Popular Places

Brunei Muara District
Brunei-Muara, with an area of 570 sq km, is the smallest of Brunei's four districts. But it remains the most important, populous and bustling district because the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan - seat of the government ministeries and departmental headquarters - is located here. Starting from the city centre itself and moving out into the rural areas, the district has a wide variety of sights to see and places of interest to visit. Map

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.

Kampong Ayer
Early European visitors to Brunei Darussalam described the Kampong Ayer, or Water Village, as the Venice of the East. Today, visitors continue to be fascinated by these traditional and historic houses on stilts which span the greater part of the Brunei River.

Home for about 30,000 people, the Kampong Ayer is accessible by boat or via wooden bridges from the houses in Kampong Ayer are joined by a maze of inter-connecting wooden walkways, and visitors are free to roam at their leisure. His Majesty's government has provided every modern facility for the residents, including schools, clinics, police stations and mosques. A visit to Brunei Darussalam would be incomplete without a trip to this unique and intriguing place.

The Royal Regalia Building
Situated in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the Royal Regalia Museum was built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's accession to the throne in 1992. This 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 His Majesty uses on state occasions. There is also an exhibition which fully documents the history of the constitution of Brunei Darussalam. The Royal Regalia Building is open to the public daily from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, and on Friday from 9.00 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the building.

Brunei History Centre
Established in 1982, the Brunei History Centre was founded to undertake research into the rich history of Brunei Darussalam. Among the areas of special interest is the genealogy and history of the Sultans of Brunei and the Royal Family. There is a display area open to the public from 7.45 am to 12.15 pm and 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm on Monday through Thursday and on Saturday. The centre is situated next to the Royal Regalia Building.

Royal Ceremonial Hall
Another magnificent building within Bandar Seri Begawan is the Royal Ceremonial Hall, better known as the Lapau, where the present Sultan was crowned on the 1st of August 1968. An exquisite golden dome highlights the Lapau's interior. Traditional royal ceremonies are normally held here. Adjoining the Lapau is the Dewan Majlis or Parliament House.

Tasek Recreational Park
This is one of the oldest recreational parks within the city. As well as a natural waterfall and lake, the park features a beautiful garden of trees and flowers. For those who want to get away from the noisy traffic of the city, this park is an ideal place to spend some time. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there from the Lapau. Brunei Shell, as part of their community work, have also installed an 8m high wall for those interested in climbing.

Tamu Kianggeh
The tamu, or open market, is situated on the banks of the Kianggeh River in central Bandar Seri Begawan. Here one can find a wide variety of items including local dishes, fruits and vegetables, flowers and handicrafts. The tamu is open every day from morning to late evening.

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.

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.

Tutong District
Tutong District covers an area of around 1166 square kilometres, making it the third largest district in Brunei. The main town is Tutong. Fewer than 35000 people live in this district, including various indigenous groups such as the Tutong, Kedayan, Murut and Dusun. There are a few places of interest to visit. Map

Tasek Merimbun
Those who enjoy nature will delight in a day trip to Tasek Merimbun, Brunei's largest lake. The lake naturally forms an unusual S-shape.

There is a small island in the centre, which is accessible by way of a timber walkway. the island has pavillion facilities made from tree trunks for picnicking, and is a restful and quiet spot. There are chalet facilities available for researchers only. For those interested in botany or birdwatching, there is also a trail through the jungle.
Tasek Merimbun is about 1 hr 15 min drive from the city.

Seri Kenangan Beach
Pantai Seri Kenangan - literally the unforgettable beach, is a popular recreation area at Kuala Tutong. The beauty of the beach is enhanced by a narrow spit of land that has the South China Sea on one side and the Tutong River on the other.
Further along the road passes through Kampong Kuala Tutong, amidst a forest of coconut palms, to reach the old jetty. This was the site of ferry crossings over the Tutong River before the present bridge was built in 1959. The beach is a 5 minute drive from town of Tutong, and a lovely spot for picnics, fishing and swimming.

Sungai Basong Recreational Park
This park lies just short of Tutong on the Muara - Tutong Highway. It is one of the most popular spots in the district for picnicking. the park includes a mini-lake, platforms, shelter huts and open activity areas.
From the town centre, Sungai Basong Recreational Park is just a 5 minute drive.

