Brunei Share : Old Brunei Water Village Kampong Ayer

BRUNEI Holidays : The Green Heart of Borneo

BRUNEI Holidays...ooooh, there’s the Brunei Darussalam airport! ..oh wait, I don’t see a runway… oh that’s the Sultan’s house…Ah Brunei.  Something about it makes me feel like it should be in the middle east, a desert country.  It’s the name, it doesn’t sound Asian.  When I pictured ‘Brunei’ in my mind, I pictured sheiks and camels and sand… until I went to Borneo.  

I only really paid attention to the fact Brunei is in SE Asia the first time I went to Borneo, a number of years ago … there it was, a little blip on the massive island, wedged between the two Malaysian provinces on Borneo, Sabah and Sarawak.  On a piddly few-week holiday, there was no time to stop in Brunei! who goes to Brunei?  But I always wanted to. I always wanted to get to each province/ country on Borneo.

From the first time I learned about jungles, I just had to see them.  When I learned about them in school, I pictured these magical places of Borneo and Sumatra and believed they would be just like Jungle Book! (I later also learned how mean Disney movies were to animals!) Oh how wrong that is.  Sabah and Sarawak’s jungles are almostly completely gone, half to palm oil, half to population and development.  Kalimantan, the largest area of Borneo, belonging to Indonesia, is also teetering on disaster.

I mentioned before that it is very possible for people to actually live their entire life on Borneo and NEVER see jungle.  So different from what I learned in school.  I imagined these places to be full of Moglis and there would be animals everywhere. Not at all.  People who live in cities in Kalimantan, who may never have reason to travel off of Borneo, which is not unlikely, probably won’t have much reason to go too far out of their own city.  And unless you fly, or can travel for hours, and hours, and hours by bus or car, you will never see jungle, just buildings, and palm oil. It’s mind-boggling to fly over this island for hours, and only see palm oil. The jungle is hard to find. 

The small areas left can barely hold viable populations of what is left of animals like orangutans who need large, large areas to maintain viable populations. And sometimes you see plantations encroaching in from all sides on a patch of jungle, and all I can think is ‘what happened to all the animals that were in there?’  they were shot, poached, stolen and sold, or starved to death, or burned in the fires, and the ones left in the little patches must be absolutely terrified.

In Sumatra I’ve mentioned this similar issue, although most who live outside of the city have at least seen the jungle-covered mountains, even if they have never actually touched them.  But those who never leave the city, would also never see jungle.  Imagine living on Sumatra or Borneo and never seeing a wild monkey in your life? The only ones they’ve seen are going crazy trapped in some tiny cage outside a ‘pet store’ or outside someone’s house, or in one of the many god-forsaken zoos they seem to love here. Or imagine living here and seeing a wild monkey for the first time as an adult and being terrified out of your mind?  (I see this all the time in Bukit Lawang when the city-dwellers make big daytrips to the wild west to seim in the cleaner rivers) I suppose I’m a minority, but I don’t understand how some people can’t feel the fascination with jungle?

But then, there’s Brunei, known as the green heart of Borneo, and rightly so.  Brunei, rich on oil, doesn’t look like what you expect an oil-rich country to look like. I picture oil-rich, and I picture dust blowing in the wind. But no, Brunei, is oil-rich and green, so green.  Brunei is still 70-80% virgin rainforest, the complete opposite of it’s non-eco-friendly neighbours.  Brunei’s development is all close to the coast, and it’s inland jungles are pristine.  There are NO PALM OIL PLANTATIONS in BRUNEI!  This may be the only SE Asian country that can say this.  If you are someone who is turned off by the idea of visiting a “strict Islamic state”, you are missing out.  Alot of the reason this country is so interesting is the strict Islamic code mixed with a love for the environment and a love for opulence, that somehow all works together.

Even the city itself is a strange mix of modern and old, opulence and simplicity, seen in the water villages Kampong Ayer Brunei surrounding the  harbours, where thousands of people live in makeshift wood-huts on the water.

But these wood huts have electricity, satellite cable, a/c. These water villages also have mosques, schools, stores, fire departments, everything you’d find on land pretty much.  And when a fire burned down 50 plus homes, the government rebuilt what look like water condos!  The only thing is the people like the bright colours of the originals over the muted tones of the water condos.  But hey, free houses!

