Brunei Darussalam International Airport

Brunei Darussalam International Airport, is the primary airport in the nation of Brunei. It serves as the home base for Royal Brunei Airlines. The Royal Brunei Air Force is also based at the Rimba Air Base, which is located within the airport's area. The airport serves destinations across Asia and Oceania.

Commercial air transport in Brunei began in 1953, with the establishment of air service links connecting Bandar Seri Begawan with Anduki in the Belait District. Initial flights to Malaysia were made to accommodate travellers from Labuanin Sabah, and Lutong in Sarawak. Airport services were operated from the Berakas area at an old runway site built by the Japanese during World War II. It was known then as the Brunei Airport.

The growth in popularity of air travel in the 1970s resulted in a significant increase in civil aviation. Suddenly, the old airport was swamped with activity, operating beyond its capacity. This situation prompted the government to scout for a new site to build a modern airport.

A new airport was constructed in Mukim Berakas in the Brunei-Muara District, because this location was easily accessible from all areas of the country. The airport became operational in 1974 and opened Brunei to the world.

In 2008, it was announced that a study to review necessary expansions and modifications was completed, and a masterplan was written up soon after. The master plan consists of different phases, and Phase 1, which includes upgrading the existing passenger terminal building and the cargo terminal, is targeted to be completed by end of 2014. 

At the moment, Phase 1A was already completed on 1 Oct 2013 with the opening of the new arrival hall. The capacity of the airport will be increased to 3 million by end of 2014. After Phase 1 is completed, Phase 2 could be initiated in 2020, which includes the construction of a new terminal, which will be able to accommodate up to 8 million passengers. Dragonair was the only proposed airline to serve the airport.

Artist's rendition of the newly upgraded Brunei Darussalam International Airport, 

currently being renovated.

Welcome to Brunei! 

This is how the Brunei Darussalam International Airport's new arrival hall will look like, 

when it's completed.

source :
https://www.facebook.com/bruneitourism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunei_International_Airport

Brunei Holidays : Istana Nurul Iman Sultan Brunei Darussalam Palace

Brunei Holidays - Tourist attractions in Brunei, the Brunei Sultan Palace, Sultan Brunei House, The Istana Nurul Iman palace (Jawi: ايستان نورول ايمان) is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei Darussalam Government. The palace is located on a leafy, riverside sprawl of hills on the banks of the Brunei River, a few kilometers south of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital.

Design and Construction
The name “Istana Nurul Iman” is taken from Persian Astane and Arabic Nur-ol Imaan and means Palace of the Light of Faith. It was designed by Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin, who utilized the architectural motif of golden domes and vaulted roofs to echo Brunei's Islamic and Malay influences. The interior of the palace was designed by Khuan Chew, Design Principal of KCA International, whose other works include the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Construction was handled by Ayala International, a Filipino construction firm, and completed in 1984 at a total cost of around $1.4 Billion USD.

Physical Characteristics
Upon completion, Istana Nurul Iman, became the largest residential palace in the world and the largest single family residence ever built.
The palace contains 1,788 rooms, which includes 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall that can be expanded to accommodate up to 5,000 guests, a mosque accommodating 1,500 people.The palace also includes a 110-car garage, an air conditioned stable for the Sultan's 200 polo ponies, and 5 swimming pools. In total, Istana Nurul Iman contains 2,152,782 square feet (200,000 m²) of floorspace.
Because of its massive size, Istana Nurul Iman makes use of 564 chandeliers, 51,000 light bulbs, 44 stairwells, and 18 elevators

Functions
The Sultan takes his official audiences at the palace. The palace is also used for all the State functions of the government of Brunei. In addition, the palace houses the prime minister's office, and serves as the seat of the Brunei government.
In addition to Audience and State Rooms, there is a Throne Chamber used for various formal occasions such as the proclamation of the Crown Prince and the annual Birthday Investiture.
However, in keeping with its primary use as the Sultan’s personal residence, the palace is home to the Sultan’s massive car collection, which includes custom-made Ferraris and Bentleys as well as 165 Rolls Royces.

Accessibility
The palace is not open to the public except on the annual Islamic celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (the festival at the end of the Muslim fasting month) when the palace receives about 110,000 visitors over a three-day period where the guests receive gifts of food as well as green packets containing money for young children. The palace is also open to Muslims during 10 days of the Ramadhan period for the Bertedarus prayer gathering.

Source :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istana_Nurul_Iman

 Pictures of Istana Nurul Iman, The Sultan Palace in Brunei

From Kaskus Social Forum

Play Golf In Brunei

Tourist attractions in Brunei, Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club (RBGCC), Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam
Near Jerudong Park Brunei, this club caters to the most exclusive of golf aficionados — advanced bookings are required. The course has been described by its designer, Ronald Fream, as the "Augusta National of Asia". It is considered one of the best courses in Asia, and is among the most exclusive in the world.

