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Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Omar Saifuddien Mosque

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is dominates the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is one of the most magnificent mosques of South-East Asia, and a symbol of the strong Islamic faith of the people of Brunei.
The mosque was completed in 1958 and is named after the 28th Sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien, who is still referred to as the architect of modern Brunei. The mosque's design reflects the use of the world's most elegant materials, including marble from Italy, granite from Shanghai, stained glass and chandeliers from England and carpets from Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
Located in a lagoon beside the mosque is a replica of a 16th Century mahligai barge, which was used to stage colourful religious ceremonies such as the Koran reading competitions during the 1960s and early 1970s. You will be required to remove your shoes prior to entering the mosque, and you should also be dressed conservatively.
The mosque is closed to non-muslims on Thursday. Access is restricted to late afternoon on Fridays



Kampung Ayer

Kampong Ayr Water Village

Early European visitors to Brunei described Kampong Ayer, or Water Village, as the Venice of the East. Today, visitors continue to be fascinated by these traditional and historic houses built on stilts over the water, spanning the greater part of the Brunei River.
Kampoung Ayer is home to about 30000 people and is accessible by boat or by wooden bridges from Bandar Seri Begawan.

On the "road" in the Water Village

The houses in Kampung Ayer are joined be a maze of interconnecting timber walkways, and visitors are free to roam at their leisure. The government has provided every modern facility for the residents, including schools, clinics, police station and mosques. A visit to Brunei would not be complete without a trip to the this unique and intriguing place.


The Royal Regalia Building

Armoury Display in the Royal Regalia

The Royal Regalia Building is located in the heart of Banda Seri Begawan. It was built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the 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 replica of the throne, which is used by the Sultan on state occasions. There is also an exhibition which fully documents the history of the constitution of Brunei.
The building is open to the public every day of the week (on Friday the opening hours are shorter than the rest of the week) Shoes should be removed prior to entering the building.

Brunei History Centre
The Brunei History Centre was established in 1982. It was founded to undertake research into the rich history of Brunei. Among the areas of special interest are the genealogy and history of the Sultans of Brunei and the Royal family.
The centre located next to the Royal Regalia Building. It is closed on Friday.

Lapau and Dewan Majlis
Another magnificent building in the Bandar Seri Begawan is the Royal Ceremonial Hall, better known as the Lapau, where the present Sultan was crwoned on 01 August, 1968. An exquisite golden dome highlights the Lapau's interior. Traditional royal ceremonies are normally held here. Adjoining the Lapau is the Dewan Majlis, or Parliament House.

Tasek Recreational Park
This is one of the oldest recreational parks in the city. It has a natural waterfall and lake, and features a beautiful garden of trees and flowers. For those who want to get away from the noisy traffic of the city, this park is an ideal place to spend some time. It will take about 15 minutes to walk to the park from the Lapau. Brunei Shell, as part of their community work, has also installed an 8 metre high wall for those interested in climbing.

Tamu Kianggeh
The Tamu, or open air market, is situated on the banks of the Kianggeh River in central Bandar Seri Begawan. Here, one can find a wide variety of items including local dishes, fruit and vegetables, flowers and handicraft.
The Tamu is open every day from morning to late evening.

The Istana Nurul and Taman Persiaran Damuan
The most impressive site in Bandar Seri Begawan is the Sultan's Royal Palace, known as the Istana Nurul Iman. It is the largest residential palace in the world, and its golden domes, vaulted roof and riverside setting make it a spectacular subject for photographs. The palsce is open to the public only during Hari Raya, when residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to greet the Sultan and members of the Royal family.

The Royal Yacht - Tits

The best view of the Istana is from Persiaran Damuan, which is a park along the river bank off Jalan Tutong. It has walkways, a well-equipped playground and features six outdoor sculptures by ASEAN artists, on the theme of Unity in Diversity. The Persiaran Damuan is popular for jogging and has several foodstalls in the evenings.



Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex
Adjacent to the Omar Saifuddien Mosque stands an imposing addition to the skyline and waterfront. It is a commercial and shopping complex, designed to generate revenue for a foundation dedicated to the welfare of the people. It is a personal initiative of the Sultan, and is testament to his abiding concern for the well being of the people of Brunei. The complex is designed with an amalgamation of both the traditional Malay and modern architecture. Its main walkway features excellent views of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque at one end and Kampung Ayer at the other.
The shopping complex, opened in July 1996, contains the largest selection of shopping facilities in Brunei. With the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan has created a completely new image of the city centre, making it a major tourist attraction.

Temburong District

The Temburong District is separated from the rest of Brunei by Brunei Bay and a sliver of Sarawakian territory. Temburong hovers to the northwest of Bandar Seri Begawan, summoning visitors to take the short step into another world.
The Temburong District is rich in unspoiled natural heritage, including the Ulu Temburong National Park (formerly the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve). Here the magnificence of Borneo's lowland rainforests can be truly experienced. Botanically, the area possesses astounding diversity, however the casual visitor in search of birds or mammals is likely to be disappointed by the apparent lack of fauna. In fact the forests teem with wildlife, but these creatures are invariably shy and are quick to avoid human contact. The best time for viewing the wildlife is at dawn or dusk.
On the river trip to Bangar , which is Temburong District's main town, you will see monkeys in the mangroves and monitor lizards basking in the sun at low tide. Some patches of land have been cultivated by resident Murut and Iban Malays, virgin rainforest flourishes across the greater part of Temburong.
Frequent speed boat ferry services are available between Bandar Seri Begawan and Bangar. The river trip takes less than an hour. There is no departure schedule, boats leave when they have collected 12 passengers. The last boat from Bangar to Bandar Seri Begawan departs at 16.00 hrs.
Temuai (dug-out longboat) can be hired in and around Bangar to go up-river and are still the best way of experiencing the jungle waterways of Borneo.

Kuala Belalong Mini Park

This park was opened on 22 July 1993, by the Sultan when he visited the district on his 47th birthday. Kuala Belalong Mini Park's gardens incorporate a number of attractions echoing the renowned Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (see below)
The park is located about 1 kilometre from Bangar, the main town, Bangar. Its features include a pond used for remote-controlled boat racing and six pondok (huts) of similar design to those at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre. Three pondoks house pictorial records of the sultan's visit to Temburong and the activities of the local people, while the other three house findings made at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre.
The park is an excellent alternative for those unable to visit the more remotely located Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre.

Batang Duri Park

Batang Duri Park is bordered by towering forest and overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Temburong River. It is located about 16km from Bangar. There are timber walkways for strolling and playgrounds for children, and although swimming is allowed in the river, the current can be very strong.

Kuala Belalong Rainforest Field Studies Centre

The famous Rainforest Field Studies Centre is located near Kuala Belalong in the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve. It is a joint venture of Brunei Shell Petroleum and Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The centre was established as a training and research base focusing on the study of Brunei's lowland tropical forests.
A streamside complex of seven timber houses, the centre provides field research facilities catering to a range of enquiry levels - from bona fide overseas scientists to parties from universities, secondary schools and government bodies.
The Centre lies on the west bank of the Belalong River nestling in the 'V' of a steep-sided, heavily forested valley, about five kilometres upstream from the roadhead at Batang Duri.
The Centre is surrounded by lowland and ridge Dipterocarp forest with small areas of riverine and heath forest which have never been logged. The terrain is difficult to work in, characterised by steep-sided valleys and sharp ridges. Hunting has been minimal, and the area supports substantial populations of large mammals including Borneon gibbons, langurs, macaques, civets and sun bears. The Centre is situated 50 metres above sea level, but the highest point within the National Park is Gunong Pagon at 1850 metres. The upper reaches of the peak support montane forest but there are some montane plant species closer to the Centre on the upper slopes of Bukit Belalong at an altitude of 995 metres.
You may need to spend up to two and a half hours pushing and pulling a long boat over a series of 23 upriver rapids in order to reach the centre. Aside from the sheer beauty of the site, its importance can be distilled from the experience of just one entomologist who found over 400 species of beetle on a single tree in this area.
The centre also offers limited accommodation and dining facilities.