Tamu Tutong Kampung Serambagun
This big Tamu, or open market, offers a great variety of produce, especially local foods, fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. Most of the vendors of these items are from the inland forest areas, who come here to sell their produce and also to buy for their own needs.

The Tamu is open every day, and is located about 1 km from the centre of town.

Belait District
Belait is one of the most important districts in the state, because it is the centre of the oil and gas industries - the country's main resources. Oil was first discovered in Seria in 1929, and commercial production began in 1932. Map

Sungai Liang Forest Recreational Park
Sungai Liang is about 70 km from Bandar Seri Begawan, and the drive takes about an hour along the coastal highway. The park is 450 metres from the main Sungai Liang junction along the road to Labi.

This is one of several parks which have been developed and maintained for public recreation. The park is one of very few lowland forest areas in Southeast Asia and has facilities for general recreational activities, such as picnicking, jogging and hiking. It also caters for natural history devotees, with self-guided or organised group tours of the forest. The main pond, with its shelter platforms and open areas in the central complex, should satisfy visitors looking simply for fresh air and beautiful outdoor surroundings.

The more energetic may care to explore the network of well-marked nature trails that wind their way around the park, including a high-level canopy walkway in the tree-tops. This wonderful facility will give you a totally different perspective on the rainforest.

Tamu Sungai Mau
Opening only on Sunday mornings between 6.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m., this tamu provides a market place for locals, although some customers come from as far afield as Bandar Seri Begawan. Shoppers can find fresh goods such as fish. deer meat and wildvegetables from the remote jungles of Labi. It is best to arrive early in the morning, when the tamu is crowded with people and the goods are at their freshest. The tamu is 15 minutes' drive from the Sungai Liang/Labi road junction.

Sungai Mau Recreation Park
This is situated on the Sungai Liang Labi road. The Belait River runs along one side of the park, which has a lush canopy of green tropical forest making it a peaceful spot for picnicking or simply strolling.

Luagan Lalak Forestry Recreation Park
Lying about 25 km from Sungai Liang along the Labi road, this park covers an area of roughly 270 hectares within the Labi Hills Forest Reserve.

A rare and interesting place, it features an alluvial freshwater swamp or empran. During rainy periods it fills up like a lake, and in drier spells the waters recede and the valley becomes covered with sedges - mainly of the species Lepironia.
There are shelters, footpaths and a 200metre wooden walkway which spans most of the lake.

Wasai Wong Kadir
Wasai Wong Kadir is a 45-minute walk from the Labi road. It is ideal for those who enjoy, or would like to try, jungle trekking up and down steep ridges. The Wasai, or waterfall, is a popular picnic spot. The walk crosses several steep ridges en route to the fall, but once there you can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the jungle and the cool, pure water of the river. Because this is a long walk, it is advisable to take with you both drinking water and sun protection gear.

Labi Longhouses
Further down the Labi Road, past Kampong Labi itself, there are several examples of a form of dwelling unique to Borneo - the longhouse. A village under one roof, longhouses consist of a row of family houses - r doors - with a communal area running the length of the building. This is the social centre of the village.
Rampayoh longhouse has 16 doors and is the nearest to Labi. Othersinclude Mendaram Besar, Mendaram Kecil and, at the end of the road, Teraja. They are populated by Iban folk - once feared as headhunters but now more given to pastoral activities. Visitors are always warmly welcomed. Etiquette requires that you take some small gifts, ask permission before entering and remove footwear before doing so.
Several trails head off into the jungle along this stretch of the road. They are clearly sign posted and marked, and lead the walker to scenic waterfalls and hills in virgin primary forest. They are relatively undemanding and guides are not necessary, but for your own safety you are advised to seek local advice before setting off.

