunei Traditional House

Brunei's Cultural Beauty
Brunei is a land steeped in culture and traditions - and the Bruneians are quite proud of that fact, too. Brunei embraces the Old Malay World culture, of which practices can still seen in the country today, such as the use of the Jawi script - an archaic script consisting of Arabic characters, used as a mode of written communication of the Malays in olden times - in most (written) official communications, official ceremonies, daily customs, and formalities. But although Brunei still holds on tight to its old culture and traditions, it is a vastly modern country in terms of trade, economy and technology - a fact which is the very core of Brunei's appeal and charms.

In the heart of its strong Malay culture and traditions, lies its strong Islamic foundation. This unique and balanced blend of Malay culture and Islamic practices is the Bruneians' way of life - a national philosophy, where faith is interspersed with culture - which is the core of its unique cultural identity. But despite the fact that Brunei remains a devout Muslim country, it still maintains a respectful tolerance towards other religions and beliefs. This mutual respect and understanding creates an environment that is both harmonious and stable, fostering unity within the country.
ulu ulu Temburong
ulu ulu Temburong

Brunei's Architectural Beauty
Many buildings in Brunei incorporate Islamic style and influences in its architecture, especially its mosques. The Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Brunei's largest mosque, is easily recognisable by its spectacular 24-carat golden domes which glitter in the bright sun during the day and glow during the night. It also features fountains sprouting `colourful' jets of water at night, gold-plated tiles, marble stones and fine Islamic calligraphy on its interior, making it one of the most magnificent mosques in the world. Another mosque which is just as impressive is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, also topped with golden domes. The mosque is also considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It sits on an artificial lagoon near the Brunei River, with a life-sized replica of an ancient royal barge sitting outside the mosque in the waters. Like the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, it is also lit up at night, giving an ethereal quality to it.

Yayasan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Complex
Yayasan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Complex
Brunei Sultan Palace, is Istana Nurul Iman (Nurul Iman Palace) is reputedly the largest residential palace in the world, with over 1700 rooms in it. It is located on top of the hill overlooking the city, and its majestic domes are covered all over with 22-carat gold leaves. Its sheer size and intricate design render the palace a truly spectacular sight to behold, but it is only open to public during Eid-ul Fitri, the only time when the Sultan meets and greets his visitors.  
 Belait River
Belait River

Brunei's Natural Beauty

The raw, unspoilt nature of the island of Borneo means that Brunei is also a prime example of natural beauty, despite its modern establishments. Well-preserved rainforests make up more than 70% of the land area in Brunei, and its national parks are some of the finest in Asia - examples of the perfect ecosystem. Best of all, these national parks are easily accessible as they're located near the main cities.

The Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei's main nature reserve and wildlife field-study centre, is home to an extensive array of flora and fauna from thousands of different species. Taking a luscious ride down the river in a longboat gives you the opportunity to experience Borneo's wildlife up close
and personal - proboscis monkeys hanging off the
branches, Nipah palm trees gracing both sides of the riverbank, melodious twittering from colourful birds perched on branches of trees and butterflies from some of the rarest species fluttering around. Alternatively, you can also choose to walk through its lush surroundings, dense with plants from hundreds of species - some of which could not be found anywhere else in the world.
Constitutional History Museum in Brunei
brief History of Brunei in this Museum
Bukit Pagon in Brunei
Bukit Pagon in Brunei

Brunei's beaches are also perfect getaway spots with its pristine, white sandy beaches and private atmosphere. Muara Beach, which is less than 27kms from Brunei's capital, is perfect for family outings with its well-equipped picnic areas and a children's playground. Pantai Seri Kenangan Beach is a scenic spot located just a few minutes' drive from the town of Tutong. The beach's feature attraction is a narrow strip of land which is flanked by the South China Sea on one side and the Tutong River on the other. Meragang Beach's unspoilt beauty provides the perfect background for those who want a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There is so much more to Brunei, a tiny country with huge wonders, that could only be seen to be believed. Direct flights to Brunei are available from Asian and Middle-East destinations, and major European cities. It can also be reached on land via trains and coaches from neigbouring Sabah and Sarawak.

Friday 7 June 2013

Bandar Seri Begawan The Brunei Darussalam Capital


Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan

Living in Bandar Seri Begawan has been the capital of Brunei Darussalam for hundreds of year.  