One of Brunei’s most unexpected luxuries is its assortment of world-class championship-quality golf courses. Taking advantage of the stunning landscape of Borneo’s northern shores, Brunei’s golf courses offer more than just your average round of 18 holes. Teeing off from a beautifully manicured vantage point overlooking the South China Sea and surrounded by virgin rainforests, you’ll quickly discover that golf in Brunei is one of the nation’s unforgettable undiscovered treasures. Some courses even offer the truly unique luxury of floodlit night golfing for cooler evening play. 

Asia Golf enthusiasts and beginners alike will delight in the nation’s surprisingly wide ranging variety of golf courses in Brunei with varying levels of challenge and onsite golf professionals to help hone your game. There are over five beautiful golf courses in Brunei, though some of these are exclusive to members and their guests. Enjoy golf in Brunei!

The Empire Country Club, Brunei, Asia

Those looking to unwind on the greens will find this course to be one of Brunei’s true unexpected treasures. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this majestic 18-hole championship golf course has been called one of Asia’s best and even offers night golf as a way to beat the tropical heat in style.

Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club, Brunei, Asia

Near Jerudong Park, this club caters to the most exclusive of golf aficionados — advanced bookings are required. The course has been described by its designer, Ronald Fream, as the "Augusta National of Asia". It is considered one of the best courses in Asia, and is among the most exclusive in the world.

Mentiri Golf Club, Brunei, Asia

Located in the Brunei Muara district, this is an international standard 18-hole, par 72 course cradled in lush, landscaped grounds.

Royal Brunei Airline Golf Club, Brunei, Asia

Probably the first course you’ll see in Brunei, this 18-hole public course designed by Max Wexler lies just five minutes from the Brunei International Airport and twenty minutes drive from the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is characterised by a generally flat layout with manmade lakes spread out over the course, adding to its beauty.

Panaga Golf Club, Brunei, Asia

Located in Seria district, this is another of Brunei’s well-equipped and lushly-maintained public courses available for visitors and popular with locals.

source :
http://www.golfasia.com/golfbrunei.php

Brunei Pictures by TripAdvisor

 
Share the visiting Brunei Darussalam travel sightseeing in Brunei,
Pictures brought by TripAdvisor Brunei.

















The All Brunei Darussalam Travel in  Pictures above belongs to TripAdvisor Brunei

Jalan Bangar-Puni-Labu Temburong District

Visiting Brunei, Completed the rehabilitation of Bangar – Puni – Labu road Temburong district in 2005.
The total length of road is 22 km.
Below sightseeing in Brunei new road. 

.

Temburong District Brunei

Temburong is one of tourist attractions in Brunei Darussalam, the forested finger of land set adrift from the rest of Brunei by the Malaysian district of Limbang, which was snatched from Brunei’s control in 1890 by Raja Brooke of Sarawak. The population of Temburong is barely 10,000, with Malays living alongside a scattered population of Iban, Murut and Kadazan tribes people. The whole district has a village atmosphere; wherever you go in Temburong, it seems that everybody knows one another.

Speedboats for Temburong leave regularly from the jetty on Jalan Residency in Bandar Seri Begawan. They roar downriver, passing briefly into Brunei Bay, before weaving through the mangrove channels as far as Bangar, Temburong’s main town. The journey itself is an adventure: look out for proboscis monkeys swimming across the narrow channels.

Bangar (not to be confused with Bandar) is a quiet place with a single row of shophouses and a sultry, sleepy air. There’s a mosque, a few government offices, a resthouse and a few coffee shops for passing the time of day, otherwise there’s no particular reason to linger. Most people carry straight on in the direction of the Ulu Temburong National Park, the principal attraction for visitors to the district.

Elsewhere in Temburong

If time is very limited, you may consider skipping Ulu Temburong and heading instead for the Peradayan Forest Reserve, which is just 20 minutes east of Bangar by road (taxis cost around B$15 one way). Within the reserve is a small forest recreation park with picnic tables and trails, one of which climbs to the summit of Bukit Patoi (310 m), passing caves along the way. The summit of the hill is a bare patch of stone, allowing wide views across the forest north to Brunei Bay and east to Sarawak. A tougher and less distinct trail continues from here to the summit of Bukit Peradayan (410 m).

Though the majority of Temburong’s indigenous inhabitants have moved into detached homes, plenty still live in longhouses. In theory, unannounced visits are welcome but some have formal arrangements with tour operators for receiving guests. The largest is a 16-door Iban longhouse (home to 16 families) situated along the road to Batang Duri, at Kampong Sembiling. Guides will stop off here, allowing visitors to meet the inhabitants and try a glass of tuak (rice wine). If it’s daytime, there won’t be many people around, but you’ll get a chance to see inside a modern Iban longhouse, complete with satellite TV and parking spaces for cars. Another longhouse offering homestays is the curiously named five-door Amo C, just north of Batang Duri itself. Guests are set up with mattresses on the ruai (communal veranda) and guided treks along hunting trails can be arranged.