Bukit Patoi Recreational Park

The Bukit Patoi Recreational Park is about 15km from Bangar, and is Located within the Peradayan Forest Reserve.
The park has many unusual cave and rock formations, and the 1070 ha territory is also home to a variety of readily seen wildlife such as Borneo's native kijang (deer). The reserve encompasses the twin hills of Bukit Peradayan, which rises to 410m (1,225ft), and Bukit Patoi, at 310m (950ft) above sea level.
The patch of level stone on Bukit Patoi's summit is used as a helipad, and cooled by a pleasant breeze, it is also a viewing deck from which to enjoy panoramic views of the jungle, sea and villages and fields of neighbouring Sarawak.
It takes about two hours to negotiate the 1.6km-winding trek to the park.

Ulu Temburong National Park

Ulu Temburong National Park occupies approximately 50,000 ha 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 timber boardwalks, 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 tree houses some situated 20m above the ground, and linked by hanging bridges, provide excellent observation points.
The Ulu Temburong Park Headquarters and Information Centre, is located at the junction 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 guesthouses and three well equipped campsites.

Trekking in Temburong

Short trekking tours through farmlands and virgin forest to the Ulu Temburong National park are ideal for those who enjoy, or would like to try, jungle trekking. See our Temburong tours for ideas.

The Belait District covers almost half of the whole of Brunei. When oil was first discovered at Seria in 1929, this part of Brunei was only mangroves, peat bogs and forest. The valley of the Belait River was the only spot inhabited by the Punans, the Dusuns and the Ibans who lived in longhouses in large communities of up to one hundred people. The Belait River is the longest river in Brunei.
Kuala Belait, which merges with the oil town of Seria, is 70km from Tutong, and about 120km from Bandar. A few kilometers beyond the town is the border with Sarawak. It is completely self-contained administratively, commercially and in what it offers in sports and leisure facilities. The Belait District, and Seria town in particular, is the heart of the oil and gas industry in Brunei. It has a large expatriate community, including many Dutch people. This is due to the fact that Royal Dutch Shell has a major presence in the region.
There are two onshore oil and gas fields in the district - the large Seria Oil Field discovered in 1929, which is still producing hydrocarbons, even today, and the smaller Rasau Field close to the town of Kuala Belait. The Tali Field, which is an extension of the Seria Field is found in the coastal waters off Seria. Further offshore lies the South-West Ampa, Fairley, Fairley Baram and Egret fields.
The majestic Billionth Barrel Monument was constructed in 1991 and possesses its own significance, which is to commemorate the one-billionth barrel of crude oil production from the prolific Seria-1 field well. The monument was built close to Seria-1, which was the first commercially viable oil well to be drilled, in 1929. In fact, the whole country has not looked back since the drilling of Seria-1. The petroleum produced is processed onshore in and around Seria and the majority of it is exported. Some of the oil is refined at the refinery in Seria for local consumption. Natural Gas from the fields is sent to the Brunei Liquefied Natural Gas Plant (BLNG) in Lumut where it is cooled and liquefied. This is exported via tankers - mainly to Japan and Korea.

Sungai Liang Forest Recreational Park

Sungai Liang is about 70 km from Bandar Seri Begawan, and the drive takes about an hour along the coastal highway. The park is 450 metres from the main Sungai Liang junction along the road to Labi. This is one of several parks which have been developed and maintained for public recreation. The park is one of the very few lowland forest areas in South-East Asia and has facilities for general recreational activities, including hiking. It also caters for the natural history devotees, with self-guided or organised group tours of the forest. The main pond, with its shelter platforms and open areas in the central complex, should satisfy visitors looking simply for fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
The more energetic may care to explore the network of well marked nature trails that wind their way around the park, including a high-level canopy walkway in the treetops. This wonderful facility will give you a totally different perspective on the rainforest.