Originally composed of a community built on stilts over the water, Kampong Ayer Brunei, this water village first moved location to get more space, and then gradually expanded onto firm land. 

Today, the water village is still home to about 30 thousand people. 

Some live in the traditional timber housing, but a growing number in recently built structures with modern services. 
Many of the traditional homes have modern conveniences and sophisticated electronics behind the simple facades. 

Bandar Seri Begawan

Originally named Brunei Town, it was renamed as one of the steps towards total independence from British Protectorate status in 1982. 

Bandar Seri Begawan (commonly called Bandar or BSB) Brunei Darussalam capital city, is home to all the government ministries, and many of the major government departments, such as Public Works, Education, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Town & Country Planning, Health, Transport and Communication.
Bandar Seri Begawan

The central city area is the traditional shopping and commerce area, with the modern Yayasan shopping mall, traditional shop houses and local markets. 

The main terminal for local and regional buses - including those to Kota Kinabalu. Miri and Bintulu - is in this central area; just a few minutes walk from our office.  



Brunei Clock Tower

Bandar Seri Begawan Road
Bandar Seri Begawan Road
Bandar Seri Begawan Road

Kampong Ayer
Kampong Ayer

Centrepoint and the Mall is another large shopping complex and shop house development in the Gadong commercial region. 
This area includes many cafes, restaurants and the Mall; a complex of shops, movie theatres and eateries; trendy modern and classic local style. 

Brunei's important role in the history and development of Borneo, and the role of the Family Monarchy, has been captured in numerous museums. These provide a unique insight into the development of Brunei and it's regional role. 

The relatively high standard of living in Brunei means hunting local wildlife for food is part of history. Therefore is is possible to see some of Borneo's popular wildlife attractions, such as Proboscis Monkeys,  living in the mangrove and jungle areas immediately adjacent to the city.      

The Kingdom and Culture tours are designed to explore these venues and highlight the unique nature of Brunei.

Source
http://www.bruneibay.net/

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Seria Town Pictures in Brunei Darussalam

Some  tourist attractions in Seria in Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Seria Canadian Wood House
Seria Canadian Wood House
brunei Seria Hornbill School
Seria Hornbill School

House in Seria
House in Seria
Kampong in Seria brunei
Kampong in Seria


brunei Seria Market Day
Seria Market Day
Mosque in Seria  Brunei
Mosque in Seria
Brunei Seria Oil and gas Discovery Center
Seria Oil and gas Discovery Center
Brunei Seria Shell Recreation Park- Panaga Club
Seria Shell Recreation Park- Panaga Club
Brunei Seria Panaga Club
Seria Panaga Club
Sunset in Seria Brunei
Sunset in Seria
brunei Seria Swimming Pool
Seria Swimming Pool
brunei Seria Town center
Seria Town center
brunei Seria Town
Seria Town
brunei Seria Town
Seria Town
Billionth Barrel Monument in Seria Brunei
Billionth Barrel Monument in Seria

Monday 3 June 2013

Brunei Holidays : Ulu Temburong National Park The Beautiful Place


Ulu Temburong National Park brunei


Brunei Holidays, Ulu Temburong National Park is one of Tourist attractions in Brunei, occupies almost 40% of the Temburong district of Brunei Darussalam. It is regarded by many as the best preserved tropical rainforest on Borneo. 
The area has never been logged; the massive trees are hundreds of years old. 
You will notice the changes as you travel upriver in the longboat to visit


Temburong National Park.

Sightseeing in The National Brunei park includes a range of wilderness habitats, from lowland forest and jungle rainforest, to montane forest at an elevation of almost 2000 metres.
There are no roads into the park.  Temburong has often been regarded as a refuge for threatened species from throughout Borneo. The isolated Temburong National Park is accessible only by hiking or longboat.
The topography is mountainous, with steep slopes, narrow ridges and numerous peaks.
Ulu Temburong National Park brunei
Visitors entering the area are always amazed by the transition from cultivation and secondary vegetation to deep jungle, as they travel upriver towards the National Park entrance. 

The Belalong River basin within the park is reserved solely for scientific study. The Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre operated by the University of Brunei Darussalam hosts scientists from around the world to survey and study the eco systems and animal inhabitants. 

