Exploring Muara, Brunei: A Travel Guide

If you're looking for things to see in Muara, Brunei, there are plenty of options to choose from. Muara is a port town in Brunei-Muara District, about 28 kilometres from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The town has a rich history, having been inhabited by Malay fishermen for centuries and later becoming a coal-mining centre under the rule of Charles Brooke, the White Rajah of Sarawak, in the late 1800s. Today, Muara is home to a variety of attractions, including:

- Muara Beach: A mile-long stretch of clear white sand along the coast of the South China Sea, offering amenities such as a picnic area, changing facilities, and weekend food and drink stalls.

- Muara Port: The country's primary deep-water port, with extensive facilities for shipping and container operations.

- Royal Brunei Navy Base: Located in the Tanjong Pelumpong area, this naval base supports offshore operations and houses three offshore support vessels.

- Masjid Lama: A mosque that serves as the main tourist attraction in Muara, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of the local community.

- Dermaga Diraja (The Royal Wharf): A scenic promenade along the Brunei River, offering stunning views of the Kampong Ayer water village and easy access to some of Brunei's finest restaurants.

- Malay Technology Museum: Showcasing traditional technology and crafts of the Kampong Ayer residents, including boat-making, fishing, and goldsmithing.

- Tasek Lama Recreational Park: A natural rainforest park with hiking trails, a waterfall, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular spot for stress relief and nature enthusiasts.

Visit the beach

Muara Beach is the main tourist attraction in Muara, Brunei. Stretching along the coast of the South China Sea, the beach is about a mile long and consists of clear white sand. The beach is equipped with a picnic area, a children's playground, and changing and toilet facilities. Weekend food and drink stalls are also available.

If you're looking for a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, Muara Beach is the perfect destination. The calming sea breeze, the hypnotic view of the sea, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks create a peaceful atmosphere. The beach is also known for its unique rock formations, providing a captivating experience for visitors.

For those who enjoy water activities, Muara Beach offers swimming, surfing, and fishing opportunities. However, it is important to be cautious of rip currents and "Beware of Crocodile" signs before entering the water.

Nearby attractions include the Royal Brunei Yacht Club and a Thai food restaurant, as well as the Marine Biodiversity Centre, which is dedicated to the conservation of marine life, especially sea turtles.

Muara Beach is easily accessible, located about 30 minutes from the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is served by the Muara-Tutong Highway and can be reached by taking Jalan Muara, the main road that originates in Mukim Berakas near the Brunei International Airport.

Explore the water village

Kampong Ayer, meaning 'water village', is a must-see when visiting Muara, Brunei. Technically part of the Bruneian capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, the village has a unique history and culture that is distinct from the rest of the country. With more than 30,000 inhabitants, it is the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia.

Kampong Ayer is built on stilts above the Brunei River, with an extensive network of wooden walkways, footbridges, and boardwalks connecting the different neighbourhoods. The village encompasses six mukims and several administrative villages, including Burong Pingai Ayer, Lurong Dalam, and Pengiran Setia Negara. It is a place where tradition and modernity coexist, with houses built in the traditional Malay style alongside more modern buildings.

The village has a rich history, dating back to the 16th century when Italian explorer Antonio Pigafetta visited as part of the Magellan expedition. It is believed that the stilt settlement may have relocated over time, and by the 19th century, it was home to the nobles of Brunei. The discovery of coal in the 1880s led to rapid development in the area, and Muara became an important deep-water port. Today, the port continues to be a major hub for the country's economy, with two Royal Dutch Shell petroleum facilities occupying part of it.

When exploring Kampong Ayer, visitors can take a scenic boat ride on the Brunei River, walk along the wooden paths and bridges, and visit the Cultural and Tourism Gallery to learn more about the village's history and handicrafts. The gallery is located beside Jetty 1 and is accessible by water taxi from the Royal Wharf.

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Kampong Ayer also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of its residents. The village has all the amenities of a modern town, including schools, mosques, shops, and even a hospital. Fire cases are common due to the wooden construction of many buildings, and the village has its own police stations and fire departments.

With its unique architecture, rich history, and vibrant community, Kampong Ayer is a fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Brunei.

