Exploring Brunei Darussalam: A Cultural And Natural Odyssey

Brunei Darussalam, officially known as the Sultanate of Brunei, is a small nation on the island of Borneo. It is known for its serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and blend of tradition and modernity. Here are some of the top attractions to see when visiting Brunei:

- Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: This magnificent mosque, named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, is one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia. It features a glittering dome, lush greenery, and a unique floating design.

- Kampong Ayer: Known as the 'Venice of the East, Kampong Ayer is the world's largest water village, built on stilts above the Brunei River. It is home to over 30,000 people and offers a glimpse into traditional lifestyles.

- Ulu Temburong National Park: Dubbed the Green Jewel of Brunei, this pristine rainforest park features a Canopy Walkway, jungle trails, and an abundance of wildlife.

- Istana Nurul Iman: With nearly 1,800 rooms, this lavish palace is the world's largest residential palace and the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei.

- Royal Regalia Museum: Showcasing the opulence of the monarchy, this museum displays gifts, regalia, and artefacts associated with the Sultan's coronation and childhood.

- Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: The largest mosque in Brunei, known for its impressive architecture, intricate details, and capacity to accommodate 5,000 worshippers.

- Brunei River Mangrove Tour: A great opportunity to spot proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife while exploring the peaceful mangrove forest.

- Gadong Night Market: A vibrant market offering a wide variety of local dishes, snacks, fruits, and desserts at affordable prices.

- Pantai Seri Kenangan: Arguably the best beach in Brunei, with long stretches of white sandy beaches and unobstructed views of the South China Sea.

- Malay Technology Museum: Showcases Bruneian culture, ethnography, and traditional village life, providing insight into the country's extensive history.

These attractions offer a mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, making Brunei Darussalam a fascinating destination for those seeking to explore the treasures of Southeast Asia.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The mosque was completed in 1958 and is an example of modern Islamic architecture, uniting Mughal and Malay styles. It was designed by Italian architect and sculptor Rudolfo Nolli, who used an early concept prepared by the Sultan himself, with the assistance of draughtsman Awang Besar Sagap from the Public Works Department. The construction cost between $7.7 and $9.2 million.

The mosque is built in an artificial lagoon on the banks of the Brunei River at Kampong Ayer, the "village in the water". It features marble minarets and a golden dome, surrounded by lush greenery and floral gardens. A bridge reaches across the lagoon to Kampong Ayer in the middle of the river. Another marble bridge leads to a structure in the lagoon, a replica of a 16th-century Sultan Bolkiah Mahligai Barge. The barge was added in 1967 to commemorate the 1,400th anniversary of Nuzul Al-Quran (the coming down of the Quran) and was used for Quran reading competitions.

The mosque's most recognisable feature is its main dome, covered in pure gold. Standing at 52 metres (171 feet) high, it can be seen from virtually anywhere in Bandar Seri Begawan. The interior of the mosque is for prayer only, with features such as stained glass windows, arches, semi-domes, and marble columns. The mosque brings together the world's best materials, including Italian marble, Shanghai granite, crystal chandeliers from England, and carpets from Saudi Arabia.

The mosque is illuminated at night, creating a stunning vision. It is open to non-Muslims from Monday to Wednesday and Saturday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 12 noon, 1:30 pm to 3 pm, and 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Silence must be observed at all times, shoes must be removed, and robes are provided for visitors to wear inside. No photographs are allowed of people in prayer, and flash photography is forbidden.

The Kampong Ayer water village

History

Kampong Ayer is believed to have been inhabited for several centuries and was once the de facto capital of the Bruneian Empire. During its heyday, the village served as a significant port, exporting a wide range of commodities. Historical records, including accounts from Italian explorer Antonio Pigafetta in 1521, describe the existence of 'water settlements' on the Brunei River.

In the 19th century, during the era of British rule, efforts were made to encourage residents to relocate to the mainland. This marked the beginning of a slow transition, with people moving away from the water village to other areas. Despite this, a substantial number of residents chose to remain, and the settlement survived the Allied bombings of World War II.

Modern Times

Today, Kampong Ayer is home to over 10,000 residents, although this is a decrease from previous decades. The village covers an area of about 10 square kilometres and consists of traditional houses, schools, shops, and mosques, all built on stilts. The village is connected by an extensive network of wooden and concrete platforms, as well as pedestrian bridges. Motorboats, known as "perahu tambang" or water taxis, are also used for transportation.

Things to Do and See

Walking through Kampong Ayer is a great way to explore the village and take in its unique charm. The boardwalk offers interesting sights, from well-to-do homes to lower-socioeconomic housing. Watching the local boats navigate through the pillars supporting the boardwalk is an exciting sight. There are also small restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee or tea.

For a different perspective, you can take a cruise on one of the local boats, which will take you around the village and show you the sights. These cruises are a more popular option for tourists, offering a chance to see the water village and spot proboscis monkeys as you cruise down the river.

Practical Information

To get to Kampong Ayer, you can take a local water taxi from the small jetty near the waterfront. The cost is $1 per person for a short ride. These boats are available 24 hours a day, and you can easily find one to take you back to the waterfront when you're ready to leave.

When visiting Kampong Ayer, remember to dress conservatively as you are entering a functioning village. It is also recommended to bring your own food, as the village does not cater specifically to tourists.

The Royal Regalia Museum

The museum was originally built as a monument in 1965, but it underwent a makeover and expansion in 1992 that combined constructivist and Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) architectural elements. The building's architecture and design pay homage to Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). The museum's main doors are modelled by the kalasak (long blade) design. The Royal Regalia Gallery, housed in the main gallery with Black Assoluto granite flooring, features ceremonial objects used at the 1968 Coronation Ceremony. The museum's dome, which is the main feature, is decorated with golden flower mosaics called bunga putar, which mirror the clothing of the Sultan. The dome symbolises protection and vigilance in Brunei's royal regalia.

The Ulu Temburong National Park

The park is located in the Temburong District in eastern Brunei and covers about 40% of the district, or 550 square kilometres (210 square miles). It is within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve and contains unspoiled jungle. The park is an important ecotourism centre in Brunei and is home to the Ulu Ulu Resort, the only accommodation inside the park.

The park can only be reached by river, via longboats from the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. The journey to the park is part of the whole Temburong experience. The first stage of the journey is a 45-minute speedboat ride from Bandar Seri Begawan to the small town of Bangar. After entering the Brunei Bay, boats head up the Temburong River and arrive in Bangar. From there, it's a short overland journey to Batang Duri, the jumping-off point for the park. The final leg of the journey is a 30-minute longboat ride.

The park features a series of forest trails and plank walkways, including a canopy walkway that offers stunning views of the rainforest's diverse treetop ecosystem. The canopy walkway is reached via an hour-long trek from the park headquarters. Other activities in the park include river tubing, hiking, and kayaking.

The Istana Nurul Iman palace

The Istana Nurul Iman is the world's largest residential palace, with 1,788 rooms, including 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall that can accommodate 4,000-5,000 guests, a mosque with a capacity of 1,500, a 110-car garage, five swimming pools, and an air-conditioned stable for the Sultan's 200 polo ponies. The palace also has 564 chandeliers, 51,000 light bulbs, 44 stairwells, and 18 elevators.

The palace is not usually open to the public, except for three days of the year during the Islamic celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, when around 110,000 visitors are welcomed. The palace is also open to Muslims during the 10 days of the Ramadhan period for Tadarus and Tarawih prayer gatherings. On other days, the palace can be viewed from the main entrance gates, the nearby Damuan promenade, or from the Brunei River.

Frequently asked questions