Wednesday, September 1, 2010

BRUNEI IN BRIEF


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.  







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.




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.


Tuesday, August 31, 2010

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE (TIC)

The BSB Tourist Information Centre is located outside the Airport Arrival Hall.  A new Tourist Information Centre is now open at Kampong Ayer Cultural Tourism Gallery (KACTG). 



SHOPPING IN BRUNEI
WHERE TO GO....WHAT TO BUY....


Shopping in Brunei Darussalam is fantastic value for the money because it is a tax free country.  If you are trendy shopper, Brunei has a number of malls and shopping complexes such as The Mall Gadong, Yayasan Shopping Complex, and many more.



The Mall Gadong, from http://www.arhbrunei.con/themall/images/themall_2004.jpg

The Mall Gadong is a bold futuristic complex that will set the standards of Brunei Darussalam's retail industry.  Combining a host of amenities, the complex comprises of the Mall, international hotel, cenvention or meeting areas.  The perfect blend of commercial, residential and leisure elements is achieved through the developer's meticulous attention to detail and no expense has been spared to make The Mall Gadong, the latest statement in functionality and sophistication.


Yayasan Shopping Complex,  http://molon.de/galleries//Brunei/Town/images01


The Yayasan complex is a project of His Majesty to generate revenue for a foundation dedicated to the welfare of the Bruneian people.
This shopping complex was openedin July 1996, and features designer-goods boutiques, depatment store shopping, and fine-dining venues.

HEALTH & FITNESS



Jerudong Park Medical Centre is a Private Specialist Hospital in Brunei Darussalam.  It is situated within the famous Jerudong Park area which also boast he Royal Polo Club and stables, a golf club and exciting theme park and playground.  The centre is located on the shores of the South China Sea with patient rooms facing an expanse of beautiful, private beach.


 http://brunei/fm/news/wp-conents/uploads/2009/04/jpmc2.jpg


TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT


 Brunei town is generally smal, so getting around is easy once you get to the town centres.  Soak in the tropical sun, stroll through local neighbourhood areas and discover some gems that locals rave about.  And when the walking has taken the tol, there are numerousoptions of public transport available. 


Buses
There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line.  They usually operate from 6.30am-6.00pm.  Bus fares start from B$1.OO.  Buses heading to other towns in Brunei like Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria depart from the bus terminal located at the multi-storey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB.

Taxis
There are not many taxis around but metered taxis are available from most hotels, shopping centres and the airport.

Water Taxis
Unique to Brunei, the water taxis are the most comon means of transpotation at Kampong Ayer.  You can hail for a water taxi from the numerous jetties along the banks of Brunei River.  The water taxi is an ideal way to view the Kampong Ayer up-close.  Fares are negotiable but usually a standard ride costs about B$1.00.  Regular boat services to Temburong operate between 7.45am to 4.00pm, and a round trip fare costs B$15.00.

Ferry Services
Passenger ferry services to he Malaysian town of Labuan, operates between 7.30a to 4.00pm and departs from the Serasa Terminal in Muara Town.  The journey takes between 45 minutes to an hour. 

BEAUTY AND THERAPY

Zen Spa Healthcare
One of the newer spas in town, with the well thought of spaces and clearly marked male-female treatment rooms.  The convenience of the shower built within each treatment rooms.  Open daily from 10.00am until 10.00pm. 



AMANHA SPA
An oasis where you can remove youself from the daily stress that effects us all, while gaining relief from the ache of a tired body and from the anxieties of an overworked mind, through the proven benefits of massages and spa treatments.

 


SPECIAL OCASSION

  1. New Year's Day
  2. Maal Hijriah (Islamic New Year)
  3. Chinese New Year
  4. National Day
  5. Maulud Nabi (Birth of Prophet)
  6. Anniversary of Royal Brunei Malay Regiment
  7. His Majesty's Birthday
  8. Israk Mikraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
  9. Start of Ramadhan
  10. Anniversary of the Revelation of the Quran
  11. Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadhan)
  12. Hari Raya Aidiladha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
  13. Christmas Day
 ENTERTAINMENT

Jerudong Park and Playground
The playground, The Diamond Arch, The Musical Fountain, Food Court and of course, rides for the kiddos - make this is fun place to spend an enjoyable evening with the family and friends.  Open 4.00pm - 10.30pm - Wednesday, Thursday, Frida and Sunday ; 4.00pm-1.30am - Saturday.

http://www.bruneibay.net/the_royal_experience/index.html