Exploring The Capital City Of Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei, a small sovereign state on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is the country's largest city and is home to roughly 100,700 people, with an estimated 279,924 in the metropolitan area. Bandar Seri Begawan is known for its beautiful Islamic architecture, including the stunning Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. The city is the centre of Brunei's commerce, finance, and government, and has been the capital since 1920.

Bandar Seri Begawan's history

Bandar Seri Begawan, formerly known as Brunei Town, has been the capital of Brunei since 1920. The area where the city now stands was historically known as the Brunei River Settlement and was closely tied to the Brunei Sultanate, which controlled the whole island of Borneo and parts of the Philippines during its peak in the 15th to 17th centuries.

During World War II, Bandar Seri Begawan was occupied by Japanese forces from 1941 to 1945 and suffered considerable damage. The city was bombed by Allied forces in 1945, resulting in severe infrastructural damage and economic hardship. After the war, reconstruction and modernisation efforts took place, and the city continued to develop and prosper.

In 1970, the city was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan in honour of the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who had abdicated in 1967. Brunei gained complete independence from Britain in 1984, with Bandar Seri Begawan playing a crucial role in the country's modern history and development. Despite rapid modernisation, the city has preserved much of its cultural heritage, including its historic water village, Kampong Ayer.

The city's economy

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei and the country's economic centre. The city's economy is largely dependent on the oil and gas industry, which is responsible for most of the nation's GDP and export earnings. As the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan is home to the headquarters of the Brunei National Petroleum Company and other related businesses. The city also has a thriving public sector, with many residents working for the government.

The establishment of a highly profitable oil and gas industry in Brunei has played a crucial role in strengthening the economy of Bandar Seri Begawan. Petroleum was discovered in the country in 1929, and oil production increased significantly in the 1930s with the development of more oil fields. Today, Brunei is one of Southeast Asia's largest oil and gas producers, and the industry continues to be a key driver of the city's economy.

In addition to the oil and gas sector, Bandar Seri Begawan's economy is also supported by other industries such as timber, handicrafts, textiles, and furniture production. The city is home to factories that manufacture these products, contributing to its economic diversity.

Tourism is another significant component of the city's economy. Bandar Seri Begawan's rich history, cultural sites, and natural beauty attract tourists from around the world. The government has been actively developing tourism as part of its economic diversification strategies. The city's well-preserved cultural heritage, including its historic water village, Kampong Ayer, is a draw for visitors.

The service sector also plays a role in the economy of Bandar Seri Begawan. The city has a range of shopping destinations, from traditional markets like the Kianggeh Market to modern commercial areas like Gadong, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Overall, Bandar Seri Begawan's economy is heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry, but the city also benefits from a diverse range of other sectors, including tourism, manufacturing, and public sector employment.

Climate and geography

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is located in the northeastern part of the country, on the northern bank of the Brunei River. The city is situated close to the river's outlet into the Brunei Bay, which opens into the South China Sea.

Bandar Seri Begawan has a tropical equatorial climate with two seasons: a dry season, which is extremely hot, and a wet or rainy season, which is generally warm and wet. The temperature in the city typically varies from 75°F to 90°F throughout the year, and it rarely falls below 73°F or rises above 93°F. The city experiences heavy precipitation and high humidity throughout the year, with the northeast monsoon blowing from December to March and the southeast monsoon from around June to October. The wettest day on record was on 9 July 2020, when 662.0 millimetres (26.06 inches) of rainfall was reported at the airport.

The geography of Bandar Seri Begawan is characterised by its flat topography, with some low-lying areas. The city is home to numerous parks, green spaces, and lush rainforests. The Brunei River plays a significant role in shaping the city's geography, particularly the famous Kampong Ayer, a stilted water village. The city's urban development also extends along the Jalan Berakas, Jalan Muara, Jalan Tutong, and Jalan Gadong roads.

