Brunei In Brief

Brunei is a small kingdom situated in the third largest Island in the world called 'Borneo'. A warm hospitality of its people fill with colourful cultures and converse freely in English. The scenic beauty of its natural attractions and plenty of adventure with numerous of places to be visited and things to be experienced. Brunei is definitely has something for everyone!

Accommodation

The Empire Hotel and Country Club is one of the best hotels in Asia and perhaps in the world. This 6 star hotel is located at the Jerudong area about 30 minutes drive from Bandar Seri Begawan. Prize range of the room rate starts at B$310. Tel : 2417604

Rizqun International Hotel is located in the heart of Gadong's shopping and entertainment district and takes only 10 minutes drive from Brunei International Airport. It is a 5 star hotel which is uniquely design and incorporating traditional modern comforts offering amenities. The prize range of the room starts at B$320. Tel : 2423000

Orchid Garden Hotel (OGH) is the closest to Brunei International Airport. It has complimentary town and Gadong Center. OGH is a conveniently place for business and leisure. The prize of the room rate starts at B$120. Tel: 2335544 scheduled shuttle services to

If you want to experience tradiotional lifestyle of the indigenous people of Brunei, then 'Teraja Longhouse' is a perfect place for you to stay as a homestay. Longhouse is where the Iban people lived which is accomodate with traditional facilities and cultural activities. It is located at the end of the Labi road in Belait district and takes approximately about 2 hours to reach there from the airport. This can be arranged by Mona Flora Fauna Tours. Tel: 2230761

Sources:

http://www.majlisilmu.org.bn

http://www.rizquninternational.com

http://www.brunei.innovectra.net

http://www.onebrunei.com

Tourist Attractions

Brunei Museum

Located at Jalan Kota Batu which focuses on natural history, Islamic Art and Brunei Artifacts. Open from Saturday to Thursday 9.30am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 11.30am and 2.30pm to 5pm. Admission is free.

Royal Regalia

Located at Jalan Sultan which displays the chronicles of His Majesty's life up to his coronation. Open Saturday to Thursday 9am to 4.30pm. Friday 9am to 11.30am and 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Shoes are to be removedd before entering. Admission is free.

SOAS Mosque

Located in Bandar Seri Begawan, one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia belong to the 28th Sultan of Brunei. Open on Sunday until Wednesday 8am to 5.30pm except during prayer times. Closed on Thursday and Friday Shoes are to be removed before entering.

Jame Asr' Mosque

Located in Kiarong known as one of the most magnificient and largest mosque in brunei belong to the 29th Sultan of Brunei. Open from Sunday to Wednesday 8am to 12pm, 2pm to 3pm and 5pm to 6pm. Closed on Thursday and Friday. Shoes are to be removed before entering.

Water Village

Located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the World's largest water village and known as Venice of the East.

Istana Nurul Iman

Courtesy of Richard-seaman

The largest residential palace in the world and belong to the 29th Sultan of Brunei. It is only open to public during Hari Raya. The good views to see this palace is at the back of Brunei River.

Proboscis Monkeys

Largest monkey in the world which can be only found in Borneo and the best spot to see this monkey is at Brunei River nearby the water village.

--Courtesy of Big Magazine and my-brunei-darussalam.blogspot.com

Conference and Exhibition Venue

The Intenational Convention Centre, shortly known as the ICC, is the largest meeting venue in Brunei Darussalam. It has made the country capable of hosting high profiled events and to name the few ASEAN Ministers Meetings (AMM), Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC 2000) and ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2001). It has the state of the art technology making it an excellent venue for big events. The halls and meeting rooms are provided with various kind of facilities meeting demands for conferences and exhibitions. The complex nestled on a 20 hectare land area which is less than 5 minutes drive from Brunei International Airport, a few minutes walk to the Bolkiah National Stadium and five minutes drive from Bandar Seri Begawan

 BRIDEX is the premier defence and security event in South East Asia, located at the Jerudong just nearby the Empire Hotel and Country Club. It serves as an exclusive marketplace to showcase the latest, innovative in land, sea, air and security systems to address the wide spectrum of security challenges being faced by countries in the region and around the world. It also provides an excellent platform for building vital alliancesgrowing South East Asian region as well as for networking, sharing ideas and knowledge, discussing technology, advancements and industry developments.