Isolation, mountainous terrain, and a dedicated preservation policy have protected the park from destructive logging, clearing and plantation development that has scarred many areas of Borneo. The Ulu Temburong National Park is a haven for scientists and all people who appreciate the imposing grandeur of nature. 

Ulu Temburong National Park brunei

Ulu Temburong National Park brunei

Ulu Temburong National Park brunei
Visitors to the National Park need to bring their sense of adventure. The longboat trip 12 kms upstream through the rapids can be wet and exciting.
Occasionally the longboat needs to be pushed over shallow water, or a river section must be walked around while the boatmen negotiate the rapid.  The river's height is determined by recent rainfall in the catchment area upstream.
Ulu Temburong National Park brunei
Our boatmen and guides grew up in the area. The river is their second home. It gives them access to fishing, fruit gathering, and hill paddy rice fields outside the National Park. While establishing the nearby Outward Bound School, our Managing Director helped pioneer local tour operation standards, communication systems, activities and support services to assist visitors  experience Ulu Temburong National Park.

animal at Ulu Temburong National Park brunei

The changing vegetation is very noticeable as you approach the park entrance. From the secondary forest and traditional hill paddy adjacent to the Batang Duri longhouse, the view along the river changes to towering primary rainforest as the park entrance approaches.


For most visitors, moving on foot within the Brunei National Park is  via  the many kilometres of elevated wooden walkways and prepared trails. 

Natural processes occasionally disrupt the walkways because of  soil movement and tree falls. Sometimes it is necessary to walk around sections under repair, and some walkway routes can be closed for maintenance.  
 
The walkways provide relatively easy passage above the rough terrain, and protect the lightly vegetated ground and fragile soils. Some walkways follow gentle gradients along the Temburong River. Others climb over ridge tops to access adjacent valleys and river crossing points. Suspension bridges cross rivers and streams. 

The walks are within the capability of normally healthy people. The youngest recent visitor to the Canopy Walkway was – 4 months (yet be born) and the oldest 86. Walks and activities can be selected to suit personal preferences. For some people, the longboat ride, gentle walkway walks, relaxing beside the river, and enjoying this untouched environment is sufficient. Others prefer to walk and climb to the top of every viewpoint, and ride every rapid.  


The Canopy Walkway rises over 60 metres from the ridge top to above the tree tops.
Watch the birds, take in the view and wait for other jungle dwellers to arrive.
Arrange a pre-dawn visit to experience the jungle awakening, foraging birds or animals, and the rising sun.   
 

Saturday 1 June 2013

Brunei Pictures in "Trekearth Photos"


Coastline of Brunei near the International Airport
Coastline of Brunei near the International Airport 
enroute from Bangkok to Australia.

  Tourist attractions in Brunei from "Trekearth Photos"
Chris J liked the diagonal & blue green color combo here. Taken from an RBA aircraft. Brunei Darussalam is location on the northern coastline of the large island of Borneo.
soas mosque
waiting for majesty by markoci


Maulid Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) in bandar. The crowds were waiting for the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, who descends to the streets to walk among his subjects on this special day. Sounds like something straight out of arabian nights. In reality - dressed in rather plain looking clothes - he sort of jogged a few blocks with some bodyguards by his side and the crowds "chasing" after him. It was quite amusing, (no disrespect), pictures taken in the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

Town square of Brunei

Town square of Brunei by MichaeLo

This is the town square in the centre of Bandar seri Begawan, capital city of Brunei. I love Brunei!!! 
The town is so clean & quiet.
soas mosque

Sultan's Mosque by benkrut

Brunei is a small country located in the north part of Borneo (Kalimantan island). Thanks to abundance of oil, Sultan of Brunei is one of the wealthiest men in the world.
The picture of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque was taken in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The Mosque was build in 1958 by the father of current sultan, and is the biggest and probably the most beautiful in the Far East. The Mosque's golden dome is at 52 meters and can be seen from almost everywhere in the city.
The "impressive example of Islamic architecture" is beatifully finished with Italian marbles, Chinese granite, carpets from Belgium and Saudi Arabia and hand-made stained glasses from England.

