Bandar Seri Begawan: The Heart Of Brunei's Culture And History

Bandar Seri Begawan, formerly known as Brunei Town, is the capital of Brunei and its largest city. It is located in the Brunei–Muara District, the smallest yet most populous district in the country. Bandar Seri Begawan is home to Istana Nurul Iman, the world's largest residential palace, and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Brunei's iconic landmark. The city is known for its peaceful atmosphere, lacking the chaos typical of most Southeast Asian cities. Its downtown area is small, with a grid of 4-5 streets, and is characterised by a low skyline adorned with minarets and neat arrangements of buildings. Bandar Seri Begawan has a population of approximately 100,700 people and serves as the country's administrative, commercial, and cultural centre.

Bandar Seri Begawan's history

Bandar Seri Begawan, formerly known as Brunei Town, is the capital and largest city of Brunei. It is located on the northern bank of the Brunei River, near its mouth on Brunei Bay, an inlet of the South China Sea. The city's history can be traced back to the establishment of a Malay stilt settlement on the waters of the Brunei River, which became the predecessor of the modern-day Kampong Ayer, a suburb of the capital.

Bandar Seri Begawan became the capital of the Bruneian Sultanate from the 16th century onwards and was a British protectorate in the 19th century. The establishment of a British Residency in the 20th century marked the beginning of modern-day administration on land, as well as the gradual resettlement of riverine dwellers. During World War II, the capital was occupied by Japanese forces from 1941 to 1945, when it was bombed by Allied forces during the liberation. Brunei gained independence from Britain on 1 January 1984, with the declaration taking place in a square in the city centre.

The city is home to several notable landmarks, including Istana Nurul Iman, the world's largest residential palace; the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia; and Kampong Ayer, the largest 'water village' in the world, nicknamed the 'Venice of the East'. Bandar Seri Begawan was renamed in 1970 to honour Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and the father of the current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah.

The city's transport links

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is a well-connected city with a range of transport options. Here is an overview of the city's transport links:

Air

Bandar Seri Begawan is served by Brunei International Airport (BWN), which is located approximately 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) from the city centre. The airport is accessible via the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway, and the journey typically takes around 10 minutes. Brunei International Airport is the hub of the national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines, which offers daily flights to destinations such as London, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Kota Kinabalu. Other airlines operating from the airport include Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and AirAsia. The airport is small but functional, providing a range of amenities for passengers.

Road

The city is easily accessible by road, with all major roads in Brunei (except those in the isolated Temburong Districts) leading to Bandar Seri Begawan. The main road connects the city to the coastal route to the Sarawak border via Tutong, Seria, and Kuala Belait. Additionally, there are road connections to Muara and Kuala Lurah, where border crossings into the Limbang division of Sarawak are located. Driving from Miri or Limbang in Sarawak, Malaysia, to Bandar Seri Begawan takes approximately 2-3 hours and 1 hour 30 minutes, respectively. It is also possible to drive from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, to the city in one day.

Public Transport

Bandar Seri Begawan has a well-developed public transport system, including bus and taxi services. The main bus terminal is located in Jalan Cator, in the city centre, and it serves as the starting and ending point for multiple bus routes. Bus fares are affordable, with a standard fare of B$1 for adults and B$0.50 for children and senior citizens. Buses operate from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, although the service may be limited before 6:30 am and after 6:00 pm. The Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line, and Northern Line are the six bus routes that service the Bandar Seri Begawan area.

Water

Water taxis, known as 'penambang', are a common means of transportation in Bandar Seri Begawan, especially for travelling between downtown and Kampong Ayer, the nearby water village. Water taxis can be hailed from various "docking parts" along the banks of the Brunei River. Fares for water taxis are negotiable. Regular boat services are also available from Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangar in the Temburong District and to Malaysian towns such as Limbang, Lawas, Sundar, and Labuan.

Brunei International Airport

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei and its largest city. It is located on the island of Borneo, along the Brunei River, near its mouth on Brunei Bay, an inlet of the South China Sea. The city is known for its peaceful atmosphere, pleasant greenery, and neat arrangements of buildings.

The airport serves as the home base and hub for Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), the national carrier of Brunei. It also serves as the headquarters for the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), which is located opposite the main runway. Brunei International Airport has a modern international terminal, a cargo terminal, and a royal terminal for the sultan's flights. The airport offers various facilities for travellers, including a VIP Lounge, car rental services, a post office, a bank, and a mosque.

The construction of the airport began in 1970 in Mukim Berakas, and it became operational in 1974. The growth in popularity of air travel in the 1970s had overwhelmed the previous airport in Berakas, prompting the need for a new and modern facility. The runway at Brunei International Airport was one of the longest in the Far East when it was built.

Royal Brunei Airlines operates flights to numerous international destinations from the airport, including London, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Melbourne, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo Narita. Other airlines serving the airport include Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and AirAsia. The airport has a range of dining and shopping options, including international fast-food outlets and local concept stores.

