TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER (TIC)

<Tourist Information Centre (General Post Office Building, corner of Jln Sultan and Jl Elizabeth Dua, T222 3734

<The out-of-town Brunei Tourism (Jln Menteri Besar, T238 2822

ENTERTAINMENT

Brunei is a bit of a bore on the entertainment front, mainly due to the outright ban on alcohol as well as the distinct lack of bars, pubs and clubs. The main emphasis is on shopping and dining, and if you’re not particularly big into drinking and clubbing, Brunei can be positively refreshing.
Foreigners can, in fact, bring in alcohol and drink in the confines of their hotel room, or indeed head for one of the BYO (‘bring your own’) restaurants. There is also the odd cultural show, along with cinemas in mega malls and plenty of sporting events.

JERUDONG PARK PLAYGROUND

THE CINEMA MALL

RADIO TELEVISION BRUNEI

WATER SPORT AT SERASA BEACH

THE MALL SHOPPING COMPLEX

BRUNEI MUSEUM

THE ARCADE 

JERUDONG PARK 

Bars and pubs

With a ban on alcohol there are few bars and pubs as such that are available to tourists. One exception is the Tagz Lounge at the Sheraton Utama Hotel in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. While they cannot sell you alcohol, you can take in your own (purchased from duty-free at the airport), have them serve it to you and buy mixers.

Cinemas

There are cinemas in various places around the country. The Mall Cineplex in Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan is the best with its multiple screens. In Jerudong, the Empire Hotel & Country Club has the Empire Cinema, while nearby Seria has the OGDC Theatre (Oil & Gas Discovery Centre), and the Seri Qlap Cineplex is at Seri Q-Lap Mall in Kiulap.

Cultural performancesContemporary art festivals go off at various times of the year, displaying Brunei art traditions from the Kenyah and Kayan civilizations with traditional music and dance. Many of the higher-end restaurants in Bandar Seri Begawan also put on low-key dinner shows where guests bring their own alcohol.

Live music

There is the odd live band but the lack of bars, pubs and clubs makes it tough to know where to look. Some of Bandar Seri Begawan’s large hotels have the odd live gig, while Jerudong Park, in the southwest of the country, sometimes puts on shows with local talent.

Museums

Brunei is not big into museums but there is one or two worth checking out. The Royal Regalia Museum near downtown Bandar features a selection of gifts received by the sultan, while the Brunei Museum, farther afield on Kota Batu Road, is good for Islamic art. Nearby is the Tomb of Sharif Ali, Brunei’s third sultan.

Nightclubs and discos

The only real discos are in Bandar Seri Begawan, located out of the way in backstreet shop houses. They are inconspicuous from the front and are out of the way for tourists. Expats and oil workers who know the lay of the land have been known to gain entry to these places where beer is served at a premium, despite what the guidebooks say.

Shopping

Shopping is the biggest deal in Brunei. There are several massive shopping malls in the capital city and other major cities, and most also come with a measure of entertainment. The YSHHB mall and the Tamu night market are the main places to shop in the capital, while the nearby mall in Gadong is also popular. Silverware and handmade baskets are popular items to buy.

Sporting events

Football, tennis, and golf are all big in Brunei and there are many sizeable tournaments held here throughout the year. Polo is especially popular, owing to the sultan’s love for horses. There are studs and polo grounds all over the country and facilities are usually top-notch owing to massive funding by the government.

Theater and dance

Despite the country’s rich past, theater and dance in Brunei is limited and there is a distinct lack of cultural venues. Cinemas appeal to the average Bruneian, although the Radio Television Theater in Bandar plays host to the odd cultural show.

OUT AND ABOUT - TRANSPORTATION

MODE OF TRANSPORTATION IN BRUNEI

WATER TAXIS

For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, water taxi is a unique mode of transportation that allows us to get as close as water as possible, with the wind in our hair and the sun on our skin. 

TAXIS

Public transportation in Brunei is not as accessible as in other countries. taxis can be found either at the Brunei International Airport or at the Jalan Cator Multi Story car park in Bandar Seri Begawan.

BUSES

Buses is suitable for a city tour, hop on board the distinctive purple buses. there are six bus routes operating in Bandar Seri Begawan, namely the Northern Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line, Circle Line and Central Line

CAR RENTAL

Car rental is offer to those who would like to explore the country at their own time, rental cars are available for hire at major hotel and Brunei International Airport. An International Driving Permit is required to hire a car while temporary licence to drive in Brunei is available on presentation of a valid driving licence from the visitor's country origin

car rentals are available from:

• Avis Rent-A-Car
• Ellis and Sukma Car Rental
• Hertz Rent-A-Car
• KSPS

ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES

Royal Brunei Airlines, the country's flag carrier. was established on 18 November 1974 as an independent corporation wholly owned by the government of Brunei Darussalam.

Royal Brunei provides scheduled services across Asia, Middle East, Australasia and Europe.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Enjoy blissful spa treatments to get rid of all the stresses of city living. Pamper yourself with rejuvenating body scrub, a relaxing Thai massage or refreshing Balinese flower bath.there are many spas in Brunei offering luxurious treatment in beautiful surrounds. take your pick, relax and immerse yourself in the sublime pleasure of self indulgence.

