Brunei Darussalam is wedged in between the two East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, with its northern shore facing the South China Sea. Brunei is a land of contrasts, especially the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The famous Kampung Ayer, a collection of houses, shops, schools and clinics, is perched on stilts in the Brunei River. Located opposite this water village in the centre of town are speculator mosques and the world’s largest royal palace. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is home to the opulent Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque and its 29 golden domes. The capital’s massive Istana Nurul Iman palace is the residence of Brunei’s ruling sultan.
The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. It was offered the opportunity to join Malaysia as a state in 1963, but opted out of the Federation due to a disagreement on the amount of its oil income that would have to be given to the central government in Kuala Lumpur. Independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.
The backbone of Brunei's economy is oil and gas and the Sultan of Brunei is, famously, one of the richest people in the world with an estimated personal wealth of around 40 billion dollars. Per capita GDP is far above most other developing countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services, housing, education and subsidizes daily needs like rice.
All sectors of economy are fairly heavily regulated and government policy is an odd mixture of subsidies, protectionism, homophobia and encouragement of entrepreneurship. Brunei's leaders are attempting to balance the country's steadily increasing integration into the world economy with internal social cohesion. It became a more prominent player in the world by serving as chairman for the 2000 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit. Plans for the future include upgrading the workforce, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.
Istana Nurul Iman
The Istana Nurul Iman is the world’s largest residential palace in occupation with 1788 rooms. The 300-acre palace sits on a man-made hill with a clear view of Kampong Ayer. Istana Nurul Iman is the residence of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah since 1984 and it is open to the public three days in a year, on the second to the fourth day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is a mosque located in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. It is named after Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th and current Sultan of Brunei. It is one of the two state mosques. The mosque is a donation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The construction started in 1988 on a 20-acre location in Kiarong.The mosque was introduced on 14 July 1994 with the Sultan attending the Maghrib and Isha prayers in conjunction with His Majesty's 48th birthday celebration. Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is built in modern mosque architecture style. The roof is decorated with a gold dome made of pure gold. There are two golden domes in total. The large dome is part of the prayer hall. All four corners form a steeply high minarets. From the top of the tower, one can see as far as the location of Brunei Airport. The walls around the minarets are decorated with geometric patterns on different floors. The top apex is made up of four small gold domes. The inner structure and the outer courtyard are all marble and decorated with mosaics. Flower bushes and fountains were also built along the path leading into the inner hall.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is an oasis of tranquillity within the bustle of downtown Bandar. Completed in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, it was built with the craftsmanship that reflects classical Islamic architecture. The lagoon replicated of 16th century Mahligai or Royal Barge where religious ceremonies such as Holy Qur'an readings were staged during the 1960s and early 1970s. The mosque has been regarded as Brunei's architectural achievement and has over the years established itself to become the country's most recognisable landmark. Opening daily except Thursday, Friday and Islamic holiday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-3:00pm.
Royal Regalia Building
The Royal Regalia Building is located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. It was built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan's accession to the throne in 1992. The museum is home to a collection of Royal Regalia, including the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury and a replica of the throne, which is used by the Sultan on state occasions. Opening daily except for major public holiday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Timepiece Monument
Memorial Clock Monument built on 11th July 1959, to commemorate the visit of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Yang Di-Pertuan Agung of Malaysia. This Monument is located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan to function as a 'Zero-Mile-Clock', it is used to indicate the starting point of distance between Bandar Seri Begawan and other places in Brunei.
Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery
The $3-million Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery was built to provide visitors with a glimpse of Kampong Ayer's storied past while preserving part of Brunei's heritage. Five mini galleries within the building showcase the water village's history and origin, with handicraft and relics from the bygone era also on display. There is also a souvenir shop selling traditional handicraft and an observation tower which gives visitors a fantastic panoramic view of the water village and the capital's skyline are all to be found at the centre. The Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery can be reached by taking a water taxi from the Royal Wharf. Opening daily except Friday and public holiday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Eco Ponies Garden, Tutong
Looking for an extraordinary adventure and getting close to nature as well as the chance of learning traditional techniques to fill your spare time with something lovable? Here, situated in Southeast Asia, on Borneo Island, the country named Brunei Darussalam is well-known as a religious country. Located here is a community and family run farm and astounding garden called Eco Ponies Garden in Lamunin, Tutong district. Visitors receive a warm welcome every peaceful morning with birds whistling and singing and are also inspired by the healthy nature of the environmental area while having fun as well as enjoying the products at their mini bazaar.
A blend of unique traditional and local sights are available. Bright and cheerful quotes are colourfully displayed and beautifully painted everywhere like on the rusty, huge rocks and the wooden man-made items such as the large traditional boat. Furthermore, a range of exciting activities is provided with the help of the local community. For example, there is a gardening full of various kinds of plants; mostly medicinal and you can touch the smooth, edible plants, magnificent petals of numerous flowers as well. You can smell the aromas and taste different kinds of spices and herbs used for appetizing traditional cooking dishes such as soft, sweet and spicy, beef rendang. This is great for filling up after an exhausting day of building and painting. The delightful homemade traditional side dishes like oily and chewy 'penyaram' are made to energize you for all of the exciting activities. Filled with smooth and sun-warmed wooden benches and covered by enormous trees, this is a great place to relax.
Apart from that, you will also get a chance to buy their herbs and medicinal plants, which are reasonably priced, as well as perfumes made from the unique flowers. In the end, you get to experience the warm, friendly ecosystem and good-natured atmosphere of the garden.