Luagan Lalak Recreation Park

Lying about 25 km from Sungai Liang along the Labi Road, this park covers an area of roughly 270 hectares within the Labi Hills Forest Reserve. A rare and interesting place, it features an alluvial freshwater swamp or empran. During rainy periods it fills up like a lake, and in drier spells the waters recede and the valley becomes covered with sedges - mainly of the species Lepironia.
There are shelters, footpaths and a 200 metre timber walkway which spans most of the lake.

Wasai Wong Kadir

Wasai Wong Kadir is a 45 minute walk from the Labi Road. It is ideal for those who enjoy, or would like to try, jungle trekking up and down steep ridges. The wasai, or waterfall, is also a popular picnic spot.
The walk crosses several steep ridges en route to the waterfall, however, once you are there you can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the jungle and the cool, pure water of the river. This is a reasonably long walk. It is advisable to take some drinking water and sun protection with you.

Labi Longhouses

Further along the Labi Road, beyond Kampung Labi itself, there are several examples of a form of unique to Borneo - the Longhouse. A village under one roof, longhouses consist of a row of family houses - or doors - with a communal area which runs along the length of the building. This is the social centre of the village.
Rampayoh Longhouse has 16 doors and is the nearest to Labi. Others include Mendaram Besar, Mendaram Kecil, and at the end of the road, Teraja. They are populated by the Ibans - once feared as headhunters but now more given to agricultural activities. Visitors are always warmly welcomed. Etiquette requires that you take some small gifts. Ask permission before entering and remove footwear before doing so. Several trails head off into the jungle along this stretch of road. They are clearly signposted and marked, and lead the walker to scenic waterfalls and hills in the virgin primary forest. They are relatively undemanding and guides are not necessary, but for for your own safety, you are advised to seek local advice before setting off.

Tasek Merimbun

Those who enjoy nature will delight in a day trip to Tasek Merimbun, Brunei's largest lake. The lake naturally forms an unusual S-shape. There is a small island in the centre, which is accessible by way of a timber walkway. the island has pavillion facilities made from tree trunks for picnicking, and is a restful and quiet spot. There are chalet facilities available for researchers only. For those interested in botany or birdwatching, there is also a trail through the jungle.
Tasek Merimbun is about 1 hr 15 min drive from the city.

Seri Kenangan Beach

Pantai Seri Kenangan - literally the unforgettable beach (also known as Tutong Beach), is a popular recreation area at Kuala Tutong. The beauty of the beach is enhanced by a narrow spit of land that has the South China Sea on one side and the Tutong River on the other.
Further along the road passes through Kampong Kuala Tutong, amidst a forest of coconut palms, to reach the old jetty. This was the site of ferry crossings over the Tutong River before the present bridge was built in 1959. The beach is a 5 minute drive from town of Tutong, and a lovely spot for picnics, fishing and swimming.

Sungai Basong Recreational Park

This park lies just short of Tutong on the Muara - Tutong Highway. It is one of the most popular spots in the district for picnicking. the park includes a mini-lake, platforms, shelter huts and open activity areas.
From the town centre, Sungai Basong Recreational Park is just a 5 minute drive.

Tamu Tutong Kampung Serambagun

This big Tamu, or open market, offers a great variety of produce, especially local foods, fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. Most of the vendors of these items are from the inland forest areas, who come here to sell their produce and also to buy for their own needs.
The Tamu is open every day, and is located about 1 km from the centre of town.

A number of parks, lakes and countless architectural wonders including the gleaming gold dome of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque all add an interesting tourist spin to Brunei. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, has more than just beautiful mosques, however. It features a lively amusement park on its western outskirts and acts as a gateway to the port town of Muara and the oil towns of Seria and Kuala Belait.
It is not the cities and towns that visitors come here for but the Temburong eco-tours and longhouse stays. Rainforest covers Belalong National Park, and here visitors can walk among the trees on the canopy walk before learning more about the huge insects and other wildlife that call the forest home at the research center.
If you've never been to Brunei then a good introduction is our Brunei Tourism page which gives an introduction to the country and an overview of all the essential travel, visa, health, safety and itinerary information needed by first-time travelers.