Ulu Temburong National Park

(Entry B$5, B$2 child. Obtain an entry permit in advance from the Forestry Department Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910, T238 1687 or in Bangar T522 1839, forestrybrunei@hotmail.com.)

The 50,000-ha Ulu Temburong National Park is the jewel in the crown of Brunei’s eco- tourism push. It sits in the remote southern portion of Temburong, in the heart of the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve. The region has never been settled or logged, so there are no roads, and access to the park is by temuai (traditional longboat). Getting there is half the fun; the journey begins at Bandar Seri Begawan with a ride in a ‘flying coffin’, a wooden speedboat so called because of its shape (though, when you see the speed with which these things hurtle through the mangroves, you may suspect the name is fitting for other reasons). The speedboat passes briefly into the Malaysian territory of Limbang, before turning into the mouth of the Temburong and speeding upriver as far as Bangar. A short car journey follows, passing a series of picturesque kampongs and longhouses, before the final leg by longboat from Batang Duri to the Park HQ, with towering dipterocarps climbing the river banks.

Despite being relatively unknown, Ulu Temburong compares favourably with the jungle reserves of neighbouring Malaysia. Work carried out at the Belalong Rainforest Field Studies Centre confirms that many new species have been found here; one scientist is reported to have identified more than 400 separate species of beetle on a single tree. The main attraction for visitors, however, is the towering canopy walkway, which stands 50 m tall and provides unbeatable views of the forest. The fact that few people visit is also part of the appeal – the park remains virtually unscathed by tourism, despite being easily accessible. There can’t be many places in the world where you can leave the city mid-morning, have a picnic lunch deep in pristine rainforest and be back at your hotel by late afternoon. Most people use one of the Bandar-based tour operators , who make all travel arrangements for you and provide guides and entry permits (with everything paid upfront – around B$250 for two nights).

If you prefer to visit independently, Bangar-bound speedboats leave from the jetty on Jalan Residency in Bandar Seri Begawan (every 30 minutes 0745-1600; 45 minute journey time; B$6 one way). From the Bangar jetty, there are taxis to take visitors south along a sealed road to Batang Duri, a small settlement on the banks of Sungai Temburong. From here, visitors need to charter a longboat for the final leg of the journey upriver to the Park HQ (1½ hours, B$50-60 per boat). During the dry season (July and August) water levels can be low and passengers may have to get out and help push the boat.

At Park HQ, visitors need to sign a register and pay the entry fee before heading into the park proper. There’s a small information centre with displays and a series of chalets and dormitories, linked by plankwalks

source :
http://www.tripwolf.com/en/galleries/location/689812/Brunei/Brunei/Temburong-District

Brunei Holidays : Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

The golden-domed mosque is Brunei's proudest architectural achievement. 
Ranked #2 of 19 Brunei Holidays -Tourist attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei

“One of the many impressive buildings in BSB”, It doesn't matter from which direction you look at this Mosque, it is impressive. Situated close to the waterfront of BSB the Mosque stands on spacious grounds; on these grounds, next to it, a large pond is laid out, with in the middle resides a large stone construction, resembling a large ornate ship. You can enter this construction through a gated jetty, luckily the gate was open, so we could explore this ship. Regarding the Mosque, non-Muslims may enter the Mosque en step onto a restricted area, where you can marvel at the spaciousness and splendor of the Mosque. Women have to dress in a long, ankle-reaching coat of course, provided for at the entrance and taking off your shoes is of course mandatory. Furthermore, non-Muslims should be aware that visiting times differ. Friday of course, entrance of the Mosque is restricted to Muslims only; Saturday and Sunday have also restrictions. The best days for a visit is Monday to Thursday. But the visit is worthwhile. To be recommended.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque  Brunei sightseeing, 

For me this inspiring pieces of architecture was a constant source of photo opotunities, every times I walked pass it I wanted to pull out my camera and take another dozen photos. For me the most impressive side of the mosque was looking back across the lagoon which showcases a replica royal boat and if you are luck a large...

This is one of the first places we went to on our trip around the capital city of Brunei. This Islamic mosque is a beautiful addition to the skyline of this wonderful city. Built in 1958 by the sultan at the time, the mosque is well maintained and peaceful as it is surrounded on all sides by an artificial lagoon and gardens. 

The mosque at most times is somewhat accessible to tourists. Only the main hall and one of the hallways allows visitors to freely explore. The other parts of the mosque are reserved for prayer. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and sign in. They are asked to refrain from wandering off the carpet reserved for visitors and robes are provided for those who are not appropriately dressed. The staff who oversee visitors are friendly and welcoming. 

