BRUNEI A COUNTRY OF UNEXPECTED TREASURES
Today everyone needs a break from their busy stressful life. Who doesn't want to bask in the tropical sun rather than gazing at their boring screens at work? The tourism industry has recently flourished massively due to this much stressful life and the better earning capacity of the people. The tourism industry offers new striking holiday destinations and keeps exploring more to give a wide range of options to travelers. Brunei is one such beautiful holiday destination located in South East Asia bordering Malaysia and Sarawak. Human Development Index is the highest of Brunei among the South-East Asia nations.
The State of Brunei is a spectacular country located situated in the Borneo Island facing the South China Sea. It gained its independence from UK in 1984. Brunei is divided into the eastern and the western part having the majority of the population living in the west of the country. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of the country. Brunei is basically a hot country being close to the equator. It has tropical climate having average temperature of 32.1 degree Celsius. The country is also characterized by heavy rainfall and humidity throughout they year. The economy consists mainly of crude oil and natural gas production contributing nearly half to its GDP. Brunei imports heavily from other countries and earns substantial income from foreign investments.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Brunei population consist majority of Malay though Indian, Chinese and native Bornean population also form the culture of the country. Brunei’s culture is mainly derived from the Old Malay World having its deep roots in Malay origin due to proximity to Malaysia. The ineffaceable mark of Malay culture can be witnessed in the country’s language, ceremonies, architecture and the daily customs. Brunei is the only nation having non emigrant population in the world. The official religion is Islam having sultan as the head of religion in the country. The culture here is more conservative than in Malaysia having Islam at its heart. Malay is the official language though English is also widely spoken by the population. Being an Islamic country, the Sale and consumption of alcohol in public is prohibited because of which there is an absence of pubs and other nightlife in the country. However, Brunei shows great tolerance and respect towards the practice of other religions and beliefs.
BANDAR SARI BEGAWAN
Initially known as Brunei town, Bandar Seri Begawan was developed due to the availability of flat, fertile land and proximity to the Brunei River. It serves as the centre of administration, commerce and finance being the capital. The Sultans of Brunei, the ruling monarchs of the country also reside in this capital city which forms an important gateway to the country.
Bandar Seri Begawan is a fusion of regal affluence and traditional culture. The city houses the country’s most revered landmarks which attract many tourists to enjoy vibrant, yet peaceful city. Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque with stone boat in the lagoon is a striking tribute to the nation’s deep-rooted Islamic faith along with Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque locally known as the Kiarong Mosque. The local food market Tamu Kianggeh and the stylish shopping mall Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex give the best example of ancient and modern architecture of the city.
Another interesting attraction of the capital is the Kampong Ayer water village where tourists can shuttle to and fro through water taxis. The village offers a true glance of Brunei’s pleasing Asian charm. Bandar Seri Begawan is considered as one of the continent’s most distinctive capital city because of its blend of grounded Islamic tradition offering peace and respect on one side and the colourful mosaic tiles, gold towers and sparkling fountains providing a lavish atmosphere.
MONUMENTS, ART AND LANDMARKS
• The palace of the Sultan of Brunei, Istana Nurul Iman in the capital is the largest residential palace in the world epitomising Brunei’s majestic royalty.
• Another example of the rich heritage is the peaceful Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah paying homage to one of Brunei’s greatest Sultans.
• The Royal Regalia Museum is well known to have a glimpse of the nation’s royalty. The visitors can see a display of invaluable royal treasures along with the crown and the royal chariot.
• The Brunei Museum displays a large collection of gilded Holy Korans, treasures discovered from shipwrecks off Brunei’s coast and the exclusive display of ancient cannons and daggers.
• House of Twelve Roofs is a spectacular piece of British architecture of the colonial days which has been converted into a museum and venue to entertain the foreign officials.
• Brunei’s Arts and Handicraft Centre is another example of Brunei’s renowned art and craft which includes boat making, weaving, wood carvings, silversmith and basketry.
Ulu Temburong National Park
This is the prime attraction for tourists who love nature and adventure. The national park covers most of the Temburong district of Brunei and is considered as the best preserved tropical rainforest on Borneo. The park doesn’t have proper roads so it is best accessible by a towering canopy walkway, one of the greatest in the world or via ancient longboat along river corridors which is 12 kilometres upstream through rapids making visitors wet. The park is rich in flora and fauna possessing of stunning diversity in wilderness habitats. However, the visitors will spot very few wild animals due to their shy nature and avoid human contact. The forest is also a haven for scientists who come from all over the world to study and research the ecosystems and animal inhabitants. The Belalong River basin is especially reserved for their scientific survey. There are many tours operating at Outward Bound centre offering a range of outdoor activities and adventure packages. Visitors normally take the tours to the park; however a special permit is required from the Forest Department if someone wants to visit individually. The local guides and boatmen live within the area and the river is like their second home so it is advisable to take them along for safety and assistance. The entire forest is easily accessible through walkways making it an enjoyable experience for travellers to explore the wildlife and nature.
Jerudong Park
Jerudong park is the largest and most expensive amusement park in South-East Asia offering non-stop thrill kids and grown ups. It is a popular tourist destination famous even amongst the Royalty. Late Michael Jackson ‘King of Pop’ has also performed in its outdoor amphitheatres in 1996. The park includes the breath taking rides for adventure seekers like ‘Pusing Lagi’ (suspended roller coater), 48 metre 4-G Giant Drop, the Top Spin and the reverse-drop Log Flume giving an exhilarating and wet excitement. There is also roller skating, go-kart track, shooting gallery and video arcade for young children to have fun. Another notable thing of the park which makes it unique from others is the absence of long waiting queues for the rides because of its massive size and low population of Brunei.
TRANSPORT
Brunei is easily accessible by land, sea and air. Brunei international airport is just 10 kilometres away from the main capital having direct flights to all major Asian destinations by its national airline Royal Brunei Airlines. Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines also fly here. Brunei has several seaports for the commercial purpose of import and export. There are frequent boats from Pulau Labuan in Sabah and Limbang in Sarawak. Pan Borneo Highway also gives easy access to the country through well built roads running throughout Brunei. Bus and taxi service is easily available for road travellers.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Brunei offers a vast range of finest international cuisines to traditionally cooked local specialities. The fusion of Arab, Indian, Chinese, Malay and native Bornean styles of cooking and ingredients makes Brunei’s dishes mouth watering. Recently, Brunei has launched its national halal branding scheme to penetrate the markets in Middle-East countries. It is now easy for Muslim consumers to buy products which confirm their manufacturing according to the strict Islamic compliance and laws. It is the first proper global halal brand catering to the needs of all Muslim consumers. Tourists can enjoy some of the local delicacies like Daging Masak Lada Hitam (spicy beef curry), Udang Sambal Serai Bersantan (prawns in coconut curry) and Serondeng Padang (hearty chicken dish).
There is a wide range of hotels, catered apartments and guest houses available throughout the country. Most of the hotels accept major credit cards and have safe deposit facility where the visitors can keep their passports and currency safely. There are luxury seven star resort housings like Empire Hotel and Country Club and other five star accommodations for business and tourist class namely Sheraton Hotel, Riverview Hotel, Brunei Hotel and Grand City Hotel. Guest houses and serviced apartments are also favourable for tourists wanting to go low on budget.
Brunei is entirely different country to anywhere else in Asia. A visit to this country is one where the entire family can enjoy with its range of activities and sight seeing both for adults and kids. It is an incomplete visit to Asia without exploring the unique culture, hospitable people and heritage of Brunei.
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