Brunei Darussalam
The Four Districts and their attractions
Brunei- Muara
The capital Bandar Seri Begawan which houses the government ministeries and departmental headquarters is located in this district. The city centre boasts one of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque named after the current Sultan’s father Omar Ali Saifuddien.
The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex is close by the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and houses both commercial and shopping outlets. Brand-name goods can be found here as well as international chains of restaurants.
The Royal Regalia Museum is home to a collection of royal regalia, including the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury, the jewel-encrusted crowns and a throne used on state occasions. The history of the constitution of Brunei can also be read here.
Next door, the Brunei History Centre offers insights into the genealogy and history of the Sultans of Brunei and the Royal Family.
Kampong Ayer opposite Yayasan is believed to be the largest water village in the world. About 30 000 people live in traditional stilt houses spanning the greater part of the Brunei River. The kampong comes complete with schools, clinics, mosques and police stations.
The Royal Palace the Istana Nural Iman is the largest residential palace in the world and is open to the public during Hari Raya.
The Kota Batu area is where the traditional arts and crafts of Brunei can be found. Hand-crafted silver jewellry, basketware and daggers known as ‘keris’ can be found there. The Brunei Museum is home to a private collection of Holy Korans as well as ceramics, glassware and carpets. The Malay Technology Museum focuses on traditional techniques of house-building and other aspects of Malay life.
Jerudong Park is a theme park which caters for those wishing to experience a variety of simulated rides. It is a very popular tourist attraction.
Muara Beach is popular for both adults and children for both walking and for picnics.
Tutong
Tutong is about 1166sq km and is home to indigenous groups such as the Tutong, Kedayan, Dusan and Iban tribes. It is home to parks, lakes and beaches all of which are popular for walks, picnics, fishing and swimming.
Belait
This is the centre of the oil and gas industries the two major towns being Kuala Belait and Seria. Recreational Parks have been developed and maintained for the public for picnics, jogging and hiking. It is also possible to visit longhouses (a village under one roof with a communal area running the length of the building) and Lumut Beach a popular place for family outings.
Temburong
Temburong is famous for its dense virgin forest and is home to the indigenous Muruts and Ibans. The various parks are ideal for trekking and are in the midst of extremely natural surroundings. The Rainforest Field Studies Centre is for teaching, training and research into the lowland tropical forests of Brunei. Outward Bound Brunei is situated in tropical virgin rainforest on the banks of the Temburong River. It is very popular for schools, colleges, government officers, corporate executives, youth groups and other non-governmental organisations.
Districts