Foreign Features

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Peaceful paradise

Visitors can stroll along pathways and bridges linking the colourful houses on stilts.

To get a closer look at traditional Brunei life and appreciate the hospitality and kindness of the people, tourists should visit one of the houses. The dwellings are all similar with a one large room.

The government once tried to convince the people of Kampung Ayer to relocate, but they preferred their life by the river.
Each family owns at least one car and they have to park on land opposite the river since there is no space in the village.
As you enter Kampung Ayer, you have to board a water taxi and hold on tight as boats negotiate the waterways at extremely high speeds. It really adds to the colourful life of the peaceful Brunei river.

The main pier to Kampung Ayer is located near the "Yayasan" shopping complex, the most popular shopping venue in Brunei.

Situated opposite the Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, the shopping centre is a modern complex similar to department stores in Bangkok. But cash-strapped Bangkokians will notice there is a difference in price.

Because Brunei is a strict Muslim state, the government has prohibited all types of night entertainment. It's common to see the streets deserted at 9pm.

But there are a few places people can go to at night. One of these is the Jerudong Park Playground.

In the tradition of Disneyland, the theme park features state-of-the-art amusements and is open throughout the night.

The park was built in 1994 by the sultan as a gift to his people on his 48th birthday. It used to be free but began charging admission when the economic crisis hit.
- nlike most parks, where the sound of music and happy children reverberates around the busy amusements, this park attracts less than 50 paying customers a night.

"It was popular before because it was free for everybody. But since they charged the entry fee, fewer people come here. But there are more people at weekends," our guide said.

Jerudong Park Playground offers the same rides as other amusement parks but lacks the atmosphere.

At one merry-go-round, a couple watched as their small child went around and around. But there were no other children, no music and no happy sounds. The child looked quite lonely in a place where he should have been having fun.

I couldn't help wondering how the park's staff managed to stay awake.

Bandar Seri Begawan's most trendy area is Gadong. This is a popular late-night hang out where visitors can visit the Coffee Bean International and enjoy alcohol-free drinks and desserts.

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