Bandar Seri Begawan is a laid-back, greenery-dotted city with a low skyline and a fusion of majestic opulence and traditional heritage. It is the centre of the nation’s commerce and government and also where you will find some of the nation’s most revered landmarks.
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a stunning architectural masterpiece and a major tourist attraction. It has become the symbol of Brunei and is one of Asia’s finest-looking mosques. Its setting beside an artificial lake and its nightly illumination in green light is a sight to behold.
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| Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque Night Scene | | |
Situated near to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque are two massive buildings forming the Yayasan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Complex. This complex is one of the main shopping malls in Brunei.
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| Yayasan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Complex |
The excellent Royal Regalia Museum is dedicated almost exclusively to the current sultan’s life and all the trappings of Bruneian royalty. It is the flashiest of Brunei’s museums, set in an extravagant domed building right in the city centre. A recreation of the sultan’s coronation day parade dominates the first floor of the museum. The biggest exhibit is the Royal Chariot, a huge gold-winged cart on which the current sultan was pulled through the streets of the city on his coronation.
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| Royal Regalia Museum right in the city |
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| Royal regalia at night |
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| The Royal Chariot |
The heart and soul of the city is in its Kampung Ayer, a 3-km stretch of stilted homes above the water of Brunei River. The water village offers a glimpse of the nation’s quaint Asian charm and is a major tourist attraction. The best way to see it is from a water taxi known as a tambang which you can easily charter at the waterfront. Remember to tell the driver to stop off at Taman Persiaran Damuan for great views of Istana Nurul Iman, reputed to be the largest palace in the world. The palace is the official residence of the sultan of Brunei and contains 1788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and a floor area of around 200,000 square metres.
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| Kampung Ayer....Brunei's water village | | | | | |
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| Another scene of Kampung Ayer....Brunei's water village |
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| Water Taxi Waiting For Passenger |
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| Water Taxi Waiting For Passenger |
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| Istana Nurul Iman...reputed to the largest palace in the world |
The Brunei Museum is situated about 4 km east of downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, sitting on a slope overlooking Sungai Brunei (Brunei River). The main building houses the excellent Islamic Art Gallery, the interesting Oil & Gas Gallery and the Brunei Traditional Culture Gallery.
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| The Brunei Museum |
Situated in Kampong Kiarong about 2.5km northwest of the city centre is the imposing Jame’Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, the largest mosque in the nation. It was built in 1992 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the current sultan’s reign. Its four main minarets and two golden domes are a spectacular sight when illuminated in the evening.
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| View of Jame'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque at night |
The extravagant Empire Hotel & Country Club is one of the most magnificent resort in Southeast Asia. It is a haven of regal opulence set in a 180-hectare estate alongside the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course with views of the South China Sea. The hotel’s towering, gold-adorned 80-metre atrium is reputed to be the tallest hotel atrium in the world. The hotel is definitely worth a visit just to marvel at its lavishness and regal opulence.
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| The Empire Hotel & Country Club |
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| External View Of The Empire Hotel & Country Club |
The Jerudong Park Playground is a sprawling amusement park that the sultan built as a gift to his people. By Western standards, this park is nothing special although there are plenty of rides. It now has a slightly jaded feel and a semi-dormant state and , because of Brunei’s tiny population and the lack of tourists, it is probably the quietest theme park in the entire world. A lot of the rides are closed, giving it a surreal air. But it definitely should be on your itinerary if you visit Brunei.
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| Jerudong Park Playground | | | | | |
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| The Landmark at Jerudong Park |
Though devoid of nightlife, the city is worth a visit for a relaxed, lazy holiday. The friendliness of its people and the laid-back atmosphere is a nice change from the mayhem that is typical of most cities in Southeast Asia.
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