Tourism in Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam's vision is to promote the country as a unique tourist destination and gateway to tourism excellence in South East Asia. The objectives are to create international awareness of Brunei Darussalam as a holiday destination; to maximise earings of foreign exchange and make tourism as one of the main contributor to GDP. In addition, it will create employment opportunities.
The country offers a wide variety of attractive places to be visited and experienced. The rainforest and National Parks are rich in flora and fauna. Its most magnificent mosques, water village (traditional and historic houses on stilts), rich culture and Jerudong Theme Park are among the uniqueness of Brunei Darussalam.
The government is now actively promoting tourism as an important part of its economic diversification. It would like to see a target of 1 million-visitor arrival by the year 2000. From January to August 1999, the statistic recorded 405,532 visitors visited Brunei Darussalam.
Among the tourist attractions in Brunei Darussalam include His Majesty the Sultan's Palace along Jalan Tutong, the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Kiarong, the Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque by the Brunei river, the Jerudong Park, the Royal Ceremonial Hall and Legislative Assembly in the capital, the Brunei Museum on top of a hill overlooking the Brunei river; waterfalls at Mendaran outside the capital; and Rampoyah off the Labi Road in the Belait district; the longhouses in the interior region of the country; the forest reserve at Sungai Liang, Belait district; and the Temburong Field Studies Centre.
A spectacular landmark in the capital is the magnificent new mosque Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah at Lebuhraya Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong. It adds a new dimension to Brunei and to the whole region as one of the grandest monuments of Islam. It is the brainchild of His Majesty with every detail meticulously rendered revealing the true depths of His Majesty's conviction.
Jerudong Park
Jerudong Park, Brunei's multimillion dollar playland complex, attracts thousands of visitors with its free rides, sights and sounds.
In Temburong
In Temburong, the Kuala Belalong field Studies Centre was born out of the country's most ambitious and extensive scientific study conducted jointly by the University of Brunei Darussalam and the Royal Geographical Society of London involving 70 scientists from eight countries. The centre is continually used for educational purposes.
Brunei provides specialised tours for nature lovers at Sungei Liang where canopy walkways allow nature trippers a closer look at what's happening on the treetops. The walks start in the recreational park through a stretch of Dipterocarp forest where tree species are named and marked. There is a spiral staircase built onto a giant tree and unto the treetop, 60 feet above the ground, where you can view the birds amidst the foliage.
The Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque
The Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque is one of the most magnificent in Asia and a fitting symbol of Brunei's perpetual adherence to Islam. It dominates the skyline of Bandar Seri Begawan with its distinctive golden dome. Visitors are welcome to see its mosaic stained glass and marble structure. Completed in 1958, the Mosque is an edifice of classical Islamic architecture. Its minaret, which has a lift inside, rises to a height of 54 metres. Its distinct gold dome rises to 52 metres.
The Lapau (Royal Ceremonial Hall) and Dewan Majlis (Parliament House) form a sprawling complex featuring a blend of traditional Malay and western architecture.The Lapau contains the Patarana (Throne) and it is where numerous solemn ceremonies are held.
The Brunei Museum, on top of a hill at Jalan Kota Batu overlooking the Brunei river, was opened officially in 1972 by HM Queen Elizabeth II. The Malay Technology Museum was built by the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies to mark the nation's independence. The $7 million building is on Jalan Kota Batu near the Brunei Museum.
The Asean Square has on permanent display the works of chosen sculptors from each of the Asean member countries with the theme 'Harmony in Diversity. The Persiaran Damuan (Asean Park) is located on a stretch of land between Jalan Tutong and the bank of the Brunei river.
Recognised as the world's largest water village, Kampong Ayer extends from both banks of the Brunei river. Home to 30,000 people, one can hire a water taxi for a closer look at the houses on stilts. River Cruises are also available. The palace residence of His Majesty the Sultan and the seat of government, the Istana Nurul Iman is situated on the banks of the Brunei river. It is not open to the public except during the Hari Raya when the Royal Family greet their subjects.
Travel offshore in search of world famous gamefish like sailfish, barracuda or tenggiri, and spend an evening of merriment on one of Brunei's offshore islands. This kind of corporate entertainment is made possible by Continental Yachting which has just launched Sport Fishing Charters operating out of Brunei.
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