What a difference from it’s neighbours.  Kalimantan is also oil rich, but it’s a disaster of poor planning and management, well there is no planning or management.  Indonesia is a free for all.  You want to set up an oil well here? go ahead.  You want to put a palm plantation here, go ahead… and soon, thereis nothing left and the money?  it’s gone with the foreigners who saw a great place to exploit people and environment for huge profits.  And the people, still poor.

Where’s the money in Brunei?  Most is with the Sultan, but the rest is with the people.  This country is nothing like anywhere else I’ve seen in SE Asia. There is order, there are rules, there is calm, there is quiet, there are procedures, there is space, there is cleanliness!  Everyone drives nice cars, there are no motorbikes (I saw 1!).  There is no alcohol (illegal to sell alcohol), very few people smoke, no one litters, and there are consequences, harsh ones, to breaking rules…. when you have been in the SE Asia mayhem for any length of time… Brunei is like a twilight zone. 

Brunei Darussalam is NOT set up for very much tourism, it only started promoting tourism within about the last 10 years.  And it is definitely not set up for budget tourists and backpackers.  My poor little piddly daily budget was blown to shreds here.  Luckily for me, my piddly budget is still way more than what I actually need to live on in Indonesia, so I had a nice fat surplus waiting to be blown in some exotic oil-rich country!

The thing is, after you pay for your hotel, taxi, food… there is pretty much ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do in the city.  The capital of Bandar Seri Begawan pretty much shuts down by 6:00.  It’s just office buildings and mosques, a few shops and restaurants.

Coffin Boat ride to Temburong Brunei

But there really aren’t any people.  They work, and go home, in their nice cars.  It’s hard to see people! You can wander around the wide clean streets, but during the day, you will soon notice, you are the only one wandering (if there are other tourists around, you might see them… otherwise it will just be you wandering).  Why? the local people are working, and they don’t wander around in the day, it’s too damn hot! they drive in their nice cars. 

climbing the 700 sweaty steps to the canopy view. ya this is Brunei, they give you steps!

I could wander for an hour or two and I’d have to go back to my room, or an a/c refuge, it was really spectacularly hot and humid on the pavement.  But also, after walking a couple of hours, you will have pretty much seen everything.

 There are other towns outside the capital, where you can apparently see some people, but again, trying to keep my spending down, I stuck to the city and spent my money on heading to the jungle.

Yes, if you were to come here from home, you would probably be bored, think it was very odd and strange, and basically want to leave!  But, coming from other parts of SE Asia, this is a miracle that has to be seen!  Apparently Michael Jackson hid out here for a while at one time, excellent choice

then you climb up here on Temburong Brunei Canopy

So as for the Sultan, one of the richest, if not the richest man in the world, valued at approx. $25 billion, he seems quite personable and obviously prides himself on keeping his country green. During ramadan, the peops are all welcome to his home to meet and greet him.

So as for the Sultan, one of the richest, if not the richest man in the world, valued at approx. $25 billion, he seems quite personable and obviously prides himself on keeping his country green. During ramadan, the peoples are all welcome to his home to meet and greet him.

So what’s different for a citizen of Brunei compared to their SE Asian neighbours?  well, cars, homes and even trips to Mecca are subsidized.  They don’t pay personal tax (well, neither do people in Indonesia, but that’s just because they don’t want to because they don’t trust their gov’t), and healthcare and education are free. Yes, everyone is educated, and well-educated compared to their neighbours. The Sultan himself is very well educated, receiving international education and obviously also very well travelled.  The Sultan has implemented a forest police program to combat the illegal logging happening at their borders with Malaysia (yep, they just NEVER STOP!) This police force actually does patrol the borders, and they arrest people, and they fine them, AND they FOLLOW-THROUGH!  Indonesia has forest police, no one knows what it is they do though, other than take payment to break the law.  Yes, so what a difference some leadership, education, and clear sense of priorities can make.

And for such a small population, this country has their own airline (Royal Brunei Airlines) and their own television station.  You just get the feeling everyone must know everyone.

A little info about the Sultan.  His home basically looks like an airport. had I known when I flew over I could have had an amazing photo, shoot!

His home has 1788 rooms, 257 bathrooms and a banquet hall for 4000 people. He spends 2.5 million a year on badminton lessons, the same on masseuses and acupuncturists.  He has 200 polo ponies that live in climate-controlled stables.  He has 5000 cars, yes, 5000, housed in 5 aircraft hangars.  He has 2 boeings.  He spends 100,000 per year on guards for his exotic bird cages.  And he has homes in Paris, LA, New York and London.  However, when I was in Brunei, he was there too because I saw him on TV!  It was the ASEAN annual meeting and Brunei was the host. (why is USA at this??)  I didn’t go to see his home up close because I’d have to take a taxi.. I just got a little peak from the water.   I had a great view from the plane coming in, but like I said, at the time I thought it was the airport!