Activities - Things to do in Brunei

Brunei is maybe small but there are wide range of things to be experienced. Such activities can be Water-Sport where you can do variety types of water sport in Serasa, one of the popular beaches in Brunei. It can be Jet-ski, Kayaking, windsurfing, regatta sailing or power boat racing. Visitors also can go hiking to numerous green sanctuaries in Brunei namely; Bukit Shahbandar located in Muara-Tutong highway known as the most challengging and wildest trails in the capital if you are looking for something adventure, then it is the right place for you.

Brunei is also well equipped with modern sport facilities in Berakas. You may spend your day with sports like jogging, playing football or tennis at this sport area. Brunei also have raised its profile as a World Class Golf destination which provides great opportunity to the golfers  to play golf in Panaga Golf Club and Empire Hotel and Country Club. Moreover, Brunei has become an ideal place for divers either you are an experienced divers or armatures, you can still enjoy diving as the 12 to 33 meters deep wrecks provides a fine opportunity for diving. Fishing is laso what the visitors can do in Brunei and it is not only one of the major activities in Brunei but also has a great contribution to the economy. Trevallys, Baraccuda, Dogtooth Tuna and Albacore Tuna and various other species of fishes can be found in the waters of Brunei.

Courtesy of JennG

Apart from that, you also can sail in Brunei and enjoy the breeze as it has exactly what is required for a perfect day of seafaring hobbies. The cruise can be arranged by Dream Charters, a new local company specializing in yacht cruises at 7119744 (www.sailinginbrunei.com) or go for a tour around Brunei and see it by yourself the scenic beauty of Brunei.

Source:
http://www.bruneitourism.travel
blog.asiahotels.com/diving-in-brunei-bay
http://www.ghkmotors.com

Eating Areas

Different types of cuisine can be experienced in Brunei, from Malay and Chinese to Indian and International cuisine. Here are few of the major dining areas in Brunei.

Bandar Seri Begawan - An eclectic mix of high-end restaurants and shop house eateries namely; De'Royalle Cafe and more.

Kiulap - variesties of trendy restaurants can be found here including De Fountain Cafe, Aulait and Twelv.

Gadong - well-known franchise restaurants and lauded local restaurants with popular cafes namely; Coffee Bean, Coffee Zone and Fratini's.

Jerudong - There are many restaurants lining at the side of the streets can be found at this area such as Khaz Corner, Seri Balai and Soto Rindu.

For different types of food that you want to try out, the best places are:

Aminah Arif restaurant famous for its best ambuyat. Courtesy of Catzscafe

• Malay food - Aminah Arif serves you with the best local traditional food of Brunei called 'Ambuyat'. It is located in Kiulap and open daily from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel : 2236198.

Dynasty Restaurant. Picture by Jerome

• Chinese Food - Dynasty restaurant in Gadong serves  you bwith halal dim-sum selection from HongKong. Tel :2430430.

The India Teh tarik of Le'Taj. Courtesy of Vicky

• Indian Food - LeTaj is specializing in Northern Indian fare with variety of meat and lots of intricate spiced tastiness. It is located in Kiulap. Tel : 2238996.

Garlic chicken at Sawadee restaurant. Courtesy of Food-hungry

• Thai Food - Sawadee House serves wide selection of Thai dishes. Open daily from10am to 10pm in Jerudong. Tel : 2610693. 

Source:
catzscafe1.blogspot.com
http://bruneidining.com
Victoriablackie.blogspot.com
http://www.food-hungry.com

Enertainment in Brunei

Looking for something fun in Brunei? Brunei also offers variety types of games, rides and fun to be experienced. Here are few of the entertainment listed for the visitors:

Jerudong Park is located in Jerudong known as Brunei's biggest playground for all ages. It opens from 5pm until late Wednesday and Sunday and closed on public holidays. Admission charges apply. Visitors should note that some of the rides are closed for maintainence.

Children playing in Jungle Gym. Picture by Aniq Hazrie

Jungle Gym is a large indoor playground with a cafe inside it. It is located at Kiulap Complex. The admission apply only to kids and charge B$6.50 for 2-hour session while the adults are free.

Splashdown at Empire Hotel. Picture by Libby Peacock

Sunday Splash at Empire Hotel and Country Club held on the last Sunday every month. You may come with your family and experienced the fun. It is only 20-minutes drive from the town centre. Priced at B$12/adult and B$6 for children aged 12 below.

Sources:
http://www.smarttravelasia.com
aniqhazrie.blogspot.com
www.bruneibay.net