Temburong District
On your river trip to Bangar, which is the main town in Temburong, keep a close watch along the shores at low tide for monkeys, monitor lizards and crocodiles basking in the sun. Most of Temburong is dense virgin forest, with a few patches of land used for cultivation by the Malays, Muruts and Ibans who live there. Map

Kuala Belalong Mini Park
The Kuala Belalong Mini Park is in Bangar near the Temburong Civic Centre Padang, about 1 km from the town centre. It was opened on the 22nd of July1993, when His Majesty visited the district in celebration of his 47th birthday. The park has a natural pond which is used for remote-controlled boat racing. For those unable to get to the remote Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre, this park is an alternative attraction. It has six pondoks, or huts, of similar design to those at Kuala Belalong. Three of them are used to exhibit pictures of His Majesty's Temburong visit, and the activities of the local people. The other three display some of the findings made at the Kuala Belalong centre. Scenic beauty is provided by the natural landscape, a waterfall, shelters and flowers.

Batang Duri Park
This is about 16 km from Bangar. It is bordered by towering the crystal clear waters of the Temburong River. The park has open areas for picnics alongside the river, as well as wooden walkways for strolling and playgrounds for children. Swimming is allowed, but the current can be very strong.

Rainforest Field Studies Centre Kuala Belalong
The FSC is located near Kuala Belalong, within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve. It is a joint venture project between Brunei Shell Petroleum and University Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Brunei Shell donated the funds to build seven timber houses,including accommodation, a laboratory and a dining room.

The centre is a focal point for teaching, training and research into the lowland tropical forests of Brunei. It can also provide facilities for fieldwork at both university and secondary school level, which are available to schools, higher education institutes, government departments and bona-fide overseas scientists. The centre can accommodate up to 24 people.
The trip there is not easy, and can take up to two and a half hours of pushing and pulling a longboat over a series of 23 rapids. But the site is a natural wonder of international importance. For example, one entomologist doing research there found over 400 species of beetle in a single tree. Applications for overnight visits must be made through the UBD.

Peradayan Forest Recreation Park
This park is situated within the Peradayan Forest Reserve, and covers an area of 1,070 hectares. It is about 15 km from Bangar on the road to Labu. A visit to the park can include a 1.6 km forest trail that winds up and down a mountainside to the peak. The full trek requires about two hours.

The Peradayan Forest Reserve includes the twin hills of Bukit Peradayan, which rises to 410 metres (1225 ft) and Bukit Patoi, at 310 metres (950 ft) above sea level.

The area has a unique geological character, with some unusual caves and rock formations. One may also encounter wildlife, such as kijang (deer). The rocky summit of Bukit Patoi has an open patch of flat stone which acts as a viewpoint and helipad. There is a pleasant breeze at the summit, and panoramic views of green jungle, blue sea and the villages and fields of neighbouring Sarawak.

Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD)
Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam is situated in the virgin tropical rain-forest on the banks of the Temburong River. A joint venture of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport with Brunei Shell Petroleum, OBBD has a logistic centre close to Batang Duri and an operations centre further upstream, in the heart of the forest. It aims to give groups of people a carefully designed and activity-based jungle experience, which fosters confidence, practical problem-solving, team-work, determination and a sense of adventure.

OBBD tailor their courses according to the nature, age and requirements of the client group, and the amount of time The facility is not just for schools and youth groups; it can also offer activities as part of an organisation's management development programme or for people who simply want a challenge. OBBD is unique among Outward bound - being the only one situated in dense primary rainforest.

Ulu Temburong National Park
The National Park is located within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve. It has an area of approximately 50,000 hectares. Due to its location, rugged terrain and its conservation purposes, human impact in the area been limited. The area is rich in biodiversity. Most of the development of the facilities and amenities has been undertaken by the Forestry Department. Nature trails have been constructed and these include 7 km of wooden walkways which improves access to steep and swampy terrain, protects the ground vegetation and prevents erosion. There is also a forest canopy walkway, giving both scientists and tourists an opportunity to examine the upper layers of the forest which are so rich in life. There are also Tree houses about 20 metres high whichare connected by hanging bridges. These can be used for nature observation. Panoramic views are often difficult to obtain in tropical rainforest but a number of observation points of river and mountain scenery have been identified.

At the Park Headquarters located at theconfluence of the Temburong and Belalong there will be an information centre, staff quarters and a surau. Accommodation for visitors is located nearby; there are about 7 guest houses and 3 camping sites complete with facilities within the Park. Access to the Park is by Temuai or Long Boat.