There is also a museum, which is pretty impressively large, in honour of His Majesty. no photos allowed, but it houses a mind-boggling number of lavish gifts to the sultan from other countries. It houses his winged chariot and coronation trinkets. There are many interesting photos of him with over the course of his privileged life with very flattering little comments. It was really quite an enjoyable museum.  Considering I’m not much of a museum buff unless they are for dinosaurs or ancient egyptian history… it was a thumbs up. But with all the goods in the museum, I can’t imagine what on earth he has left in his home? Perhaps his is more of a ‘minimalist’ when it comes to decor.

As for me, I mostly came to Brunei, well I ONLY came to Brunei, to see the jungle. 

Brunei has done such a good job keeping their jungle, it is just such a shame they are not a much, much, larger stakeholder of this island. These people know how to do it right and if they had more of it in their hands, the whole world’s lungs would be so much healthier.  But it’s not to be, so for now, at least there is something left.  Unfortunately, the surrounding devastation to the jungles in the Malaysia and Indonesia have done enough damage that orangutans were not able to survive in the jungles of Brunei, so you will not find them here.  However, the proboscis, also critically endangered, and found only on the island of Borneo, still live here.  The best fun for me in Borneo jungles, is you generally get to go by boat.  I hate boats, but I love jungle river boats! go figure.  The commuter boats are called coffin boats. They really zip around and do crazy 45 degree turns

I am happiest looking at jungle, I cannot get enough :) my jungle photos…

The proboscis still survive here, found only on Borneo. Famous for their big noses and fat bellies. Indonesians call them Monyet Belanda, or ‘Dutch Monkeys’. Pretty sure not originally meant as a compliment, but now said all in ‘good fun’ :o

you can hire thes boats from the harbour. the drivers, some completely covered and madked to protect from the sun, will find you. tgey will give you the two finger circular wrist motion indicating ‘ I’ll drive you around for 20 dollars.’ good deal.

Brunei has a way to go to get tourists here, but I think if they promote eco-tourism, and just let people know they are here, people will come!  Jungle hunting has become a ‘thing’ for some.  It’s getting harder to find good jungle areas to visit, h and for those who want to see it, they will go.  I just think many people spending time in Sabah and Sarawak, looking for jungle, don’t realize they just skipped right over it!

http://travelorange.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/green-heart-of-borneo-brunei/

Brunei Holidays :Venice of East-Kampong Ayer Brunei

Although not as unique as some people would have you think, it is still very interesting. Its location in the heart of the city makes for some interesting contrasts with the extravagant mosques and commercial buildings. The residents are really friendly and outgoing and welcome you into their homes.


Kampong Ayer Brunei is the largest water village in the world. It is also one of the main Tourist Attractions in Brunei. To explore the water village you can choose for a guided tour in a tourist boat with explanation of a guide, or you can opt for exploring Kampong Ayer yourself on foot. Both options start at the jetty next to...

I find this living option an interesting way to live. People living at Kampong Ayer enjoy the same amenities as that of those Bruneians who opted to live on land. Houses are equipped with appliances (air-conditiong, TV, computers, ref etc), making daily living convenient for water village dwellers. And if they want to set foot on land to do some...

I find this living option an interesting way to live. People living at Kampong Ayer enjoy the same amenities as that of those Bruneians who opted to live on land. Houses are equipped with appliances (air-conditiong, TV, computers, ref etc), making daily living convenient for water village dwellers. And if they want to set foot on land to do some...

It was really cool to see the water village but it is a little overrated I think. I negotiated a price which I thought included the crocodile and monkey viewing down the river but found out otherwise when offered to bring me for an extra $10-15. So just be sure you know what you are getting when you finalize your...

Hire a boat operator to take you on a tour of the village. This 'water village' is very unique, as it comprises almost 30,000 people living on houses on stilts. Get off the boat and walk along the gangplanks to get a feel of the village life.

Probably the biggest watervillage on the wolrd. Absolutely nust see. Walking on hundreds bridges free but motorboat ride about 25-30 BR$/hour. Motorboat driver will your gide also and show all interesting places.