TRANQUIL RETREAT

• Martha Tialaar Spa
• Amanha Spa
• The Spa Empire Hotel and Country Club
• Zen Spa
• Destress Bodyworks
• The Healing Touch
• Cantik Spa at RAdisson
• Thann Sanctuary Spa
• Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC)
• Gleneagles JMPC

EATING AREA

Local food is everywhere, relatively cheap and delicious, similar to most Southeast Asian countries, rice and noodles are the staple food in Brunei Darussalam.The restaurant scene in Brunei is expanding, with many small family-owned eateries offering great tasting traditional food at affordable prices and high end establishments offering Italian, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, Thai Chinese, Japanese and many other types of cuisines. Savour the different flavours as you explore the country. 

MALAY & TRADITIONAL FOOD:

Ø  Tamu Besar pasar Gadong

Ø  Tamu Selera

Ø  Aminah Arif

Ø  Pondok Seri Wangi

Ø  Tarindak D’Seni

CHINESE FOOD:

Ø  Li Gong Restaurant

Ø  Emperor’s Court

Ø  Nyonya Restaurant

Ø  I-Lotus

GLOBAL:

Ø  Charcoal Bbq & Grill

Ø  Vitage Rose

Ø  Misato

Ø  Fratinis

CAFÉ:

Ø  Twelve Café

Ø  Coffee Zone

Ø  Taurean café

Ø  TT Blues

Matadoe Bistro

ACTIVITIES IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

GOLF IN BRUNEI

Golfing is a popular sport in Brunei and the Sultanate has some of the best championship-quality golf courses. Beautifully manicured lawns in the mist of stunning natural landscape are bound to enhance golfing experience. Tee of at a vantage point overlooking South China Sea while enjoy the greenery from the lush forest nearby.

DIVING IN BRUNEI BAY

The sheltered waters of Brunei Bay, and the coastal reefs of Brunei, have numerous readily accessible dive sites. From Brunei's  international airport to the dive site can be less than ninety minutes.

The warm, calm tropical seas are an attractive venue for beginners learning to dive, and for experienced divers extending their skills.  Brunei Bay is especially famous for its four wreck dives. Apart from the intrigue of exploring these vessels, the wrecks support a substantial marine eco-system. A dive on these sites is always an opportunity to see a diverse variety of marine life.

The wrecks are all 12 to 33 metres deep; ideal for a range of diving experience. They were extensively explored, recorded and historically researched by a Brunei architect and avid diver.

PADI training and operating standards permit new divers with their Open Water certificate to explore the top areas of the wrecks, while those with an Advanced Open Water certificate can reach to the sea floor, at about 33 metres.

The sheltered waters of Brunei Bay, and the coastal reefs of Brunei, have numerous readily accessible dive sites. From Brunei's  international airport to the dive site can be less than ninety minutes.

FISHING IN BRUNEI

Brunei Fishing has become one of the most preferred activities of the local people as well as international tourists. Fishing in Brunei also forms a major part of the economy.

Brunei Fishing mainly center on the Kampong Ayer, along the Jalan Kota Batu. But there are more happening spots for fishing like Danau, Seri Kenangan Beach, Kuala Tutong, Jerudong Beach, Sungai Bunga, Kampong Pengkalan Sibabau, Ujung Sapoh, Makam Luba, Serasa Beach, Tungku Beach and Pelompong Island.

Since offshore fishing of Brunei is not always safe, Brunei offers sheltered spots for fishing. If you are a bit adventurous you can go for the remote fishing grounds of this country. These grounds are unspoiled since the authorities do not allow destructive methods like usage of cyanide or bombing. 

OUT DOOR ACTIVITIES

Taman Tasek Lama, Bukit Shah Bandar Forest Reserve and others forest reserve in Brunei will serve great place for morning and evening exercise with well made walkways and jungle track for those who good in hike. sometime while doing outdoors activities we also can enjoy panoramic view of waterfall,wide trails and beautiful blooms. it's very natural setting, perfect for a little adventure

FUNCTIONS AND CONFERENCE

 THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

The International 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 the 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's commercial center

BRIDEX HALL, JERUDONG

The Brunei International Defence Exhibition Hall (Bridex) opened in August 2009 to host the first Brunei International Defence Exhibition, for which it was purpose-built. It was also the host venue for the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2009 and a recent DST Mobile client event. There are two exhibition halls offering 4,965 sqm and 5,345 sqm respectively.

The VVIP Dome connects the two halls and can be used as a central registration point for larger exhibitions. Conference facilities include a banquet hall with space for 1,500 delegates theatre style or 700 for banquets. There are six meeting rooms on the floor above ranging from 95-155 sqm. 

EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, CONFERENCE AND MEETING ROOM

SULTAN HASSANAL BOLKIAH STADIUM

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds 30,000 and was opened in 1984. The major function such as 20th Southeast Asian Games in 1999. Athletics (track and field) - 1999 Southeast Asian Games

ACCOMMODATION

RADISSON HOTEL BRUNEI DARUSSALAM.