Bandar Seri Begawan's sights and attractions

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is a peaceful and sleepy city, with clean air and roads that are not overly trafficked. The city is home to almost all of the country's major attractions, including:

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

One of the first things you'll notice when walking around Bandar Seri Begawan is the grand, photogenic mosque. It is one of the country's national mosques and is considered one of the most beautiful in East Asia. The mosque features Italian marble floors, granite from Shanghai, Arabian carpets, and chandeliers from England. Its white minarets and golden domes are visible throughout the city centre.

Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is Brunei's other national mosque. It was commissioned by the current Sultan and features a blend of modern architecture with clear influence from the Ottoman Empire. The mosque has 29 golden domes, representing the 29 sultans who have led Brunei.

Kampong Ayer - Venice of East

Kampong Ayer is the world's largest water village and is entirely built on stilts, interconnected by 38 kilometres of wooden boardwalk. The village has amenities such as boats, houses, cafes, schools, mosques, and even a hospital. A trip to Kampong Ayer is a unique experience and offers a glimpse into the area's long history.

Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum features gifts given to the Sultan by foreign heads of state, as well as exhibits showcasing the Sultan's life since his childhood. The museum also includes a large gilded chariot used in the 1992 Silver Jubilee ceremony.

Istana Nurul Iman

Istana Nurul Iman is the world's largest residential palace and serves as the royal family's home and the seat of the Brunei government. The palace is closed to the public for most of the year, except during Hari Raya, when locals and foreigners are invited to join the grand feast.

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Tasek Lama is a natural escape conveniently located near the city centre. The park offers walking and running trails, playgrounds, exercise equipment, and a waterfall. It's a great spot for a picnic and to experience the rainforest without leaving the city.

Other notable attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan include the Malay Technology Museum, Ash Shaliheen Mosque, Brunei River Mangrove Tour, Ulu Temburong Day Trip, Gadong Night Market, Kota Batu Archaeological Sites, and the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum.

The city's accommodation and dining options

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here is a list of some popular choices:

• The Capital Residence Suites: Located near the Royal Regalia Museum, this hotel offers spacious rooms, modern bathrooms, and a pleasant shuttle service.
• Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam: Featuring an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and delicious breakfast, this hotel provides a wonderful experience with friendly staff and a delightful spa.
• The Brunei Hotel: Strategically situated in the city centre, it offers convenient access to shopping and dining options. The rooms are spacious, and the hotel provides a hot and cold water dispenser on each floor.
• Badi'ah Hotel: Away from the hustle and bustle, Badi'ah Hotel offers a peaceful retreat with approachable staff and comfortable accommodations.
• Higher Hotel: Located a short walk from the Hua Ho Department Store, this affordable hotel provides laundry services and a good breakfast.
• Qing Yun Rest House: Known for its excellent hospitality and clean rooms, this budget-friendly option is conveniently located near the mall and offers easy access to public transportation.
• D'Anggerek Serviced Apartment: Spacious and comfortable, this serviced apartment provides friendly service and is ideal for families.
• The Rizqun International Hotel: This hotel features a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, fitness centre, children's play area, and an extensive gym.
• The Centrepoint Hotel: Located within walking distance of shopping and dining options, this hotel offers a decent local food selection at the breakfast buffet.

When it comes to dining, Bandar Seri Begawan offers a diverse culinary scene to satisfy all budgets and taste preferences. Here are some popular choices:

• Gadong Night Market: A lively night market featuring an array of street food, local delicacies, and fresh produce. You can enjoy satays, fried snacks, and a variety of rice and noodle dishes at affordable prices.
• Restoran Semporna Enak: Located on the waterfront, this restaurant offers a selection of Asian dishes, including mouth-watering buttermilk chicken and Sambal carrot cake. It's the perfect spot to dine outdoors and enjoy stunning views of Kampong Ayer during sunset.
• Big Papa's Restaurant: With a laid-back atmosphere and extended opening hours, Big Papa's caters to a variety of tastes, offering everything from fried rice and seafood to Brunei-style crepes.
• Tarindak D'Seni: This restaurant offers buffet-style dining with a selection of Malay, Bruneian, and Singaporean dishes. It's a popular choice among tourists, and you can try Ambuyat, Brunei's national dish.
• Charcoal BBQ & Grill: One of the few Western-style restaurants in the city, Charcoal BBQ & Grill satisfies your cravings for meat with a menu of steaks, lamb chops, prawns, and Greek salad.
• Nurwanita Thai Restaurant: If you're craving Thai food, Nurwanita is the place to go. They serve a variety of northern Thai cuisine, including Panang Chicken Curry and mango sticky rice pudding, according to locals.
• Seri Damai Restaurant: For a taste of Pakistani cuisine, Seri Damai delivers rich and flavourful dishes like boneless chicken with prawns and briyani rice.
• Le Keris Restaurant & Cafe: This restaurant combines modern cooking techniques with traditional Bruneian flavours to create delicious fusion cuisine.

Frequently asked questions