Bandar Seri Begawan
INTRO
Bandar Seri Begawan is the big name of a small but fascinating capital city in the contemporary Sultanate of Brunei. As unbelievable as it may sound, here lives one of the richest men in the world along with his two wives who both have palaces of their own. Witness this enchanting place and the life of its people and you will certainly acknowledge the oriental charm and extravagance.
City Profile
City: Bandar Seri Begawan
Country: Brunei
Area: 12.87 km2
Population: 46,229
Districts:
Sultan: Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah
Language: Malay
Rating: #1 / 126 at Asian-Cities
LOCATION
The Sultanate of Brunei's capital is situated on the northern bank of the Brunei River with its central part lying on the confluence of Kedayan and Brunei Rivers. Situated on the Brunei Bay and adjacent to the South China Sea on the west and bordering Malaysia on the east, Bandar Seri Begawan is the major agricultural trade and river port in the country. Strategically located among the rest of the Asian countries, the city is connected to the other continents by its small but efficient international airport.
TIME TO VISIT
Brunei's capital has an equatorial climate that is characterised by rainfall and humidity almost unchangeable throughout the year. The weather is generally hot with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. From a weather point of view there is no particular best time to visit it. It is suggestible, however, to plan your trip a little after the national holiday of Ramadan since shortly after the fasting period the royal Palace of the sultan is open for the public.
POPULATION
Bandar Seri Begawan is the most densely populated city in the sultanate. The majority of the population is Malay and there is a minority of Chinese. From the total number of people, around 46 thousand, there are small numbers of Indians, foreigners and the indigenous Kadazan, Murut and Bisaya people. The official language in the Brunei capital is Malay but English is the second most widely used language.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
The Oriental world can be felt a hundred percent just by spending one day sightseeing in Bandar Seri Begawan. Witness the luxurious life of the Sultan of Brunei and experience the local culture by visiting the landmarks of the Brunei capital.
- Omar Saifuddin Mosque is the most famous landmark in Seri Begawan. It is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei and is open for a visit if you are dressed accordingly. The mosque was built in 1958 for about 5,000,000,000 American dollars, which can be easily understood considering the finest Italian marbles, Saudi Arabian and Belgium carpets and the British stained glass. The mosque is situated in the central part of the city, right next to the shopping complex and is free of charge.
- Royal Regalia Museum is devoted to the Sultan of Brunei and can be visited free of charge. The main highlight of the museum is the royal regalia and other ceremonial items used during the Sultan's coronation in 1960s as well as the regalia for the sultan's 25th anniversary. There are many photographs of the royal family, gifts to the country from other nations and other artifacts of the monarchy. Prepare to spend a couple of hours there if you wish to see everything. Pictures are allowed in the main hall.
- Jame'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque is another outstanding mosque with golden domes and roof built in honour of the sultan for his 25th anniversary as a ruler of Brunei. Its name means "The Mosque with a Heart of Gold". Situated at Kampong Kiarong, a few kilometers from the city, it is the largest mosque in the country.
- Kampung Ayer, or Water Village, is another landmark of the Brunei capital. Situated along the waters of the Brunei River, there are around 30 water villages comprising of many houses, schools, mosques, etc, all built on water, providing living for around 30,000 people. One can explore the village either by boat or on foot as there are many wooden walking bridges and paths winding around the area. The fast-boat trip is pleasant as you go under the bridges and pass some scenery views, of which you can take pictures.
- Royal Palace of Brunei is considered to be the largest palace in the world with almost two thousand rooms. Unfortunately, it is not always open for the public since the sultan lives there. Situated along the Brunei River, the magnificent palace can be seen from the outside or visited inside during the holidays after the fasting month of Ramadan. The locals follow the Muslim calendar so the dates change every year. If you happen to be in Bandar Seri Begawan during that time, don't miss the opportunity to see the palace from the inside.
- Jerudong Amusement Park is a great place where you can enjoy pleasures similar to those at Disney World. The park was originally built for family usage by the Sultanate of Brunei but was later opened for the public and tourists. It is not expensive to go there and there are various options depending on how long you plan to stay there. It is an ideal place for rides both for adults and children.
AIRPORT
Bandar Seri Begawan is best reachable by plain from many major countries in Europe, Asia and Australia. The main airline company is the Royal Brunei Airlines but other companies fly to there as well (e.g. Singapore Airlines, Thai Airlines, Malaysia Airlines).
- Brunei International Airport is a small airport that is located at 30 minutes drive from the city. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal and the fee is about 25-30 Brunei dollars. It is also possible to take the bus for 1 dollar or rent a car. Beware that you are entering an Islamic country and consider that there is a limited amount of alcohol allowed and that there is a death penalty for drug smuggling.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
There are several ways to get around in Bandar Seri Begawan:
- Public buses are available but rarely used. The buses operate till as long as 8, 9 p.m. It is not expensive to take the bus, 1 Brunei dollar. The main bust station is in the central area in close proximity to the waterfront area of the mall.
- Taxis are metred: $3 Brunei dollars for the first 1km and $1 Brunei dollar for every following km. Prices rise to $3 to 4.50 after 9 p.m. and booking a car will be additional $3 dollars. Sometimes, however, taxis might be difficult to find because they are not so many in general.
- Cars are the main means of transportation for the native people. Almost everybody owns one. It is possible to hire one from the airport rental booths of Hertz or Avis. A regular car should be around $80-120 Brunei dollars per day. Driving in the city is easy since there is not much traffic but notice that the driving follows the English right-hand drive.
- Walking is probably the best way to explore the city as the main tourist attractions are very close to each other, people are very friendly and will direct you and the traffic is generally moderate.
- Boats are also used, especially by tourists who go to the famous Kampong Ayer village. There are wooden speed boats that will take you there for a 30-minute thrilling journey. Fare: $20 Brunei dollars, but make sure to bargain.
HISTORY
The early settlement of Bandar Seri Begawan dates back to the 7th century when the city resembled the present water village. The original name of the city was Bandar Brunei; "Bandar" comes from Persian and means "port". In 1970 the city was renamed after the Sultan's father, Sir Omar Ali Safiddin. The name "Begawan" is usually given to monarchs who have abdicated. Between 14th and 16th centuries, the times when Brunei was in its most powerful period, the capital city has changed its location from Kota Batu, through Kampong Ayer till its present day seat. During these years the city was the main trading and fishing base of the sultanate. The present layout of the city is quite modern as the city was completely destroyed by the Allied forces right before the World War II.
CITY LINKS
- Brunei News Net, A Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.bruneinews.net/
- Brunei Tourist Website: http://www.tourismbrunei.com/
- Bandar Seri Begawan official website: http://www.municipal-bsb.gov.bn/
EDUCATION
- Jerudong International School: http://www.jis.edu.bn/v
- International School: http://www.standrews-de.org/
- St. Andrews School: http://www.standrews-de.org/