Discover the local markets

Gadong Night Market

Located right next to Gadong Mall, Gadong Night Market is the place to go to sample local food. With a wide variety of local dishes, snacks, fruits, and drinks, you can eat to your heart's content for a very reasonable price. The market is surprisingly clean and vibrant, with plenty of tables available for you to enjoy your meal. The market is open from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and it is recommended to rent a car to get there.

Sumbangsih Mulia Complex

Located in Beribi Industrial Park, Sumbangsih Mulia Complex is a cheap place to experience local foods, cakes, puff pastries, rice dishes, and more. There are around 60 stalls selling a variety of foods and drinks, most of which sell items for B$1. The complex is only open during the day.

Jerudong Wet Market

Jerudong Wet Market offers a wide range of seafood, including fish, prawns, and cuttlefish, as well as fruits and local delicacies. The prices here are slightly more expensive compared to the Gadong Wet Market.

Gadong Wet Market

Another option for trying local dishes, snacks, fruits, and drinks is the Gadong Wet Market.

Admire the architecture

There is plenty of beautiful architecture to admire in Muara, Brunei.

One of the most impressive buildings in the region is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. This magnificent mosque, named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, is set in a lagoon and surrounded by lush greenery and floral gardens. The mosque features a glittering dome covered in real gold, stained glass windows, Italian marble floors, Shanghai granite walls, British chandeliers, and carpets from Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the most impressive mosques in Southeast Asia and is a must-see for anyone interested in architectural beauty.

Another notable religious site is the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, built in 1994. This ornately decorated mosque showcases intricate Islamic architecture and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and fountains.

For those interested in royal architecture, the Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan of Brunei's lavish Royal Palace, is a sight to behold. With 1,788 rooms, a banquet hall that seats over 4,000 guests, a 1,500-person capacity mosque, and sweeping rooflines, it is the world's largest residential palace. Although only open to the public for three days a year, the palace can be viewed from outside the main entrance gates or from the nearby Damuan promenade.

Other notable architectural sites in the region include the Brunei Legislative Council Building, the Ministry of Finance Building, the Brunei Supreme Court Building, and the Dewan Majlis Building.

In addition to these man-made structures, Muara also boasts natural architectural wonders, such as the Lugu Lake, a former man-made pit turned freshwater lagoon known for its turquoise lustre.

Learn about the history

Muara, Brunei, officially known as Muara Town, is a port town in the Brunei-Muara district. The name Muara means 'river mouth' in Malay, and the town is situated next to a large river entrance into Brunei.

Before the 1900s, Muara was a small fishing village inhabited by Malay fishermen. In 1883, the area of Serai Pimping began to be developed to extract coal, which fuelled passing steamships. Under the government of Sarawak, the settlement became known as Brooketon, named after Charles Brooke, the White Rajah of Sarawak.

The development of the Brooketon Colliery coal mine led to the construction of a wooden railway to transport coal to the deep-water anchorage at Muara. Wharves and jetties were also built to accommodate steamships and barges. By 1911, Muara's population had grown to over 1,447, and 30 shops had opened in the town.

Although Charles Brooke only had economic privileges, he became the de facto political ruler of the area. He introduced a police force, a post office, and roads, transforming Muara into an extension of Sarawak. In 1921, Muara was returned to Brunei, and the mine closed in 1924 due to heavy financial losses.

During World War II, the Japanese occupied Brunei and unsuccessfully attempted to reopen the coal mine. At the end of the war, Australian forces landed in Brooketon as part of the Borneo Campaign, liberating Brunei from Japanese occupation.

Under the rule of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III, Muara was developed into a deepwater port to assist in the country's development. Muara Port has undergone extensive improvements since 1973, including extensions to the wharf and the construction of long storage warehouses.

Muara was formerly part of the separate Muara district until 1938, when it became part of the present-day Brunei-Muara district. The administrative centre of the district is Bandar Seri Begawan, and the district is home to the Brunei International Airport and Muara Port, the country's only international airport and deep-water port, respectively.

The Brunei River flows through the district, and it is home to Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village. With a population of over 30,000, Kampong Ayer is a unique settlement built on stilts above the Brunei River. It has all the amenities of a modern city, including mosques, restaurants, shops, and even a hospital. Visitors can experience this historic village by taking a water taxi from Bandar Seri Begawan.

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