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Kampong Ayer. For at
least 600 years, Bruneians harvested the bounty
of the seas, forging a way of life that is still
strongly evident in the lives of the 30,000
inhabitants of Kampung Ayer, the capital’s
sprawling water village. Here, the village’s
centuries-old web of homes, markets, mosques,
schools, medical clinics and police and fire
stations hovers on stilts over the shallows of
Brunei River Even today, water taxis are the
most efficient and popular means of negotiating
the Kampung’s labyrinthine waterways. From their
prows, one could see the mosque’s glistening
minarets rising above multi-hued, garden-draped
homes.
Brunei has not been spared the encroachment of
high technology and high-flying aspirations, but
beyond the cold blinking faces of computer
screens and beneath the hum of modems, Kampung
Ayer’s heart still dances to an ancient rhythm.
Visitors may wander along the Kampung’s pathways
at appropriate hours.
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Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
With its soaring minarets and golden dome, the
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is on oasis of
tranquility within the bustle of downtown
Bandar. Completed in 1958, it is built of
Italian marble, gold mosaic and English stained
gloss, but with craftsmanship that reflects
classical Islamic architecture.
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Sultan Sir Muda Omar Ali
Saifuddien is regarded as the architect of
modern Brunei, It was he who steered the notion
safely through the turbulent years following
WWII, establishing the foundation for the
nation’s independence and sovereignty.
Beside the mosque and anchored in a lagoon is a
replica of a 16th Century mahligai, or royal
barge, where religious ceremonies such as Holy
Qur’an readings were staged during the 1960s and
early 1970s. Visitors may go inside the mosque
but are asked to leave their shoes before
entering and to exercise due consideration for
people praying.
Women are advised to cover their heads and dress
conservatively.
Visiting periods are Sunday through Wednesday
from 8am to noon, 1pm. to 3:30pm and From 4:30pm
to 5:30pm The mosque is closed to non-Muslims on
Thursdays.
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The Royal Regalia Building.
Situated in the heart of Bandar, the Royal
Regalia Building and its unique collection of
royal Bruneian artifacts was established to
commemorate the 1992 Silver Jubilee of His
Majesty’s accession to the throne. The
ceremonial regalia on display includes the royal
chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury the
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coronation crowns and a
replica of the throne used by His Majesty on
state occasions. An exhibition documenting the
history of Brunei’s constitution may also be
inspected. The building is open to visitors from
Monday till Thursday and Saturday between 9am to
5pm and Friday and Sunday
between 8:30am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 5pm.
Shoes are to be removed before entering.
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The Istana Nurul Iman and Taman
Persiaran Damuan. The largest residential palace in
the world, the Istana Nurul Iman is the home of His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and the site of his
Prime Ministerial offices. Built on a leafy riverside
sprawl of hills, the Istana boasts golden domes and
vaulted roofs which echo Islamic and Malay architectural
influences. One good place to view the Istana,
especially at night, is from Persiaran Damuan, the
palm-tree studded park that ambles along the river bank
on Jalan Tutong. A popular early evening venue for
joggers and strollers, the Damuan features paved
walkways, outdoor sculptures by ASEAN artists an the
theme of Unity and Diversity, and al-fresco dining at
night.
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Jame’ Asr Hassanal Bolkiah
Mosque. Built to commemorate the 25th
anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan’s reign,
this mosque is the largest and arguably the most
magnificent in Brunei. With its intricately
ornamented minarets and shimmering golden domes
dearly visible along the main route into town
from the airport, the Kiarong Mosque (as it is
locally known) towers over a landscaped terrain
dotted with fountains.
Visitors are welcome every Sunday through
Wednesday from 8am to noon, 1pm to 3:30pm and
from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. The mosque is closed to
non-Muslims on Thursdays. |
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Jerudong Park Playground. The
tempo of tropical nights in Brunei took on a new
dimension of fun and fantasy with the opening of
Jerudong Park Playground in 1994. Bathed in breeze From
the South China Sea, this state-of-the-art theme park
was launched to coincide with His Majesty’s 48th
birthday, and is his gift to his people.
Paved walkways and a locomotive network negotiate
fragrant tropical gardens to link traditional,
relatively tame amusements such as the old-time carousel
and dodgem cars to the futuristic surprise of wild
action simulators and the awesome Giant Drop.
A confrontation with roaring dinosaurs, a leisurely game
of larger-than- life chess, a front-row view of the
synchronised dancing Fountains or a paddle-boat ride on
the lagoon provide rejuvenating changes of pace from the
likes of the infamous Pirate Ship and Pusing Lagi (a
roller coaster ride). Jerudong Park Playground lies
along Bandar Seri Begawan’s Muara-Tutong Highway, about
a 20-minute drive from the town centre.
Jerudong Park Playground is open during the following
hours: Monday, Tuesday: Closed Wednesday & Thursday: 5pm
- midnight Saturday: 5pm - 2am Friday, Sunday & Public
Holiday: 5pm-midnight there are nominal charges for
certain rides and attractions. Times subject to change.
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