Conveniently located in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, the hotel is at the crossroads of culture and economy. The hotel is located just a short walk from many of Brunei's treasures, such as The Royal Regalia, Brunei History Centre, the Water Village, and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Brunei International Airport is conveniently located a mere 9 km away while the International Convention Centre is 5km away.

Contemporary facilities and warm hospitality come together at the only internationally branded hotel in Brunei. Elegant rooms and suites offer an inimitable view of the capital and outstanding dining venues are sure to tantalise and stimulate guests' taste buds. State-of-the-art meeting facilities for up to 300 people make it the perfect venue for events of all types. It is air-conditioned and has a lobby, currency exchange facility and lift access. Shopping facilities are also available. Room and laundry service are available. Parking facilities are available to guests arriving by car. 

The hotel offers a wide variety of room types to fit all needs; Executive Deluxe rooms, Garden View rooms, City Twin rooms, and Garden Twin rooms are all on offer. An en suite bathroom, hairdryer, direct dial telephone, television, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, ironing set, safe deposit box and individually adjustable air conditioning all feature as standard. Further amenities, such as modem telephone connections, desk level power points for convenient notebook plug-in, as well as ample lighting, offer that added touch to make guests feel right at home.

The recreational facilities and services on offer include the hotel's health club with the latest gym equipment, outdoor pool and a children's pool, jogging path, as well as in-room massage treatments.

The hotel offers an all-day dining menu which is complemented by innovative buffet selections. Start the day with a full American breakfast buffet intermingled with Asian specialities. Lunch and dinner buffets offer a taste of the orient. In the evening, chefs will delight you from the cooking station with different preparations every night. Only halal food is served. Deals combine traditional cuisine and fusion style for lunch and dinner. Cosy, private and contemporary, it is also ideal for special occasions.

PLACES OF INTEREST

SULTAN OMAR ALI SAIFUDDIEN MOSQUE

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Brunei, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque was build in 1958 and designed by the name said Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien itself. the architecture is magnificent Italaian marble was used for flooring, Shanghai Granite made up the outer walls, the chandelier and stained glass windows and doors came from Britain while the glorious gold dome is made up of pieces of Italian Mosaic. A replica of the Royal barge called "Bahtera" rest on the man-made lagoon that surrounds the mosque. The Replica was represent the 5th Sultan of Brunei, the powerful Sultan during his reign which conquer almost of the other nations.

ISTANA NURUL IMAN ( Palace of the Light of Faith ) 

The Istana Nurul Iman Palace is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government. The palace is located on a leafy, riverside sprawl of hills on the banks of the Brunei River, a few miles south of Bandar Seri Begawan.Guinness World Records currently considers Istana Nurul Iman to hold the title as the “world's largest palace.” 

KAMPONG AYER ( WATER VILLAGE)

Kampong Ayer, or the Water Village (Malay: Kampong Ayer) is an area of Brunei's capital city Bandar Seri Begawan that is situated Brunei Bay. 39,000 people live in the Water Village. This represents roughly ten percent of the nation's total population. All of the Water Village buildings are constructed on stilts above the Brunei River. Built entirely of stilt houses and wooden walkways, this cluster of 42 villages housing more than 35,000 inhabitants is the world's largest water village. Some people refer to it as the 'Venice of the East'

TASEK MERIMBUN

Tasek merimbun or lake Merimbun is a popular picnic spot with an "S" shaped blackwater lake surrounded by swamps and sedges. There is a little island in the middle of the lake. It's a great spot for bird-watching and exploration of plants and insects. Located in Tutong District.

KUALA BELALONG FOREST RESERVE

The forest reserve features 2,000 breathtaking steps that lead to the summit. It affords panoramic view of the majestic mountains, rushing river and surrounding forest below. There is a research center- the Kuala Belalong Field

Studies Center- located there as well. Situated in Temburong District.

WASAI WONG KADIR

Wasai means "waterfall". Located in Belait District. Wasai Wong Kadir is spot to experience the icy cool waters of waterfall. Enjoys dip at the end of an arduous jungle trek. The deep pool is excellent for swimming. the path to the waterfall can be treacherous during the wet season. 

NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

 

… means Sate of Brunei, “the Adobe of Peace”. Brunei is a small Islamic Sultanate. Situated on the Northwest Coast of Borneo, total land area of 5,756 sq. kilometers.

One of the oldest kingdom and yet the youngest Independent nation of the region in Southeast Asia.

In this green rainforest kingdom, one does not find overcrowded skyscrapers, the country is safe, clean and pollution free. It’s flora and fauna and the white sandy beaches are still well-preserved.

Since its independence on 1^st January 1984, Brunei has advanced towards progress and prosperity through several economic, religious, cultural and social progresses.  




About Brunei Darussalam

The official language of Brunei Darussalam is malay, although English and various other dialects widely spoken. Brunei Darussalam's official religion is Islam. The country's culture and ways of life is largely influenced by religion as demonstrated in national philosophy- the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), well known as Malay Islamic Monarchy. The idealogy revolves around country's independence with the King as Head of State, the traditional Malay culture, customs and language, as well as the teachings and values of Islam.