We took a tour of the water village and were impressed to find out that there are schools, a police and fire station, stores and everything else that a community may need.

This a vast village on the water with traditional and modern building, it was lovely to be on the water to visit all this, we stopped off to have tea and biscuit at a traditional house during the tour and was very interesting as to how they all live, there are schools and all normal public buildings there.

This was a favourite trip of ours and over our 3 years in Brunei we must have caught a water taxi down the river a dozen times. More exciting to us than the water village itself was the crocodile and proboscis monkey viewing opportunities afforded by a trip further down the river. Best ever trip we saw countless macaques, proboscis...

To explore this place, be careful of getting taken by schemes, for it only costs .50 cents per passenger to get a water taxi across to the village. Some tourists get ripped off or talked into doing a tour instead, which is fine, but a lot more expensive. Jump on a taxi boat, pa your .50 cents and then go...

Well worth visiting, do it independently, arrive by water taxi and just head off along the walkways and see where they take you - there's always a water taxi to take you back to base, no matter where you end up. People we met were friendly, some even wanting to have a chat. Modern units all look identical, older ones have real character. Hope they don't do any more updating....

A really interesting look at how some Bruneians live. It is a village built on stilts in the water and is virtually run as a small city in its own right housing some 20,000 residents. Definitely worth a visit. This was included in our half day tour and we were taken into a local house which was interesting. You can take a water taxi on your own around the village also. Definitely recommend seeing this.

long before it just lame Venice for me.. sorry but this year, the new housing look so cool!!! even have a lot of activity started 6th January!!! thanks god i visit it for 2 weeks! gonna enjoy my Soto and Nasi Katok!!

A boat trip around the Kampong Ayer Water Village in Brunei's capital is a very nice experience. We hired a boat (after some bargaining - 30-40 Brunei dollars seem to be a fair price) for an hour or so. Boat had shade and they offered life saving west as well (after we asked!). First we went up the Brunei river and had a nice look towards a mosque and the big castle of the Sultan, which was hiding between the trees. The guide took us further up the river to show us some wild animals. We were very lucky and saw a crocodile as well as a snake!!! 
Then we went back and came after 10-15 min. to the Water village, which is home to some 30-40.000 people (15% of the city's population and almost 10% of the countries population!). The friendly guide told us enthusiastic of the village, where he grow up himself. The buildings are constructed on stilts above the Brunei River and have dozen of schools. The trip gave a good impression of what it would mean living there. A must do visiting the capital I would say!

Plenty of houses on stilts but your river taxi guide (who probably lives in the village) can show you old and new buildings, schools, fire and police stations, mosques and restaurants. It's also good to see the modern capital from the water. For value for money get it included with a trip up the river to see the proboscis monkeys (around $50 for the two tours and about 2 hours).

Biggest water village in the world.. need I say more? Its easy to get a boat for a relaxing river cruise, a visit to a local residence and maybe if you are lucky, you may even see the proboscis monkey up close! The experience is truly unique and can only be experienced in brunei.

The sultan have tried to build free houses for the people living on the houses in the river, but people wants to stay. There are still approximately 10.000 citizens living on the river. It would be great if there was a small boutique hotel here but unfortunately there is not.
You can just take one of the long tail boats a go for a one hour ride. Remember to agree on the price before you step into the boats.

This is really an attempt to make a tourist attraction out of nothing. It is moderately interesting to see the houses on stilts, and, yes, it is the biggest “Water Village” in the world, but there is very little of interest. Having said that Brunei is such a boring place that this ranks as one of the top spots. We paid a guy BN$15:00 to take us around the village, and up the river to see the Proboscis Monkeys (which was good).
The “Visitor Centre” is quite revolting since it proclaims the “Social Development” of the villagers, proudly boasting about female circumcision. 
The whole place left me feeling sick.
This place should be avoided, not celebrated.

I paid B$1 to across the waterfront to visit Kampung Ayer (starting from the Cultural and Tourism Gallery) ---- the spelling varies between Kampung or Kampong. I walked around myself there. There were old houses but they built many new ones especially in the front facing the river. Probably they look nicer than the old houses.

ey houses on water. its amazing. you wont believe it when you are invited to one of the houses there. they have Cables, BIG plasma TV's etc.....and the history of this water village is dated way back since the 15th century. Ferdinand Magellan once said "this is just like Venice"

Take a water taxi tour. The driver actually took us to his house. Beautiful "town" of between 30-40,000 residents including schools, police stations, etc. all on raised water locations.

you may thought that this is slum areas, but in fact people here are with aircons, electricity and most houses are huge with a lot of rooms.