The inside of the mosque is impressive with its use of marble, stained glass, granite, fine rugs and crystal chandeliers, although arguably the most attractive feature is the main dome, seen from outside, which is made of pure gold. 

This mosque is also one of the most accessible attractions in the city of Bandar itself, as it is centrally located near plenty of restaurants, the bus station and an entrance to the water village. Other attractions in this city such as the royal palace and other mosques are more restricted to tourists. 

Overall this mosque is a must see, it is a beautiful location to take pictures during the day and it is wonderfully lit at night.

This mosque is one of the main sights in BSB. Set by a small lake, the mosque grounds are peaceful and a nice place to sit and contemplate. The mosque staff are welcoming and warm.

This structure screams opulence. Located near Yayasan mall, this huge structure symbolizes deep faith of Muslim faithful. A must see structure when you visit Brunei.

Easy to visit, central situation.. nice gardens. I don't know inside, closed that day for tourist people

Beautiful! An interesting visit. Very peaceful. It was hot hot hot. Do respect the covering up and taking your shoes off

This is a very beautiful mosque, centrally located and it gave so many possibilities to take pictures. During sunlight the dome was shining and white walls looked so warm and beautiful. In the evening there were many lights and reflections from the lake. Very nice and relaxing place. Next to this mosque starts watervillage and even those "ugly" waterhouses can't hide the glory of this mosque. 
We also visited inside area (we were given big robes to cover us - women). Visiting mosque and inside area is for free. When the prayer for men starts, women have to leave the mosque, but when it's not prayer time, you can easily walk around mosque and if wanted to - go inside (no picture taking inside).

An excellent specimen of architecture. Especially magnificent at sunset. Please observe decent dressing when entering the outer area of the mosque.

It is just an amazing building to look at, a very peaceful setting too with the surrounding water. Very close to the center of town.

most photogenic place in BSB city center. Inside not for all - we was at Friday and just started Ramadan, but outside very nice.

Didn't venture inside this mosque but walked passed it regularly on our stay in Brunei as it was just near our hotel. Stunning to look at and lit up at night.

I didn't go inside but walking around the perimeter it looked stunning, lovely spot to go and see and well maintained as you'd expect!

Eventhough it's not big in size, it has a beautiful classic design that imprint in one's memory easily. Its located in the middle of the Capital town so it's perfect for photo taking.

This is a reasonably nice building, with good views from across the lake, and on the boat. Non Muslims are allowed in at certain times. It’s worth half an hour to walk around it. We couldn’t be bothered to wait for it to open up, so can’t comment on the inside.

a guided tour will be fantastic if you really want to know about ones country. But as a backpacker, I recommend you to come here at night time and don't forget your camera. The architecture and background is simply stunning for photography.

Beautiful mosque & boat. Visitors are no longer allowed to go all the way into the mosque, but you get a good view in the areas you're allowed. Make sure you get to the boat even if the gate is locked; they'll open it for you.

The aya sofia or blue mosque of istanbul this is not, but nonetheless it is a Beautiful mosque in the heart of bandar - the outside grounds of the mosque are just as impressive, if not more so than the inside. Women have to wear one of the provided robes, but no need for head scarf which surprised me, and...

It was a Friday and a religious holiday so unable to enter the mosque, but took great photos of mosque, the surrounding moat, the boat on the moat, and the Muslim faithful on their way to prayer

Beautiful especially at sunset. Put on a robe and check out the interior as well! Unfortunately you can't take pictures inside. Make sure to walk around the exterior and view the mosque from across the lagoon.

On the face of it, this is a mosque which is painted all white and has gold domes = so one could say it's nothing spercial. But it is right in the centre of town and is quite dominant. especially with the setting of a small, man-made lake around 3/4s of the area. Very impressive and well worth a visit.

The setting of this mosque is very impressive with a huge reflecting pool with a replica boat in it. Women need the full black robe treatment just to get in. But the marble floors are completely covered by carpets, and visitors are restricted to the main entry area and cannot just wander around, so your visit will be pretty short!

Although it is only 1 day before the King's birthday, theoretically, it is closed for tourist. However, the staff is very kind, he still let us in to see the interior. Of course, women in black aba but scarf is not necessary. 
Besides the interior, the exterior is also pretty enough, a colorful stone boat, you can get in which has a nice angle to take the picture of mosque. A big white pond shows the grandeur of the place.

Verry impressive combination of marble, gold and whiteness. Looks more impressive from between the two main shopping centre buildings in the centre of town.

This photo of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is courtesy of TripAdvisor

source :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293938-d317479-Reviews-or20-Omar_Ali_Saifuddin_Mosque-Bandar_Seri_Begawan_Brunei_Muara_District.html#REVIEWS