Brunei may not register as a “must see” destination, however, the fact it’s an Islamic Sultanate ruled for the past six centuries by one of wealthiest families in the world who reside in the largest, currently occupied private residence is worth at least a day trip from either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
There’s not too much to see and with a population of about 400,000 not only are there few tourists on the streets, there’s hardly any citizens as well - there’s blocks that feel like a deserted ghost town. Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) is the capital city and location of two attractions: Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer. Omar Ali Saifuddien is one of the most picturesque mosques I’ve seen and as an added bonus you are able to enter and see the inside as well. Further down from the mosque is Kampong Ayer - a stilt village and home of 30,000 residents. There are various boat drivers offering a one hour trip around the village to see the homes, police and fire departments, a jail, and a school. Alternatively you could simply pay the water taxi fee and walk around the stilt village independently. From the stilt village you can catch a glimpse of the Sultan’s palace downstream.
I spent a night at the Radisson although it’s pretty easy to walk around and see everything in a half day afternoon. There’s a definitely an Islamic Sultanate presence in the city and reading the newspapers (which fortunately are in English) provides tremendous insight into how the Sultanate operates. The Sultan is the paper's lead story every day.
There’s not too much to see and with a population of about 400,000 not only are there few tourists on the streets, there’s hardly any citizens as well - there’s blocks that feel like a deserted ghost town. Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) is the capital city and location of two attractions: Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer. Omar Ali Saifuddien is one of the most picturesque mosques I’ve seen and as an added bonus you are able to enter and see the inside as well. Further down from the mosque is Kampong Ayer - a stilt village and home of 30,000 residents. There are various boat drivers offering a one hour trip around the village to see the homes, police and fire departments, a jail, and a school. Alternatively you could simply pay the water taxi fee and walk around the stilt village independently. From the stilt village you can catch a glimpse of the Sultan’s palace downstream.
I spent a night at the Radisson although it’s pretty easy to walk around and see everything in a half day afternoon. There’s a definitely an Islamic Sultanate presence in the city and reading the newspapers (which fortunately are in English) provides tremendous insight into how the Sultanate operates. The Sultan is the paper's lead story every day.
PHOTOS
For additional Brunei photos see FLIKR ALBUM.