While it is quite fascinating that nearly 30,000 people live in BSB's water villages, the conditions are quite appalling considering that Brunei is one of the wealthiest nations on earth. Interesting to see that the water villages have their own mosques, fire and police stations, and schools, and supply of fresh water. But I'm guessing from the smell that there's no sewage treatment plant! And despite the "garbage boats" trying to pluck all the trash from the water, there's a truly impressive amount of garbage lining the banks, especially at low tide. Interesting to tour through for 15 or 20 minutes by boat, but not worth walking through on the boardwalks

After negotiating the price and the length of the tour, the trip by motorboat through the canal-like thoroughfares of the water village was quite interesting. The newly built culture and tourism gallery offers valuable explanations of the history and background of the people who live there. It's also worth the time to explore on foot the walkways connecting the various parts of the village -- but it's more extensive than it first appears. The people there were quite tolerant of a camera-toting tourist wandering around their neighborhood.

I paid my boat driver $25 after a bit of haggling for an hour's hire. I probably could have got it cheaper - he wanted $30. Interesting part of the city, petrol stations on piles! Good if you're up one end of the area and wanted to get dumped at your hotel on the way back.

We ( a party of three) went on a trip organized by Borneo Tours and were taken by one of the typical "speed" boats around the Kampung (village on stilts), and also into the boat owner's house to see how people live in this village. The boat trip included a tour around the area, with good explanations on both the culture and the geography. The height of the tour was probably the part in the mangrove area - seeing both the nose-monkeys and a baby crocodile, as well as quite large lizards. A tour not to be missed while in Brunei.

I cant see any comparision with Venice. I believe this is the largest floating Village but there are many places exactly like this all over SE Asia although on a smaller scale .
I guess if you have never seen before this would be a good excursion to do in Brunei as there are limited things to do for Tourists in Brunei. 
There are many boats all along the river offering there services and prices can be hangled. About $20 -$30 seems the norm for an hour. 
The water Village seems to be on both sides of the River and you can walk onto one side without taking a River Taxi but getting the river Taxi in my view is all part of the fun.
Various other reviewers have commented on the cleanliness of the river which seems to be awash with floating containers of all sizes and shapes which is shame, and lets the experience down somewhat.

This place has been around for more than 800 years. We can see most part has been developed by the authority. Beautiful scenic but serious action needed to maintain cleanliness. Take the boat for the tour and if you are lucky they will invite you into their water houses for tea. Spread a few kilometers from Seri Begawan towards Muara. Please bargain for the boat ride as sometimes they take advantage on tourist. Normal fare should be around 15 to 20. Tips are discretionary.


View of the Waterfront as seen from Kampong Ayer.

Water taxi cruise around the sprawling water village known as Kampung Ayer is a must especially for tourists visiting Brunei for the first time..! Typical tour should ideally include a visit to the Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery, a brief visit to enjoy local light refreshment featuring Brunei's traditional delicacies at one of the houses on stilts, enroute view of the Istana Nurul Iman where His Majesty the Sultan resides, and a leisurely cruise towards the new water village resettlement area.

This photo of Kampong Ayer - Venice of East is courtesy of TripAdvisor

source :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293938-d541841-Reviews-or20-Kampong_Ayer_Venice_of_East-Bandar_Seri_Begawan_Brunei_Muara_District.html#REVIEWS

Brunei Holidays : Tourist Attractions In Brunei

New taglines for tourism promotion Brunei Holidays - `The Green Heart of Borneo, Brunei - A Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures' have 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 tranquillity 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 capita), Bandar Seri Begawan, is located in Brunei-Muara, the smallest of the four districts.

Around 60,000 people living in this Brunei Darussalam 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.