brunei  Fishing Boats

 Fishing Boats by aloyho

As the celebration is now over, what Stephen (Sinquanti) dreaded most is adding up the bills. Well, he was right and now we all have to get down to some serious work.
So I am taking you to Jerudong beach which is about 20 minutes drive from the town where a lot of people get their supply of fresh seafood. It is fresh and comes in straight from the sea and people do not mind paying a bit more for it. Besides, people belief that no preservative is used here as compared to imported frozen seafood which may contain preservatives so that it will keep and look fresh longer.
As you can see from the size of the boats, these are small time business catering for local needs only. They do not go very far out to sea and their catch is mostly small fishes, shrimps, cuttlefish, ray fish, small sharks and small tunas. It is usually a family business though there are some rich businessmen who owned some boats and employed fishermen to do the work. The government also helped by providing loans to deserving fishermen to buy boats and fishing gears.
This shot shows the boats coming in with their catch in the afternoon. The weather was not very exciting.

PP –Slight sharpening only.

celebration in brunei

Flooded with People by aloyho

This is the last in my series on the Sultan’s Birthday Celebration. It was taken on the final night of the celebration and people were flooding the town to witness the floats procession and the final fireworks display in the town square. The Sultan himself personally drove to the square accompanied by his wife.
So, you will see the lights and the crowd in this busy composition. As the light is strong and bright I thought a silhouette crowd would not overdo with the colours and make our eyes overly tired. Besides, I also find the reflected light on the pavement something worth enjoying and paying attention to.
I must thank you all for your constructive critiques which I most appreciated, and for very patiently following through this series. I hope you enjoyed it.

PP – Slight cropping and adjusted levels.

Brunei Condominiums

Brunei Condominiums by aloyho

Here is another shot of the Condominiums seen from another location. You can now see another group of buildings of different shapes with the same metallic coloured tiles covering the walls.
The building with the orange roof in the middle ground is a girls’ secondary school. You will also notice that a sidewalk is provided for pedestrians along this part of the road.

Brunei Condominiums

Brunei Condominiums by aloyho

There was a time when the world's economy was good and a lot of condominiums and apartment flats were built to cater for the housing needs of foreign contract workers here in Brunei. I find these very interesting and have always attracted my attention. I love the metallic look of the tiles and also its shapes. These condominiums are situated along Ong Soon Ping road, only a few minutes drive from the town centre.

PP- adjusted the contrast slightly.

Brunei river

Bandar Skyline by aloyho

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei Darussalam. It was formally known as Brunei Town and got its present name on October 4, 1970 in honour of the Sultan’s father His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien.
This section is the oldest part of the town where you can still find the two storey shop houses. The three tall buildings on the left are that of the Islamic Bank of Brunei while the one on the right belongs to the Brunei Malay Teachers’ Association. It is a multi- storey car part cum office and shop lots.
I took this shot from across the river where the water villages are.

PP – As the sun was bright so I have to adjust the level slightly to brighten a bit of the middle tone which otherwise would be dark shadow. Cropped the top and bottom.

kampong ayer brunei

Kite's Season by aloyho

Here is another shot showing these young kids learning to be expert in kite flying.
As I mentioned earlier kite flying is also popular among adults. They take this past time a step further by competing to cut each others line. This event usually attracts a lot of attention and caused a lot of excitement as it is a competition between different villages. When a kite is spotted in the air, someone from the other village will quickly fly his kite and try to attack and cut off the line of the other. It is like a dogfight in the air. As usual some on lookers will bet to see who is the winner.
To win one has to prepare his lines well so that it is sharp. Glass pieces are carefully chosen and grounded into fine powder, then mixed with the sticky sap of the leaves of a plant similar to the hollies used during Christmas. This mixture is then rubbed over the thread and dried in the sun.
The kites must also be carefully constructed so that it will pull the string when the player released the line. A poorly constructed kite will only sway and float in the air when the line is released making it easy for the line to be cut by the opponent.
One also needs good maneuvering skills so that your kite will attack from the best position.
As for the prize, it’s just for the thrill and excitement of an afternoon after a day’s hard work. There is no trophy and for the looser, he will make another kite tomorrow and hope this time he will win.

PP – cropped to get the square format and slight sharpening.

Brunei Share : The legends surrounding of Bukit Tempayan Pisang

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