Did you know that on the island of Borneo there are three countries at once? These countries are Indonesia, East Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam is a small country in Southeast Asia that is famous for its prosperity and discipline in carrying out Islamic law. Even so, Brunei Darussalam is a tourist attraction that can be visited by anyone.
This monarchical country has many interesting tourist attractions to visit. It's a shame if you missed this 2019 vacation opportunity without including Brunei Darussalam as your destination.
Lovers of religious tourism, cultural tourism, natural tourism, to historical tourism will definitely like a vacation in Brunei. Come on, let's take a look at the 14 most popular Brunei Darussalam tourist attractions that must be visited this year! Religious Tourism Places in Brunei Darussalam1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a Brunei landmark located in Bandar Sri Bengawan. A distinctive feature of this mosque is its dome made of pure gold. Located on the banks of the Brunei River in Kampong Ayer, this Brunei Darussalam tourist spot is always crowded with domestic and foreign tourists.
Its beauty does not need to be asked anymore. At night, the mosque will be illuminated by colorful LED lights that are sparkling. Although it is a place of worship for Muslims, it can be visited by anyone, as long as it is dressed modestly. After worshipping and enjoying the scenery, you can go to restaurants and cafes around the mosque.2. Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
After the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is one of the icons in Brunei Darussalam. Interestingly, the dome and fence of the Jame'Asr Mosque are plated with gold. The mosque is spacious and magnificent, equipped with green gardens and beautiful ponds. The atmosphere inside the mosque is also calm and shady. Unfortunately, visitors are prohibited from taking photos inside the mosque, only from the outside.
Anyone can come here. However, tourists are prohibited from visiting during worship hours, unless they want to pray as well. Non-Muslims will be required to wear Muslim women's clothing if they want to go inside. Usually given a black robe in order to be able to enjoy the beauty of the mosque.
The "Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah" mosque is also known as the "Kiarong" mosque because it is located in Kiarong Village. On the inside of the mosque there is a crystal chandelier covered with gold on the outside. The Crystal Lamp was imported directly from Austria. Because of its very large size, the mosque building can be seen from downtown Gadong, even from the highway leading to Bandar Seri Begawan.3. Teng Yun Temple
Despite its Islamic sharia, Brunei Darussalam still has diversity and tolerance with other religions. Not only mosques, but you can also visit Teng Yun Temple. The location is on the roadside of downtown Bandar Sri Bengawan. The building is not very spacious, but it is very clean and well maintained.
Ten Yun Temple looks striking because it has a bright color. The architecture looks old-fashioned because it is around a towering modern building. Visitors can pray as well as light incense by paying about 2 BND. During the Chinese New Year, this Brunei Darussalam tourist spot will be even more crowded with lion dance and lantern performances. Natural Attractions in Brunei Darussalam4. Ulu Temburong National Park
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If you love adventure, you must come to Ulu Temburong National Park. Here you can see several beautiful waterfalls accompanied by the lively variety of flora and fauna. Resorts for staying and resting are also available here.
While enjoying the amazing natural scenery, there are many activities that you can do, such as rafting, kayaking, camping, to night jungle walks. There are tour packages offered by local managers if you want to explore this national park to the fullest.
It's best to come to this beautiful national park in summer because the rain will interfere with your trip to Ulu Temburong. It is located separately from mainland Brunei so visitors must board a local boat to reach this location. Don't forget to climb to the top of the bridge to see the beauty of the green forest from above while taking pictures!5. Kampong Ayer
This Brunei Darussalam tourist spot is actually almost similar to a fishing village in Indonesia. The building in Kampong Ayer was erected on the water and is considered the pride of the people of Brunei because it still retains its culture and ancestral origins.
Although it looks like an ordinary village, the structure of this village has been restored in such a way that it can be firmly established. You can see the harmonization between traditional culture and modern elements here. Although the architecture of the building is still traditional, the furniture is modern and equipped with modems, cable tv, and air conditioning. Unlike the fishing villages in Indonesia, isn't it?6. Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Being one of brunei Darussalam tourist attractions that are most visited by foreign tourists, Tasek Lama Recreational Park must be included in your bucket list. This recreational park is located in Bandar Sri Bengawan and is located in an urban area so it is easy to access.
If you don't have time to visit Ulu Temburong National Park, this park can be an alternative mainstay. Here there is a very beautiful waterfall. After the rain, the waterfall becomes more beautiful because the water flows faster. During the dry season, the water discharge is less so it is less good when photographed. Don't forget to bring your own drinking water when you come here because there are some routes that are difficult to take.7. Brunei River Safari
Not only religious and historical tourism, you can also enjoy natural tourism in Brunei. This Brunei River Safari will invite you to explore the river ecosystem using a boat. Throughout the safari, you will be presented with views of the mangrove ecosystem and the various fauna that live in it. This safari can also be done at night, giving a new, more challenging atmosphere.
If you want something better, you can rent a cruise ship to go around the Brunei River. It's perfect if you travel to Brunei Darussalam with your family or group. This Brunei River Cruise is available weekly.
During the 2-hour tour, visitors will be invited to walk down the river while looking at mangrove forests, museums, water villages in Brunei, and much more. Everything can be enjoyed while sipping the tea or coffee provided.8. Sumbiling Eco Village
An alternative to natural tourism in Brunei besides Ulu Temburong is Sumbiling Eco Village. This Brunei Darussalam tourist spot is in the form of a tropical rainforest ecosystem and houses a variety of exotic flora and fauna. Sumbiling Eco Village itself is a nature-based village and inn located in the interior of Temburong District.
The location is in the same area as Ulu Temburong National Park. Here you can feel staying in the countryside surrounded by shady forests, the upper reaches of the Temburong River, and rocky rapids. The inn is built of bamboo and wood so that nature is preserved.
At Sumbiling Eco Village, visitors can feel the cool air while lying in a comfortable hammock. You can also feel the coldness of the river water while riding a traditional bamboo raft or floating on a rubber tire. At night, you can hear the melodious forest symphony from the sounds of insects, frogs, and other wildlife. Also take a very challenging tour around the forest!
While in Sumbiling Eco Village, you can feel back to the real nature. Catching fish and shrimp in the river, picking up your own groceries, tasting various exotic fruits, as well as cooking together in a traditional kitchen. Perfect for a vacation with a group of family, friends, and couples.9. Agro Technology Park
This favorite tourist spot in Brunei Darussalam is very suitable to be visited with family and children. Because the atmosphere is cool and beautiful, agro technology park is usually used as a jogging spot in the morning. This park utilizes green house technology which is still rarely found in Brunei.
This garden in Brunei exhibits a wide variety of flowers and medicinal plants. Each plant is protected by a fence to prevent the ignorant hands of visitors. In addition to plants, there are also several types of animals on display, such as deer, ostriches, exotic birds, and even giant birds.
This park has many trees so you don't have to worry about overheating. The entrance fee is free, but unfortunately public transportation rarely passes in this Brunei tourist destination. It's best to rent a car if you want to go here. Tours of Museums, Palaces, and Monuments in Brunei Darussalam10. Royal Regalia Museum