Tourist Attractions In Brunei are :

Brunei-Muara District

Kampong Ayer Brunei 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 Brunei 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 upmarket shopping centre. Opened in July 1996, Yayasan (as it is called in short) sports traditional Malay and modern architecture and is a prominent landmark in the heart of the capital. The paved open-air foyer decked with landscaping offers a splendid view of the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque at one end and Kampung Ayer at the other end. Framed by blue skies or the brilliance of the evening sun, this is where most people come to enjoy the view and a breath of fresh air. Inside, Hua Ho is the anchor tenant surrounded by innumerable shiny stores offering branded and non branded goods of all kinds, restaurants and cyber cafés. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque This is one of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia. Built in 1958 as a symbol of the Sultanate's faith, the mosque which bears the name of the Sultan who built it, features resplendent marble and granite floors, stained glass and chandeliers from all over the world. Outside, the mosque is surrounded by a serene manmade lagoon where a 16th century mahligai or royal barge reposes. The view is especially captivating at night when the lights are on. The Mosque is open for visits in the day but visitors are asked to dress conservatively when entering the building. The Royal Brunei Regalia Museum Built to commemorate the 1992 Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's ascension to the throne, this ornate building with a distinctively gilded dome holds a veritable collection of precious ceremonial regalia. Priceless collections such as jewel-encrusted crowns, a royal chariot, gold and silver armoury, 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, tel: 2238-358/360, is open to the public everyday of the week except Fridays when opening hours are shorter. Visitors are advised to remove their shoes prior to entering the building. Brunei History Centre Established in 1982, this centre, located just beside the Royal Regalia Museum holds documents of Brunei's historical events and the full genealogy and origins of the Sultans of Brunei and the Royal Family. Taman Tasek A forest reserve and recreational park in the middle of the city. Only in Brunei would an urbanite be able to commune with nature with just a 15-minute walk from the heart of the capital. Taman Tasek has a natural waterfall in the middle of a lush forest. Brunei Shell, as part of their community work, has also installed an eight-metre high wall for those interested in climbing. Lapau and Dewan Majlis Another magnificent building is the Royal Ceremonial Hall or Lapau where His Majesty the Sultan was crowned in 1968.Traditional royal ceremonies are often held here. Another splendid building is the Dewan Majlis or Parliament House which is adjoined to the Lapau. Tamu Kianggeh The Kianggeh Tamu is also known to the locals as the Amah's Market, and for good reason. Everyday, 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 is located at Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan, Tel: 2240676/391/399 The Art Gallery The Art Gallery, located next to the Arts and Handicraft Training Centre at Jalan Residency, tel: 2223-205/2222741 provides the services of promoting and educating the public about art. Brunei's best artists periodically perform, sell or exhibit their work here. Visitors wishing to come to the Art Gallery by bus can take the Central Line Bus No: 11 and the Eastern Line Bus No: 2 or 39. The Brunei Museum Located up the hill of Kota Batu is the Brunei Museum which houses a collection of archaeological artefacts, natural history subjects, Brunei Malay culture exhibits, centuries-old Chinese porcelain, ceramics and jade (discovered during the course of an offshore pipeline survey), Islamic artefacts and exhibits of the development and discovery of oil. First established in 1965, the building has occupied this site at Jalan Kota Batu, tel: 2244-545/6, about 6.5 km from the capital, since 1970. The Malay Technology Museum Again at Jalan Kota Batu, tel: 2244-545, 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 stabilising 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, tel: 2244-545/2244-181. ' The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque Grand and opulent, with shimmering golden domes and intricately ornamental minarets set in a landscape of gardens and fountains, this mosque is arguably the most magnificent in Brunei today. The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is also known as the Kiarong Mosque because of its location. The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Park and Recreation Area Built in 2002 in tribute to His Majesty the Sultan's 56th Birthday, this beautiful six-hectare-large Silver Jubilee Park and Recreation Area in Kampong Pusar Ulak, Mukim Kianggeh, is situated not far from the centre of town. Land marked by lush landscaping and an imposing structure featuring columns and fountains leading out to a tranquil pier, this park is a contribution of the citizens of the Brunei-Muara District, various Government Departments and the private sector in commemoration of the Sultan's 25 years of splendid rule. Istana Nurul Iman Three kilometres west of Bandar Seri Begawan's city centre lies the Brunei Sultan Palace, Sultan Brunei House, Istana Nurul Iman, the residence of His Majesty The Sultan. It is the largest residential palace in the world with golden domes and sweeping rooflines that can be seen from the long road of Jalan Tutong. The palace is open to the public during Hari Raya, when locals and tourists alike have the opportunity to greet His Majesty and members of the royal family. Taman Persiaran Damuan The best view of Istana Nurul Iman is from the Taman Persiaran Damuan, a leafy, scenic park along the river bank off Jalan Tutong. It has walkways, a well-equipped playground and features six outdoor sculptures by Asean artists, on the theme of Unity in Diversity. Persiaran Damuan is popular for jogging and has several food stalls in the evenings. The Wasai Kendal Located in Mukim Kilanas about 1.5km off Jalan Tutong, the Wasai Kendal or Kendal Waterfall, is a retreat famous for its wide trails, cool crystal waters, picturesque pools and beautiful blooms. Taman Mini Perayaan Kampong Parit Located nearby is another leafy park with miniature model houses of rural Brunei and Kampong Ayer, complete with stilts standing over a small river. Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium The venue of the 1999 SEA Games, this high-tech stadium with an advanced Sports Medicine and Research Centre, is located in Berakas, an area about 5km from the city centre. Next to the outdoor stadium are the 6,000-seat Indoor Stadium, the International Swimming Complex, the International Tennis Centre and the Practice Track & Field Complex. More sports complexes such as a squash centre, a hockey centre and a multi purpose hall are also nearby. International Convention Centre (ICC) The ICC, which is situated on a hill nearby, overlooks the stadium and regularly hosts political addresses, international conferences, gala events, concerts, and jazz and classical music evenings. Jerudong Park Jerudong Park is the famous four-in-one state-of-theart 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 computerised 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 parlour, 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. For more information on Jerudong Park and its individual facilities, call: 261 2044 for Jerudong Park Playground, call: 261 1353 for the Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club, call: 261 1582 for the Jerudong Park Polo Club, call: 261 2500 or just log on to their website at: www.jppolo.com or www.jerudong-park.com 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. The Camels of Hussyn Rahman Enterprise In 2001, Hj Hussin Bin Hj Rahman, an enterprising Bruneian, saw the potential of camels in Brunei and brought in 20 animals for the purpose of "akikah" - a Muslim rite required of every Muslim to offer an animal sacrifice once in his lifetime. With thoughts to expand the camel business further, he brought in another two camels in 2003, this time for the purpose of providing fun rides for the enjoyment of the public. Since their arrival, Silver and Blossom -the two trained riding camels - have been the 'stars' of numerous funfairs, Radio Televisyen Brunei and the Agricultural Expo. In between these events, Silver and Blossom offer rides to the public back at the farm. The farm is located at: Lot 161, Spg 502, Kampung Betumpu Tapak, Jalan Bengkurong Masin, tel: 2681-417/2655-532 (Head Off) with rides available from 9am - 11am and 2pm - 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays and from 9am -11 am on Sundays and Public Holidays. Muara Beach & Serasa Beach Muara beach is known for its pristine coastline while Serasa is known for its water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking and wind surfing. The purpose-built Serasa Water sports Complex has facilities for international level competitive events such as sailing, water-skiing and others. The Serasa Water Sports Complex hosted the water sports events during the 20th SEA Games in Brunei Darussalam. Bukit Tempayan Pisang Bukit Tempayan Pisang is a 500m-high hill in Muara. The summit gives a panoramic view of the coast and Muara town. The Brooketon Coalmine The Brooketon Coalmine which can be accessed from Bukit Tempayan Pisang dates back to 1888 when coal was mined in Brunei. In its heyday, 650,000 tonnes of coal were brought out to the surface. The coalmine is of course now abandoned along with its railway, mineshafts and tunnels. People who like to explore dark places should visit for a hair-raising experience. Pulau Selirong It takes 45 minutes to get to Pulau Selirong from Muara. Pulau Selirong or Mosquito Island is a 2,566-hectare island filled with mangrove swamps and wildlife. There is 2km of wooden walkways built to offer close-up views of the scuttling life forms that thrive in this unique ecosystem. There is also an observation tower, toilet facilities and rest huts. Belait District The Silver Jubilee Park Built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's accession to the throne, it is a beautiful site along Jalan Maulana, just 1 km from KB town. The 2,679-hectare park faces the beach and features exhibition huts and a 'Pintu Gerbang' (official decorative entrance) that symbolises the MIB (Malay Islamic Monarchy) concept of Brunei. There is also a kids playground. Bukit Teraja Bukit Teraja is one of the highest hills in the Labi area. Climbers get a fine view over the Baram valley to the north and Gunung Mulu to the south. The path to the peak is well marked and maintained and takes under two hours at brisk pace. The upper end of the open clearing - also known as `clear of the wind' - has a picnic spot with benches and a small brook. There are several species of pitcher plants, characteristic of higher forest zones. Animals commonly seen here include barking deer, bearded pigs, squirrels, tree shrews and macaques. 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 marvellous 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 seawell 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 symbolises the nation's strong Islamic faith. Istana Mengalela Situated along Jalan Maulana lies the residence of His Majesty the Sultan when he visits the Belait district. Covered all in white, the palace looks immaculate. Seria Known as the oil town of Brunei due the first discovery of oil in the area. Several "nodding donkeys" can be seen along the road that never fails to amuse passers-by, especially kids. The Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC) Set up by the Brunei Shell Petroleum in September 2002, it is the latest landmark in Seria aimed at educating the public about science, technology and the environment. Apart from seven galleries that showcase 150 exhibits covering the multifacets 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 OGDC is opened for visits from Tuesday to Sundays. There are also video shows on weekends at the Theatre (11 am, fpm, 3pm). Admission fees are B$1 for children below age 12, B$2 for teens up to 17 and B$5 for adults. Tamu Seria It is a famous community market situated between Jalan Bolkiah and Jalan Nakhoda Manis Seria operating only on Saturdays (6am to 11am). The market sells fresh vegetables and fruits and edibles such as 'ikan salai' or barbequed fish. Wasai Wong Kadir The Wong Kadir Waterfall or wasai is what visitors will find at the end of an arduous uphill jungle trek that is worth the workout. The Sungai Mau Recreation Park A lovely recreational spot situated along Sungai Liang and Labi Road. Luagan Lalak Recreational Park About 25 km away lies the famous Luagan Lalak Recreational Park, a 270-hectare site of lush, green hills. An alluvial freshwater swamp fills up during the rainy season but dries up to become a valley of swishing sedges in the dry season. The effect is striking and most people admire the scene by strolling along the 200m walkway that meanders along the lake.

