++Brunei++

The Royal Regalia Building is located in the heart of Banda Seri Begawan. It was built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan's accession to the throne in 1992. The museum is home to a collection of royal regalia, including the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury, the jewel encrusted crowns used during the coronation and a replica of the throne, which is used by the Sultan on state occasions. There is also an exhibition which fully documents the history of the constitution of Brunei. The building is open to the public every day of the week (on Friday the opening hours are shorter than the rest of the week) Shoes should be removed prior to entering the building.




Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Dominating the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, this is one of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia and a symbol of the strong Islamic faith of the people of Brunei Darussalam. Completed in 1958, it is named after the 28th Sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien, who is still referred to as the architect of modern Brunei. The mosque's design reflects the use of the world's most elegant materials, including marble from Italy, granite from Shanghai, stained glass and chandeliers from England and carpets from Belgium and Saudi Arabia. Located in a lagoon beside the mosque is a replica of a 1 6th century mahligai barge, which was used to stage colourful religious ceremonies such as Koran reading competitions during the 1960s and early 70s. Visitors to the mosque are advised to remove their shoes before entering and should be dressed conservatively. Visiting hours: Sunday through Wednesday from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon, 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. On Friday: 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm . The mosque is closed to non-muslims on Thursday

The Istana Nurul Iman and Taman Persiaran Damuan

The most impressive site in Bandar Seri Begawan is His Majesty's royal palace, known as the Istana Nurul Iman. It is the largest residential palace in the world, and its golden domes, vaulting roof and riverside setting make it a spectacular subject for photographs. The palace is open to the public only during Hari Raya, when residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to greet His Majesty and the royal households. The best view of the istana is from the Persiaran Damuan, which is a park along the river bank offJalan Tutong. It has walkways, a well equipped playground and feature six outdoor sculptures by ASEAN artists, on the theme of Unit,vin Diversity. The Persiaran Damuan is popular for jogging and has several foodstalls in the evenings.


Jerudong Park Playground
A large, state-of-the-art theme park, Jerudong Park Playground is the only one of its kind in the world because it is entirely free of charge to all visitors. It opened in 1994 to coincide with His Majesty's 48th birthday and now welcomes about 2,000 visitors per day, who come to be thrilled by adventurous rides that cater to all ages. It has become one of Brunei's top tourist attractions.

The grounds, which have extensive childrens' play facilities, are open from 2.00 pm until 2.00 am daily. The games and rides open as follows : Mondays-Wednesdays 5.00pm-12.00am Thurdays & Saturdays 5.00 pm - 2.00 am Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays 2.00 pm -12.00 am During Ramadhan 8.00 pm - 2.00 am.

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex

Adjacent to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, this is the latest imposing addition to the skyline and waterfront of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is a commercial and shopping complex, designed to generate revenue for a foundation dedicated to the welfare of the people. It is a personal initiative of His Majesty, and is a testament to his abiding concern for the well-being of the people of Brunei. The complex is designed withan amalgamation of both traditional Malay and modern architecture . Its main walkway features excellent views of the OmarAli Saifuddien Mosque at one end and Kampong Ayer at the other. The shopping complex, opened in July 1996, and contains the biggest selection of shopping facilities in Brunei. Various branded goods are sold here. With the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan aims to create a complete new image in the city centre, thus making it a major tourist attraction.

The Arts and Handicraft Centre
This is situated alongside the Brunei River onJalan Residency, and it is where the traditional arts and crafts of Brunei Darussalam have been revived.

Here traditional, intricately designed sarongs are woven using gold or silver threads called 'jong sarat'. They have been worn on ceremonial occasions for centuries, and are valued as heirlooms and collector's pieces.

Hand-tooled silver jewellery and artifacts, such as ornamental cannon and the snake-like dagger known as the 'keris', can be purchased from the centre's handicrafts shop.
The centre is open daily from 7.45 am to 12.15 pm and from 1.30pm to 4.30 pm, except on Friday and Sunday when it opens between 8.30 am and 2.00 pm.

Bumbungan Duabelas
Further up the road along Jalan Residency is a grand old building called Bumbungan Duabelas, the House of Twelve Roofs, which was built in 1906. It used to be the official home of the British Resident and has a panoramic view overlooking the Kampong Ayer. Now owned by the government, the building is used for entertaining foreign dignitaries and staging cultural performances.

Ancient Tomb of Suhan Bolkiah
During the 15th century, under the reign of the fifth Sultan, Bolkiah, Brunei was the dominant power in the region. His mausoleum and its cemetary garden lies on the banks of the Brunei River off Jalan Kota Batu, near the Brunei Museum.

The Brunei Museum
The architecturally distinctive building which houses the Brunei Museum is about 6.5 km from Bandar Seri Begawan along the Brunei River.

Here the visitor can enjoy a variety of displays including a unique and priceless collection of Islamic art. A large private collection of elaborately gilded Holy Korans are testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of ancient calligraphers, and there are also treasures of ceramics, glassware and carpets.

Other galleries here contain bronze ware, Borneo ethnographic displays, a natural history collection and one devoted to the oil industry. The museum is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily except Monday, and from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 5 pm on Friday.

The Malay Technology Museum
Situated near the Brunei Museum, the Malay Technology Museum offers the visitor an intriguing insight into the lifestyle of the people of Brunei in bygone days. Focusing on the traditional techniques of house-building and other aspects of Malay life, it shows the ingenuity of earlier generations and their skillful use of locally-available materials. Authentic, three-dimensional displays of boatmaking, fishing, metalworking and goldsmithing transport the visitor back to traditional times.

The museum is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily except Tuesday, and between 9.00 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm on Friday.

credits molon , asiatravel ,