Popular Destinations in Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan
Capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan is renowned for its grand Sultan
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Surrounded by a lagoon, the picturesque mosque
is adorned with ornate stain glass, elegant chandeliers, and Italian
marble. The Royal Regalia Building has on display lavish gifts presented to
the sultan. With its 29 golden domes, Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is
the national mosque of Brunei. Visitors will find an array of landmarks
across the city such as Istana Nurul Iman Palace (the Sultan’s residence),
Ash-Shaliheen Mosque, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge, Teng
Yun Temple, Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah, and Church of Our Lady of
Assumption Catholic Church. For sweeping views of the city, visitors must
head to the observation tower at the Tasek Lama Recreational Park. Bandar
Seri Begawan is lined with several state-of-the-art museums, namely, Brunei
Museum, Brunei Arts and Handicraft Centre, Malay Technology Museum, and
Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum. The city offers upscale shopping and
dining options as well. Nature lovers can explore Berakas Forest Reserve,
Berakas Beach, and Jerudong Beach.
Kampong Ayer
Along the Brunei Bay, visitors will find the Kampong Ayer community. The
name of this historic settlement area translates to ‘water villages.’
Kampong Ayer is a cluster of more than 40 villages which have traditional
stilt houses. With its distinctive appearance, Kampong Ayer is among the
most beautiful places in Brunei. The villages are believed to be over five
centuries old and house roughly 13,000 residents. Overlooking the Brunei
River, the villages have their own stores, schools, and mosques which
enable the residents to stay put. Visitors can take a ferry to Kampong Ayer
and take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalks to catch a glimpse into
the old way of life.
Tutong
The third largest district in Brunei, Tutong borders the Malaysian state of
Sarawak to the east and the South China Sea to the north. The district’s
local populace comprises Dusun, Iban, Tutong, Kedayan, and Chinese ethnic
groups. Tutong is divided into 8 subdistricts, of which Pekan Tutong is the
major city. Pean Tutong is located approximately 40 kms west of the
capital, of Bandar Seri Begawan. A quaint city along the coastline, Peakn
Tutong serves as the ideal weekend getaway and beach retreat. For visitors
who like to get away from crowds, the secluded Seri Kenangan Beach is the
perfect spot to relax. Nature lovers can explore the Sungai Basong
Recreational Park, which comprises a miniature ethnic village and several
hiking trails.