BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT

Covering 570 sq km, Brunei-Muara may be the smallest of Brunei’s four districts, but it is the site of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the seat of authority and commerce.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

This is one of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia. Built in 1958 as a symbol of the Sultanate's faith, the mosque which bears the name of the 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 a 16th century 'mahligai' or royal barge reposes. The view is especially captivating at night when the lights are on. The Mosque is open for visits in the day but visitors are asked to dress conservatively when entering the building.

Istana Nurul Iman

Three kilometres west of Bandar Seri Begawan's city centre lies the Istana Nurul Iman, the residence of His Majesty The Sultan. It is the largest residential palace in the world with golden domes and sweeping rooflines that can be seen from the long road of Jalan Tutong.

The palace is open to the public during Hari Raya, when locals and tourists alike have the opportunity to greet His Majesty and members of the royal family.

Kampong Ayer

For at least 600 years, Bruneians harvested the bounty of the seas, forging a way of life that is still strongly evident in the lives of the 30,000 inhabitants of Kampung Ayer, the capital’s sprawling water village. Here, the village’s centuries-old web of homes, markets, mosques, schools, medical clinics and police and fire stations hovers on stilts over the shallows of Brunei River Even today, water taxis are the most efficient and popular means of negotiating the Kampung’s labyrinthine waterways. From their prows, one could see the mosque’s glistening minarets rising above multi-hued, garden-draped homes.

Brunei has not been spared the encroachment of high technology and high-flying aspirations, but beyond the cold blinking faces of computer screens and beneath the hum of modems, Kampung Ayer’s heart still dances to an ancient rhythm.

Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park

This is a 70-hectare stretch of rolling verdant hills designated for hiking, cycling and fishing. An ideal getaway to work up a good sweat, this hilly area is usually crowded with fitness enthusiasts in the evenings. Entrance is free.

The Empire Hotel and Country Club The most magnificent hotel in Brunei, this 6-star establishment features a Jack Nicklaus golf course, a theatre and cinema complex, a selection of restaurants, a range of accommodation choices, a sports complex, water sports facilities and many other world class features.

Jerudong Park

Jerudong Park is the famous four-in-one state-of-theart entertainment, golf, horse riding and exclusive club catering to the well-to-do in Brunei Darussalam. Comprising the Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club, Trijaya Jerudong Equestrian Park, Jerudong Park Polo Club and Jerudong Park Playground, the first three parks used to be exclusive only to members, but today, all four are open to visitors.

Close by the Jerudong Park Polo Club lies the Clubhouse which hosts an exclusive clientele through its luxurious decor, collection of equestrian art, personal photographs and many special facilities such

as the European-styled magnificent Banquet Hall, restaurant, a private four-lane computerised bowling alley, a covered pool featuring a sunken bar and a magnificent pavilion providing shelter from the tropical sun, a fully computerized gym where workouts can be tracked, two full-sized private squash courts (where Jahangir Khan once played), a full-sized Riley billiard table set in a parlour, a 'chip n putt' eight-hole golf course and a private beach.

The Jerudong Park Playground is a beautiful, 57-hectare wonderland that took four years to complete. Filled with manicured lawns, a musical fountain and 39 hair raising rides such as the' Sky Tower'-a rotating platform that rises 78m to offer a 360-degree panoramic view of Jerudong; 'Pusing Lagi' - a 5G force rollercoaster; 'Giant Drop'- a 48m dead drop at 4G forces, ' Log Flume Ride'- a wet exhilarating ride with a reverse drop, 'Top Spin' - a two-tiered platform that flips in two different directions and many others, Jerudong Park is the place to be for a night of fun.

Jerudong Park Playground charges a modest fee for the use of its rides. The buggy for visitors to roam the park is also for hire. Opening hours for the rides are generally from 5pm till midnight.