BRUNEI IN BRIEF

Taken from www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/brunei

The Abode of Peace

Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate nestled on the north-west coast of Borneo.  It is divided into four districts, which are Brunei-Muara district, Belait district, Tutong district and Temburong district with a total area of 5,765 square kilometers.  Brunei is an important source of oil and liquefied natural gas for the expanding markets of Asia and the Far East.  The country is one of the most ancient sovereign states in Southeast Asia and references to "Poli" or "Puni" or "Bunlai", believed to be early names of Brunei, crop up in the writings of Chinese historians from the 6th and 7th centuries.  Brunei is a kaleidescope of nature, culture, heritage and contemporary Asia which makes it a compact, safe, healthy and easy-to-explore family-friendly destination.  With new marketing campaigns by the Brunei Tourism Boards, the Kingdom of Unexpected Treasure will no doubt be hosting new friends from around the world.

Accommodations

EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB

It is situated by the South China Sea and short trip away from the world's oldest rainforests in Borneo and it is truly one of the finest beach, golf, meeting and spa resorts in the Asia Pacific Region.  The Empire Hotel Brunei is a grand, spacious, fully-integrated, state-of-the-art, luxury five star hotel.  

Taken from http://www.marimari.com/

RIZQUN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

It is a five star business class hotel located 10 minutes away from the Brunei International Airport and it is located right in the hub of busines and shopping district of Gadong.  It consists of 168 rooms and suites with 4 food and beverages outlet.  It  also has the biggest pillar less ballroom with a maximum of more than 1000 pax in anyone seating is the biggest in Brunei.

Taken from http://www.marimari.com/

Executive Suite

CENTREPOINT HOTEL

It has an enviable reputation for elegance, luxurious accommodation, excellent and varied cuisine, extensive sport facilities, and superlative conference and banquet services in a superb location for a business or leisure  These are the hallmarks of the Centrepoint Hotel.  It is centrally located in the Gadong shopping and commercial area.  Its only takes 10 minutes drive from the Brunei International Airport.

 Tourist Attractions

KAMPONG AYER

Kampong Ayer, taken from http://www.backpackingmalaysia.com/


Kampong Ayer is the most startling facet of Bandar Seri Begawan.  An extensive ilage built on stilts over the Brunei River; it has no equivalent anywhere else in the world.  Nowadays, Kampong Ayer is still growing and its sprawling jumble of timber houses that stretches some eight kilometres along the river.  Kampong Ayer is an almost self-sufficient community being equipped with modern facilities such as school, water-pipeline, mosque, electricity, clinics, police station, market, and fire brigades.  All are connected by maze of stilted platforms and walkways.



SIR OMAR ALI SAIFUDDIEN MOSQUE

SOAS Mosque, taken from www.launamcneilly.com

This is one of the most magnificent mosque in Southeast Asia.  Built in 1958as the symbol of the Sultanate's faith, the mosque which bears the name of Sultan who built it, features resplendent marble and granite floors, stained glass and  chandeliers from all over the world.  Outside, the mosque is surrounded by a serene manmade lagoon where are 16th century mahligai or royal barge resposes.  The view is especially captivating at night when the lights are on.  The mosque are open for visits in the day but visitors are asked to dress conservatively when entering the building.

ROYAL REGALIA BUILDING

Royal Regalia building, taken from http://www.brunei.travelinfo.my/

It is located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan.  It was built to commemorate the Silver Jublilee of 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 replice of the throne, which is used by the Sultan on state occassions.  There is also an exhibition which is fully documents the history of the constitution of Brunei.  The building is open to the public everyday of the week.  Shoes should be removed prior to entering he building. 

Function and Conference


INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

Brunei's International Convention Centre regularly hosts a variety of gala events, from orchestral and jazz music evenings to political addresses.  The Centre has two theatre-style convention halls which can each accommodate betwen 800 and 1000 people, numerous meeting rooms, banquet and dining halls and a ministers' lounge - all equipped with state-of-the-art communications facilities and a full-scale catering kitchen.


BRUNEI'S STATE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

The legislative council is an annual forum under the constitution  that addresses issues currently faced by Brunei Darussalam as a nation.  The legislative Council dates back to the circulation of the constitution on 29th September 1959, when the old state council of the British Resident era was dismantled and replaced by the Legislative Council in its current form.

The Legislative State Council, taken from http://www.panomario.com/

Outdoor Activities

Brunei offers excellent sports facilities, including golf, bowling, squash, tennis, swimming, badminton, snooker, windsurfing, aerobics and soccer.  Traditional sports such as gasing (top spining), sepak takraw and kite-flying are also alive and well in Brunei.

GOLF

Golf is very popular in Brunei and, upon arrival in the country, visitors immediately encounter evidence of this at sight of the driving range and lush 18-hole golf golf course adjacent to the Royal Brunei Sports Complex.  Fees at the Royal Brunei Glf Club include B$6 for 50 balls and B$10 for 100 balls.  The green fee, which also covers the use of a golf buggy, is B$120.

Golf, taken from http://www.borneo.com.au/

BOWLING

The Utama Bowling Alley is located on Jalan Tutong near Soon Lee Megamart in Bandar Seri Begawan.  It opens daily from 9am to 11pm.  Charges per game are B$4 on weekdays and B$5 on weekends. 

SWIMMING

Dive into the public swimming pools at the Hassanal Blkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, and at the Mumong Sport Complex in Kuala Belait.  Anominal entry fee is charged.



Eating Areas

Dining is an important part of life in Brunei Darussalam.  Gourmands will love the tantalising selections available in a variety of categories, from your local neighbourhood gerai to the modern to fancy fine dining...from local Malay to Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean and all types of international cuisine. 

CHARCOAL

It is where cool interior with an expensive menu selections, which run the gamut from chicken to lamb and beef to pastas.  You wont be dissapointed when yo order any their burger, chicken or rib platters.  Open daily at 10am.

FRATINI'S RESTAURANT

  Food wise, it's Italian all the way, with arresting dishes such as squid ink pasta and tiger prawn risotto.  Freshly oven baked pizzas are not to be missed.  Open daily 10am to 10.30pm.

  

 COFFEEZONE

Another homegrown cafe that is known for its impressive selection of sandwitch, local snacks and mouth-watering desserts to pair your drinks with.  Open daily 8.30am to 12.00 midnight.