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BRUNEI
Of particular interest to you will be the tours we have on offer. These
can easily be found by simply clicking HERE
 Have
a look at our Brunei special deal -
Brunei Winter Warmers air and
accommodation packages, particularly for travellers
from Australia
Click HERE for link to Brunei accommodation
alternatives
Some Useful Information for the Traveller
The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is located in the North-West corner of the island of Borneo, bounded by
the waters of the South China Sea. Brunei has a total land area of 5765 square kilometres, and is divided into
four districts:
Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, is located in in the Brunei-Muara district.
Nearly 70% of the land area is covered by unspoiled rainforest, which is home to many varieties of flora and
fauna found only on the island of Borneo. A large proportion of the the country's dense rainforest is situated in
and around the Temburong district.
The population of Brunei is largely composed of Malays, with a mixture of Chinese and Indian communities.
Expatriates and a few indigenous groups comprise a minority of the population. The official language is Bahasa
Melayu, however, English is widely spoken and understood by a large proportion of the population.
The country is ruled according to established Islamic values and traditions by the current Monarch, His Majesty
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah. Brunei's form of government, a Malay Islamic Monarchy, is one of the
oldest in the region with over 600 years of recorded history.
Brunei is today actively involved in international, regional and sub-regional core groups such as the Asia Pacific
Economic Co-operation (APEC), ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA rapidly emerging as an active player in the region's affairs.
The strong and stable support of the government contributes to the growing interest in Brunei, both as a developing
economy and a haven of eco-tourism.
BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT
Brunei-Muara has an area of 570 square kilometres and is the smallest of Brunei's four districts. It remains, however,
the most important district because the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan is located there. It is a populous, bustling
district, being the seat of government ministries and departmental headquarters. The district has wide variety of sights
to see and places of interest to visit.
TUTONG DISTRICT
Tutong District covers an area of around 1166 square kilometres, making it the third largest district in Brunei. The main
town is Tutong. Fewer than 35000 people live in this district, including various indigenous groups such as the Tutong,
Kedayan, Murut and Dusun.
There are a few places of interest to visit.
BELAIT DISTRICT
TEMBURONG DISTRICT
Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque at
night |
Brunei Darussalam is an interesting place for a two or three night stopover,
either while travelling between Sabah and Sarawak, or as an entry point
to Borneo. The airport at Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the country,
is close to the city. The Sultan of Brunei could be considered the country's
best known attraction. His monuments form the major part of the existing
attractions for the tourist. After a visit to Brunei, you will be left
wondering whether there is any marble left in Italy!
The country of Brunei is not much larger than Luxembourg, and is bounded
by the South China Sea, Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan. Its population is
in the order of 280 000, and its wealth has been derived from natural gas
and oil production.
The Sultan has also recently constructed a large marble shopping complex
near the waterfront called the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation
Complex; and also built a massive amusement park where entry and the cost
of the rides is free.
The Istana Nural Iman is the Sultan's royal palace for his first wife,
and is also the largest residential palace in the world. The Royal Regalia
Building has an amazing array of chariots, weapons, crowns, thrones and
other paraphernalia.
Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah
Mosque |
The Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque with its domes and minarets plated
with 24 carat gold, and surrounding gardens, was built to commemorate the
25th Anniversary of the king's reign.
Omar Saifuddien Mosque |
A tour of the city will visit the spectacular Omar Saifuddien Mosque, markets,
the Kampung Ayer water village, which is said to be the largest water village
in the world, and the Brunei Museum, as well as the sights mentioned above.
Beyond the Kampong Ayer water village, it is possible to see
proboscis monkeys and other wildlife around dusk.
Out of town, and worthy of a visit is a visit to the Ulu Temburong tropical
lowland forest., where it is possible to take a forest canopy walk (after
climbing 1200 steps) and visit a local Longhouse. |