The Brunei-Muara District, where Bandar Seri Begawan is located, is the smallest and most populous district in Brunei. It covers an area of 563 square kilometres (217 sq mi) and is characterised by low hills, marshy coastal plains, and narrow alluvial valleys along key rivers. The district contrasts sharply with the mountainous Temburong District to the east. The coastal plains around Bandar Seri Begawan remain low and marshy, particularly to the south.

Landmarks and attractions

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is known for its beautiful and intricate Islamic architecture. Here are some of the city's most notable landmarks and attractions:

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is one of the most magnificent mosques in the Asia Pacific region and a major tourist attraction in Brunei. The mosque is named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and was completed in 1958. The main dome is covered in pure gold, showcasing the country's wealth. The mosque is surrounded by an artificial lagoon, symbolic of the Islamic paradise, and features beautiful Italian marble floors, columns from Shanghai, and a crystal chandelier from England.

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the largest mosque in Brunei and an example of modern Islamic architecture. It was built to commemorate the 25th year of the reign of the current Sultan, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and was completed in 1994. The mosque features 29 golden domes, representing the 29th Sultan of Brunei, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains.

Istana Nurul Iman

Istana Nurul Iman is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and is the largest residential palace in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. The name translates to "Palace of the Light of Faith." This massive palace contains 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall that can accommodate 5,000 people, a mosque with a capacity of 1,500 people, a garage for 110 cars, an air-conditioned stable for polo ponies, and five swimming pools. The palace is open to the public during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Tasek Lama Recreational Park is one of the oldest and most popular parks in Brunei. Located just a five-minute journey from the city centre, it offers well-maintained trails and beautiful natural surroundings. The park features natural pools, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife, including birds and monkeys. It also provides rock climbing and challenging hiking trails for those seeking more adventurous activities.

Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum, also known as the Royal Regalia Building, houses a collection of royal artefacts from the reign of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and his predecessors. One of the most impressive displays is the royal chariot used during the Sultan's Silver Jubilee celebration. The museum also showcases opulent items such as ceremonial weaponry, crowns, costumes, and thrones used during royal coronations and state events. Visitors can learn about Brunei's royal heritage and the Sultan's wealth through this extensive collection.

Transport and infrastructure

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is accessible by air, land, and water. The city's transport infrastructure includes an international airport, a network of roads and bridges, bus services, and water taxis.

Air

Bandar Seri Begawan is served by Brunei International Airport (BWN), which is located 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) from the city centre. The airport can be reached in approximately 10 minutes via the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway. It serves as a hub for Royal Brunei Airlines, the national carrier.

Land

Bandar Seri Begawan is connected to the western part of the country by road. The construction of the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge, which opened in 2020, improved access to the exclave of Temburong. Previously, travel to Temburong involved passing through Sarawak, Malaysia. The city's road network includes highways such as the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway and Jalan Gadong, which connects the city to the west.

Public Transport

The city has a public bus system with six routes: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line, and Northern Line. Buses operate from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, with extended services for bus routes 1 and 20. The main bus terminal is located in Jalan Cator, beneath a multi-story car park.

Water

Water taxis, known as 'penambang', are a common means of transportation between downtown Bandar Seri Begawan and Kampong Ayer, the nearby water village. Fares for water taxis are negotiable, and they can be hailed from various "docking parts" along the banks of the Brunei River. Regular boat services also connect Bandar Seri Begawan to other towns in Brunei, such as Tutong, Seria, and Kuala Belait, as well as towns in Malaysia, including Limbang, Lawas, Sundar, and Labuan.

Future Developments

Bandar Seri Begawan's development master plan, launched in 2010, aims to transform the city into an economic and touristic hub on the island of Borneo. The plan includes the creation of a light rail transit system, the expansion of the international airport, and the development of an energy innovation hub and an international exhibition hall. The city's growth is expected to triple its population by 2035, driving the need for improved transport infrastructure.

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