Tutong District

Pantai Seri Kenangan Located within five minutes from the town centre is a narrow split of land with the South China Sea on the side and Tutong River on the other. Pantai Seri Kenangan or the `beach of beautiful memories' is a popular haunt for weekenders. Shutters or `Pondok' are built along the coastal way for picnickers. There is a restaurant at the riverside opposite the playground, where you can savour the scenic view of the Tutong River while dining. Sungai Basong Recreational Park Just five minutes from Tutong town centre, this is one of the most popular spots in the district for picnickers and joggers, the park features 'Rumah Budaya' (cultural village) which showcases the five ethnic groups in the district - namely the Tutong, Kedayan, Iban, Dusun and the Chinese community. The exhibitions also help to project the rich diverse cultures and the cultural identity of the different ethnic groups such as the Kedayan, Murut and Dusun people found in Tutong. The 'Rumah Budaya' was constructed in 2001 at the cost of B$800,000 and is the only cultural house in the country. Tasek Merimbun About 27 km inland from Tutong is Brunei's scenic Tasek Merimbun or Lake Merimbun, an unusual `S'-shaped black water lake which has been earmarked as an Asean National Heritage Site. Actually a flooded segment of a tributary of the Tutong River, this 120-hectare site surrounded by swamps and sedges, has gravestones that dates back to the 15th century. History has it that this was once the burial ground of early Borneo tribes, notably the Dusun people. Tasek Merimbun is also the nature lover's delight offering views of bird, plant and insect life. Altogether, the lake covers 7,800 hectares of lake wetland, peat swamp forest, fresh water forest and a lowland mixed Dipterocarp forest. A tiny island in the centre features a pavilion that provides visitors a place to picnic or just admire the view.

Temburong District

Batang Duri About 17km from Bangar, the main town of Temburong - the most forested district - is Batang Duri, an Iban settlement cum park with a longhouse (traditional extended family house) where shifting cultivation is still practiced. Batang Duri provides visitors with a rare insight into Iban culture and lifestyle. Taman Batang Duri This is a landscaped park with a mini zoo that houses civets, monkeys, otters, birds, honey bears, mongoose and crocodiles. Kuala Belalong Forest Reserve This forest reserve features 2,000 breath-taking steps that lead to the summit. It affords a panoramic view of the majestic mountains, the rushing river and the surrounding forestland below. 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-kilometre 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. Peradayan Forest Recreation Park For an eco-tour that comprises caves and strange rock formations, this park would be the ideal place. Spreading over 1,070 hectares, it is declared as a conservation forest by the Forestry Department. The peaks of Bukit Patoi (310m) and Bukit Peradayan (410m) are contained .--Courtesy of Brunei Year Book