Brunei Darussalam is located on the north west of island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Brunei also known as The Nation of Brunei, Adobe of Peace. The city of Brunei Darussalam is Bandar Seri Begawan that located at Brunei-Muara District. Brunei is a small country but it is rich with oil and gas resources in the Southeast Asia. Almost 80% of Brunei is cover with unspoiled rainforest at Temburong District. Brunei population is approximately 358,098 people.
The total land area of Brunei is 5,765 sq/km, 2,226 sq miles. Brunei is a Muslim country with many beautiful large mosques across the country, selling alcohol also banned in Brunei and bringing meat that has not been certified “halal” is also banned.
Brunei climate is a tropical rain forest climate. Brunei currency called as ringgit ($) Brunei in Malay, dollar Brunei in English and the currency code is BND.
Brunei people also speak different language because they came from diverse culture background. The official languages of Brunei are Malay, English and Chinese. Brunei tourism slogan is “A KINGDOM OF UNEXPECTED TREASURE.”
Brunei is now ruled by Sultan Hassan al Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah since 1967 until now.
MAP OF BRUNEI
ACCOMMODATION
The Empire Hotel & Country Club
Empire Hotel, a luxurious hotel in Brunei. An accommodation that offering various relaxation. With an ocean view, lagoon, garden and golf course. Pampering self will be suitable here. Empire Hotel has 530 guestrooms with different types of room and price. For more information : http://www.theempirehotel.com/hotel.html
Orchid Garden Hotel
Orchid Garden Hotel located near to the International Convection Center. It is also located near to the airport about two km only. It is located at Jalan Berakas. The guestroom were 149 rooms. For more information : www.orchidgardenbrunei.com
Centerpoint Hotel
Offering excellent cuisine, elegant accommodation, extensive sports facilities and outstanding conference and banquet facilities. it is suitable for shopaholic because its located in the centre of the country's busiest shopping area. It has 130 guestrooms. For more information : www.thecentrepointhotel.com
SOAS Mosque
SOAS Mosque is located in the heart of the city, Bandar Seri Begawan. it was completely built in 1958. The named of the mosque was taken from the 28th. Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien. the mosque was built by the 28th. Sultan of Brunei. All the materials were imported from other countries. Shoes are not allowed around the mosque and proper clothes are needed to get inside the mosque, for the women wear jubah that lend by the mosque officer and men with short are not allowed.
Kampong Ayer
Kampong Ayer also known as Water Village is located in the heart of the city, Bandar Seri Begawan. Kampong Ayer also known as "Venice of The East" named by Antonio Pigafetta.
Kampong Ayer has 42 villages and 28 mukims. The main transportation in Kampong Ayer is boat. The fare for boat cost $1 adult for one way and $0.50 for children. Cruising along Kampong Ayer will cost around $20 and including visiting proboscis monkey in mangrove forest.
Canopy Walkway
Canopy walkway is located at Ulu Temburong, Temburong District. The only way to get to the Temburong District is using boat. It took 45 minutes using boat from Kianggeh Jetty that located in the heart of the city to the Temburong city, Bangar. Temburong District is rich with unspoiled natural heritage, forest.
FUNCTIONS AND CONFERENCE
Bridex Hall
Bridex Hall is located at Jerudong near to the Jerudong Park Medical Center. Bridex Hall can be used for ATF forum2010, wedding ceremony, Consumer Fair and etc. This building is owned by Ministry of Defence.
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER
The International Convention Centre shortly known as the ICC is the largest meeting venue in Brunei Darussalam.It has been used for the ASEAN Ministers Meeting (AMM), Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC 2000) and ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2001). It is an excellent venue for big events. It Is located at Jalan Stadium, Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan.
EATING AREAS
AMINAH ARIF RESTAURANT
Traditional Cuisine can be easily found at Aminah Arif Restaurant such as Ambuyat. It is opened daily from 7:30am until 10:30pm. It is located at Unit 2 & 3, Blk B, Ground Floor, Spg 88, Bangunan Hj Abd. Rahman,Kg. Kiulap.
Tarindak D' Seni Restaurant
It is located at the Brunei Handicrafts Centre at Kota Batu, Bandar Seri begawan. Its offers traditional malay and International cuisine. The restaurant is spacious and classy. It is a good place for fine dining or family special occasions. The viewed of Kampong Ayer makes it more interesting and it it a MUST visit restaurant.
ACTIVITIES
Shopping Complex
The Mall is the only mall at Gadong. It is a mall that have all in one such as hotel, shopping complex, arcade for children, cineplex and etc. For more information : www.themallcineplex.com (cinema) and www.rizquninternational.com (Rizqun Hotel)
Water Sports
Fishing : One of the activities that attract local people as well as tourists. There are several spots for fishing such as Jerudong Beach, Tungku Beach, Serasa Beach Seri Kenangan Beach and etc.
Diving : It is a perfect place for beginners and experienced divers. The tropical seas make it as the perfect venue for diving.
Kayaking : Kayaking become one of major water sports in Brunei. It is also major attraction for tourist. There are a lot of opportunities for kayaking in Brunei.
Shopping Complex
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Thann Sanctuary Spa
A place of serenity and relaxation. For More Information : www.thannspa.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Jerudong Park
Jerudong Park is an amusement park in Brunei Darussalam that located at Jerudong. Near to the park there is a food stalls. There are many types of ticket for the rides for specific types. The price about $8 to $25. It is opened from 4pm - 11pm daily.
TRANSPORTATION
Buses
Public transportation that usually used by local people or foreign people. Main parking of the buses located at Bandar Seri begawan. It cost $1 for adult, 50 cents for children and students. Buses operate from 6.30am until 6pm.
Taxis
It provided safety, reliable, comfortable and friendly services. City tour also can be arranged with the taxi driver. The fare usually on meter but some taxis depends on the destination. It operated for 24 hours but after 11pm they will charge 50% from the original fare.
Water Taxis
Water taxi is a main transportation for the villagers living at Kampong Ayer. Cruising along Kampong Ayer will cost higher than going one way to the destination. It cost same as buses, $1 for adult and 50 cents for children. Cruising along Kampong Ayer or Brunei river cost around $20.
Car Rental
In Brunei, car rental can be rent at the International Airport of Brunei Darussalam.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Tourism Negara Brunei Darussalam
Tel (+673) : 2382822 / 2382832
Website : bruneitourism.travel
