Although the country is small, it turns out that there is also a lot to explore in Brunei Darussalam. At the end of 2019, I had the opportunity to visit Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam. Actually the main reason for my tourist visit in Brunei was to attend seminars, while the rest of the time I had in Brunei I used to explore this country. Incidentally, Brunei was the last ASEAN country I visited, so even if I really explore the country from end to end, it can be passed in just a few hours.1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
Located in the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, this mosque which is the main icon of the country of Brunei. The construction of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, had begun in 1954 and was completed four years later. After the mosque was inaugurated directly by Sultan Omar Ali.
The mosque looks magnificent because the dome of the mosque is indeed made of pure gold. Its position on the river bank adds to the elegance of the building. More precisely, the location is adjacent to Kampung Ayer, another tourist attraction that must also be visited in Brunei. It can be said that if you visit Brunei, you must visit here because besides being able to see the splendor of this mosque, you can also continue your journey in the village of Ayer.
2. Brunei Kampong Air Tourism
Kampung Ayer is a fishing village of the Bruneian community built on the water. Kampung Ayer (in the water village) is similar to the water village in West Kalimantan. Maybe it's because it's still from the same ethnic group and also the same geography, namely in Borneo, so Indonesia still has cultural similarities with Burnei.
This Ayer village is included in the cultural heritage that is continuously preserved by the Brunei government. The village, which is located on the brunei river, is considered the largest water village in the world, and often even gets the nickname 'Venice from the east'. Residents in the Kampung Air area use boats as transportation for their daily activities (yes, it's standing on the water).
The thing that I think is unique about kampung Air is that the location around it has been modernized with various facilities such as schools, parks, emergency services, satellites, even there has also been provided Wifi service. While I was touring this village, I also saw colorful lights and foreign plants (taken from various places around the world). The park is arranged with a modern and elegant feel that the location is suitable for walking while enjoying the atmosphere of the river and park.
3. Royal Regalia Museum
This museum is also known as the Musem of the Building of The Greatness of Diraja. This museum contains objects left by the sultan and tells about the history of the country of Brunei. Inside the museum, details are told about the genealogy and family of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, whose background is from childhood to the present.
This museum is free, you know, but you are prohibited from bringing a camera into the museum. The interesting thing I found in the musem was some souvenirs that were gifted to the Sultan of Brunei from a number of leading heads of state in the world, including Indonesia. These objects are very random, ranging from ceramics, vases, fabrics, jars, wood decorations to packaged coffee grounds. Usually the souvernir given is related to the distinctiveness of the country of origin of the giver's country.4. Brunei Nurul Iman Palace Tour
Nurul Iman Palace is the official residence of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah which is also used as the State Palace. The palace was built on an area of about 200,000 m2 and was established in 1984. The main palace in Brunei is equipped with the best quality facilities. Among them, 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, 18 elevators, a mosque capable of accommodating 1,500 worshippers, a large hall, and five swimming pools. Wiw.... the name is also a palace.
I myself had come to this palace, but only at the gate, because it turned out that this palace was open to the public only once a year, namely during Eid al-Fitr for 3 days. As a result, I just enjoy taking selfies on the fence like the Youtube video below. Don't forget to subscribe!
5. Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
This is the last Brunei tourist spot you can visit. I myself did not think that in Brunei there is a Catholic church which means that this country is quite tolerant of other religions. Although of the total population of about 400 thousand people, about 67 percent are Muslims.
This church has been standing for a long time which can also be seen from the model of the building, although the year of its foundation cannot be ascertained. From the outside, this church looks ordinary, but when you enter it, the interior is quite beautiful. The location of this church is quite close to the Royal Regalia Museum, therefore if you intend to visit this church, take the time to also visit the museum.
So that's the five tourist attractions in Brunei that I suggest you visit, which place do you want to go the most? Don't forget to share it in the comment section!
