Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Brunei Darussalam
Brunei or Negara Brunei Darussalam is just a small country but it is rich because of its oil reserves. It is a peaceful Muslim country.
I work in the country for more than nine years and I could share with you its top tourist attractions.
There a lot of them but on this post, I will be sharing the most popular ones in random order. You can explore other posts on this blog to find more interesting places and activities you can do in the on unexpected treasures.
1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque – This mosque is located at Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei, and is considered as the major landmark of the country. This is a magnificent mosque especially at night when it ‘glows in the dark’. It has 28 domes as symbol of the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
2. James ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque – This is the largest mosque in Brunei and it hase 29 golden domes. It is also locally known as the Kiarong Mosque, built to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of His majesty the Sultan’s reign.
3. Royal Regalia Building – You can see the full regalia of Sultan, including the crown and royal chariot, together with the massive collection of treasure. You can bring your camera and take photos in the entrance area only.
4. Kampong Ayer (Water Village) – A prehistoric village built on stilts above the Brunei River immersed in cultural and historical heritage. It is known to be the largest water village in the world and some people refer it as the ‘Venice of the East’. Means of transportation consist of water taxis and plank walkways.
5. Brunei Museum – Exhibitions comprise antique cannons and daggers, Borneo ethnographic displays and treasures unearthed from shipwrecks off Brunei’s coasts. Just next to the Brunei Museum is the Malay Technology Museum, which features how things like boat-making, fishing, metalworking, and goldsmithing were done in ancient times
6. Istana Nurul Iman – It is official the residence of the sultan of Brunei. The palace is situated on a luxuriant, riverside trail of hills on the banks of the Brunei River south of Bandar Seri Begawan, a few miles outside the city center. Istana Nurul Iman, which means Palace of the Light of Faith, is said to be the world’s largest residential palace of any type. The palace is only open to public during Hari Raya season in Brunei.
7. Ulu Temburong National Park – It is the first national park in Brunei that is protected since 1991. There many adventures you can do in the area including the most exciting activity on the Canopy Walkway where you can see the green forest from over 60 meters above the ridge of the mountain. This walkway, built with steel towers supporting the cable way.
8. The Empire Hotel and Country club – This is one of most beatuiful places you should visit in Brunei. The Empire Hotel and Country Club was constructed for six years and was opened on 16 October 2000. It’s Emperor Suite—with private elevator, swimming pool, steam room, sauna, movie theatre, and grand piano—was voted Voted “The World’s Leading Presidential Suite” by the World Travel Awards 2003 & 2004. Visitors can enjoy taking photos at the lobby of the hotel and others areas that are open to public.
9. Oil and Gas Discovery Center – It showcases the captivating world of science and engineering as it applies to the petroleum industry. It’s aim was to create an education center for visitors to understand and appreciate the oil and gas industry which has been the strong supporter of Brunei Darussalam’s economy.
10. Billionth Barrel Monument – The monument was built in 1991 to commemorate the production of the billionth barrel of oil produced in the onshore oil field in Seria. The monument is located near the first well discovered in Seria Oil Field. In the same place where the monument is located, you can also see the nodding donkeys, the instruments that are used to pump oil.