Small in size but big in attractions is what Brunei Darussalam can offer to all its visitors. A sun-washed jewel clenched between the South China Sea and North Borneo's rainforest, the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam exudes the color and mystique of a nation whose sovereignty once stretched across the entire island of Borneo and parts of the Philippines and the tourist attractions in Brunei is just fantastic. You will be welcomed with open arms and you will feel its charm the moment you step out from the airplane and you will be thrilled with the many places of interest in Brunei.
The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is an oil rich sultanate that obtained independence in 1984. It offers tourists many attractions like grand mosques, river journeys and virgin rainforests that cover almost seventy percent of the country. Brunei i
s made up of four districts which are Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong and this beautiful country has some of the most incredible tourists attractions in this region. One unique thing about this beautiful country is that all its four districts has attractions which are quite different and visitors will appreciate this fact. Photo: Billionth Barrel Monument
Located in the Brunei-Muara district, Bandar Seri Begawan, its capital city, is dominated by the picturesque Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque which is an oasis of tranquility within the bustle of downtown capital. The Istana Nurul Iman is the most impressive site in Brunei and it is the world's largest residential palace. One good place to view the palace, especially at night, is from Taman Persiaran Damuan, the palm-tree studded park that ambles along the river bank on Jalan Tutong. Kampung Ayer, described as the 'Venice of the East', home to over 30,000 inhabitants, is the capital's sprawling water village.
The Royal Regalia Building is home to a collection of royal Bruneian artifacts. Brunei History Centre has a display on the research of the genealogy and origins of the Sultans of Brunei and the Royal Family. Lapau or the ceremonial hall is where traditional royal ceremonies are normally held. Tasek Lama Recreational Park is a pocket of rainforest and has a natural waterfall, garden and lake. The market or tamu, located on the banks of the Kianggeh River, is open daily and the Tamu Hujung Minggu opens at the weekends and offers many exciting goods and a variety of local products.
Jerudong Park Playground is an adventure theme park open free to public. Paved walkways and a locomotive network negotiate fragrant tropical gardens to link traditional, relatively tame amusements such as the old-timed carousel and dodgem cars to the futuristic surprise of wild action simulators and the awesome Giant Drop.
The Arts and Handicraft Centre in Kota Batu Area has on display the int
ricately designed brocade called kain tenunan, woven using gold or silver threads. The Malay Technology Museum provides an insight into the kind of tools ancient Bruneians used. The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Gadong area is Brunei largest and arguably the most magnificent mosque in Brunei. The Berakas Forestry Recreation Park provides over 199 hectares of forests, ponds, trails and observation tower. With its long and quiet esplanade, Muara Area Beaches invites leisurely strolling and it is an ideal family outing destination. Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
More rural landscapes can be seen at Tutong District. Birdwatchers, botanists and nature lovers will appreciate the jungle tracks and the peaceful ambience surrounding's Brunei's largest lake, Tasik Merimbun at the Merimbun Heritage Park. Continuing south-west from Tutong, the coastal highway leads to Belait, the largest and most southerly of Brunei's four districts. Embracing one of the few intact lowland forest areas of Southeast Asia, the Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park is laced with a network of well-marked trails that incorporates an elevated canopy Ulu Temburong National Park walkway. For those who prefer a day of sun and sand, Lumut Beach has specially designed huts and shelters complement by a range of picnic facilities. The Billionth Barrel Monument, located near the Seria town centre, is to commemorate the production of the billionth barrel of oil by the Seria oilfield and thus making this place one of the many famous tourist areas in this oil-rich state.
Separated from the rest of the nation by Brunei Bay and a sliver of Sarawakian territory, Temburong District hovers to the north-west of Bandar Seri Begawan, beckoning visitors to take the short step into another world. The famous Rainforest Field Studies Centre at Kuala Belalong was established as a training and research base focusing on knowledge about Brunei's lowland tropical forests. The Ulu Temburong National Park provide access to recreation and accommodation facilities and this attraction in Brunei is one of the most scenic places in Borneo Island.
Brunei's true treasures are its charming, gracious people whose hospitality reflects the country's warm and tropical climate and together with its rich cultural heritage, glorious past colorful traditions and natural beauty that harmoniously coexist with a modern and more contemporary side, Brunei is so easy to appreciate. Come and discover countless unique experiences, and take away memories that are uniquely Brunei after visiting the many attractions in Brunei.
