Brunei as a popular tourist destination

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

Some of popular place to visit in Brunei

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

With its soaring minarets and golden dome, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is an oasis of tranquility within the bustle of downtown Bandar. Completed in 1958, it is built of Italian marble, gold mosaic and English stained glass, but with craftsmanship that reflects classical Islamic architecture.Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien is regarded as the architect of modern Brunei. It was he who steered the nation safety through the turbulent years following WWII, establishing the foundation for the nation's independence and sovereignty.

The Istana Nurul Iman and Taman Persiaran Damuan

The largest residential palace in the world, the Istana Nurul Iman is the home of His Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah and the site of his Prime Ministerial offices. Built on a leafy, riverside sprawl of hills, the Istana boasts golden domes and vaulted roofs which echo Islamic and Malay architectural influences.One good place to view the Istana, especially at night, is from Persiaran Damuan, the palm-tree studded park that ambles along the river bank on Jalan Tutong. A popular early evening venue for joggers and strollers, the Damuan features paved walkways, outdoor sculptures by ASEAN artists on the theme of Unity and Diversity, and al-fresco dining at night.

Tamu Kianggeh

Tamu means market and Bandar's tamu is on the banks of the Kianggeh River. Here is where you will find a variety of local produce. Among the items you may find are medicinal herbs and local delicacies. Handicraft shoppers may find good bargains here. Good buys include tudung dulang (decorative food cover), pemarang (machet-like knife) and local foods like kueh cincin and jala.Tamu Kianggeh is open from early morning until late evening. Other tamu and night food stalls of interest are located in Gadong and opposite Terrace Hotel.

The Royal Regalia Building

Situated at the heart of Bandar, the Royal Regalia Building and its unique collection of royal Bruneian artefacts was established to commemorate the 1992 Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's accession to the throne.The ceremonial regalia on display includes the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury, the traditional jewel encrusted coronation crowns and a replica of the throne used by His Majesty on state occasions. An exhibition documenting the history of Brunei's constitution may also be inspected.

The Billionth Barrel Monument

Commissioned by Brunei Shell Petroleum and designed by a local architect the Billionth Barrel Monument commemorates the production of the billionth barrel of oil by the Seria oilfield. It is locate close to the seawall, near the site of "S-1", the first well dug almost 70 years ago.The approach to the monument is through an arched entrance and a row of trees on either side. The arches serve to remind visitors that Brunei is an Islamic country and the floor is tiled in an Islamic pattern.The monument is a mere five-minute drive from the Seria town centre.

Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park

The Park is about 80km from Bandar Seri Begawan. Established by Brunei Shell Petroleum to commemorate the occasion of His Majesty's Silver Jubilee year as Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park was officially declared open by the monarch in 1992.The park's blue-water lagoon and recreational facilities ensure its popularity as a family destination.

Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park

The Park is about 80km from Bandar Seri Begawan. Established by Brunei Shell Petroleum to commemorate the occasion of His Majesty's Silver Jubilee year as Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park was officially declared open by the monarch in 1992.The park's blue-water lagoon and recreational facilities ensure its popularity as a family destination.

Luagan Lalak Recreational Park /Wong Kadier Waterfall

Some 25km beyong Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park on the road to Labi, the Luagan Lalak Recreation Park covers some 270ha within the Labi Hills Forest Reserve. Luagan Lalak Recreation Park is important as the location of a rare alluvial freshwater swamp, or empran. During rainy periods, the entrapped water level rises, filling the area like a lake. In drier spells, the waters recede quickly, and the valley flourishes with sedge-predominantly the Lepironia species.Apart from shelters and footpaths for exploration, a 200 metre wooden walkway meanders along the lake area.The 45 minute jungle trek to Wong Kadir Waterfall, is half the fun of visiting this picturesque spot. The walk crosses several steep ridges en route to the falls where relief awaits in an enclave of shady unspoilt jungle and pure, cool river water.

The Labi Longhouses

Further down the Labi Road, past Kampung Labi itself, the forest gives way to several exapmles of a form of dwelling unique to the island of Borneo - the Iban longhouse. Literally a village under one roof, a long house consits of a single shed-like structure divided along its length into separate family lodgings, each of which is accessed via a communal area running the length of the building. This communal area is the venue of the village population's social and daily indoor work activities.The nearest longhouse to the town of Labi is Rampayoh Longhouse which is divided into 16 lodgings. Others include Mendaram Besar Longhouse, Mendaram several trails head off into the jungle along this stretch of the road. They are clearly marked and signposted, and direct hikers thourgh tracts of primary rainforest to various waterfalls and elevated viewing areas. The walks are relatively undemanding and guides are not necessary but for safety reasons, local advice should be sought.

Merimbun Heritage Park

Birdwatchers, botanists and nature lovers will appreciate the jungle tracks and the peaceful ambience surrounding Brunei's largest lake, Tasek Merimbun.Sponsored by HSBC, and administered by the Brunei Museum, the Park aims to provide a safe haven for protected wildlife to breed, preserve flora and fauna and to provide a base for scientific research and study.The small island in the centre of this unusual S-shaped body of water can be reached via a wooden walkway. Here, picnic pavilion facilities fashioned from logs enhance the enjoyment of this restful spot. Chalet facilities for researchers are available nearby.

Seri Kenangan Beach

Pantai Seri Kenangan - literally, the "unforgettable beach" - is in Kuala Tutong. A popular recreation area just a five minute drive from Tutong, the beach's appeal is the magical effect created by a narrow spit of land that separates the mirror-smooth Tutong River from the broad, ruffled waters of the South China Sea. Chalets, restaurants, huts, a playground and food stalls are also available.

Tamu Tutong Kampung Serambagun

Just one km from Tutong's town centre, this large, colourful open tamu offers produce from the inland forest, and vendors travel to the market as much to purchase supplies as to sell their own wares. It is open everyday.

Ulu Temburong National Park

Ulu Temburong National Park occupies approximately 50,000ha of the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve. The park's locality and steep, swampy terrain have limited human impact on the area and helped preserve its rich biodiversity.Established forest trails through the park include 7km of wooden walkways which protect ground vegetation and help prevent erosion. A canopy walkway affords visitors an opportunity to observe the rainforest's surprisingly diverse treetop ecosystems.In addition, a series of treehouses some 20m above the ground, and linked by hanging bridges, provides excellent observation points.Ulu Temburong Park Headquarters Information Centre, including staff quarters and a surau (prayer hall), is located at the confluence of the Temburong and Belalong Rivers. Access to the park is by temuai or longboat, and visitor accommodation within the park consists of some seven guest houses and three well-equipped campsites.