Brunei in Brief.....

Selamat Datang......

Welcome to Brunei Darussalam~

Courtesy from http://www.populstat.info/mpics/maps/bruneim.jpg brunei map 2

Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate located in Borneo Island and was divided into 4 main districts namely, Brunei Muara districts which is the main populated districts followed by Tutong, Belait and Temburong districts

It has total area of 5,765 square kilometer and a population of 380,000. Its main natural resources are oil and gas which become the main industry that generates wealth and income to Brunei.

Brunei celebrated its national day every 23rd February every year and it achieve the independence in 1984. Brunei was ruled under the reign of the 29th Sultan of Brunei, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah.

Brunei has established itself as one of the important and independent nation in region as it becomes the membership of several association that is ASEAN ( Association of South East Asian Nations), the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Conference and Commonwealth.

In  terms of Tourism, it had moved to become the second industry which provides wealth to the country. Brunei was known as the Green Heart of Borneo as it offers many attraction place and recreational park such as Ulu-Ulu Temburong which based on eco and nature tourism and it attracts lots of nature lovers tourists from other countries.

It also call as the Kingdom with unexpected treasures as it offers quiet and peaceful environment where people can enjoy and creates unforgettable memories....

Accommodation in Brunei

Where to stay?? Brunei offers a variety type of accommodation from Luxury Hotels to budget hotel...

Courtesy from http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h124/LailaTempawan/empire.jpg

The Empire Hotel and Country Club

-The Empire Hotel and Country Club is the luxury hotel that can be found in Brunei. It is located at Muara-Tutong Highway just 20 minutes drive from the town.

-You are going to love to stay in this hotel as it provide world class facilities and activities that can be done while staying. It also has magnificent view of the ocean and it is peaceful to watch sunset from the beach.

-It features nine restaurant outlets with choices of from local to International cuisine.

- The Empire Hotel and Country Club also become popular spot for tourists to do some leisure activities such as golfing, bowling and aquasports such as scuba diving, parasailing and jet skiing.

- For contact details: Telephone Number- (O) 2418888

                                                                   (F) 2418999

                                  Website: www.theempirehotel.com

                                             Email: sales@theempirehotel.com

The Rizqun International Hotel

 Courtesy from http://www.bruneihoteltour.com/hotel/brunei_hotel/rizqun_international/index.html

-The hotel is located just next to the popular shopping areas, The Mall Gadong. It was mostly occupied by bussinessmen as it offers conference hall that is Songket Conference Hall. Moreover facilities for businessmen such as meeting rooms are also available here.

- For contact details: Telephone Number: (O) 2423000

                                                               (F) 2428000

                                 Website:www.rizquninternational.com

                                 Email: reservation.rizqun@gmail.com

Courtesy from http://images2.nteknik.net/gt/BN/BWN/ORC/BWN-ORC-1.jpg

The Orchid Garden Hotel

-Situated at Jalan Anggerek, this hotel is a business and tourist information class hotel and it just a 5 minute drive from the Brunei International Airport.

- It is near to International Conventional Centre  and Hassanal Bolkiah Indoor Stadium.

- Some of the latest addition of facilities available in the hotel are Amanha Spa and free Wi-Fi connection in the restaurant and coffee lounge.

- For contact details: Telephone Number (O) 2335544

                                                                  (F) 2335444

                                  Website:www.orchidgardenbrunei.com

                                  Email address: ogh@brunet.bn

Tourists Attraction

Places of interest that can be found in Brunei........

Brunei-Muara districts

Kampong Ayer, 'Venice of the East'

- Kampong Ayer become the most startling facet of Bandar Seri Begawan for almost 600 years. It is the one must stop place for visitor to view the extensive village built on stilts on Brunei River and become homes for about 30,000 people.
- Water taxi are available to bring the visitor for Kampong Ayer touring at Brunei River.

Courtesy from www.bruneitourism.com

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

- This is one of the 'must stop' attraction places in Brunei. It was built in 1958 and was named after the 28th Sultan that is Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien who was regarded as the architect of modern Brunei.

- The special thing about SOAS mosque is that beside the mosque, is a replica of 16th Century Royal Barge where any religious function used to be held and staged during the 1960s to 1970s.

- One of the rules to enter this mosque for visitors is to leave their shoes before entering and for women, they must cover their heads and dress conservatively.

Courtesy from http://iguide.travel/photos/Bandar_Seri_Begawan-3.jpg

Tutong Districts

Seri Kenangan Beach

- One of the favorite beaches and recreation area in Brunei, just five minute drive from Tutong town.

- It is also called as the 'unforgettable beach' as it offers a spectacular view of Sunset. Restaurants, picnic huts, barbeque area, a playground and foodstalls are available here.

Courtesy from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/450543

Merimbun Heritage Park

- The park was located at Tutong district just half an hour drive from Bandar and it sponsered by the HSBC and administered by the Brunei Museum.

-The park was also became the base for scientific research as it become homes to flora and fauna and wildlife.

Courtesy from http://www.borneo.com.au/brunei/information/tutong

Belait Districts

Sungai Liang Recreational Park

- Located just 70 kilometres from Bandar Seri Begawan, it is one of the forest recreation park that can be found in Brunei.

-The park is featured by a large pond and some of the facilities available here are toilet, huts and parking space. It also provides canopy walkways for jungle trekking.

- Became favorite recreational park for picnic.

Courtesy from http://fotorafi.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/taman-rekreasi-hutan-sg-liang/

Temburong districts

Bukit Patoi Recreational Park

- The park is located about 15 kilometres from Bangar town and it becomes favorite place for locals as well as students for hiking as the park offer panoramic view of jungle, sea, villages and we actually can see the neighboring countries, Sarawak.

- It also become home to a variety of wildlife such as Borneo native deer also known as Kijang. 

- Also famous as the park features a mystery tree called 'Batu Terganggam' and it got the name as when you see the tree it looks like the trees are holding a big rock.

Courtesy from http://farm3.static.flickr.com

Functions & Conferences

1. The International Conventional Centre
- Located at Jalan Anggerek near to the Orchid Garden Hotel.

Courtesy from http://www.patana.ac.th/secondary/MUN/myweb/images/IMG_1577.jpg

2. Bridex Hall
- Another conference hall that is used for any organizational or private functions such as consumer fair, Asian Tourism Forum and many more..

Courtesy from http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3970451821_547e409bbb_o.jpg

Activities

Brunei offers lots of activities to do. From Aquasports at The Empire Hotel and Country Club to Horse Riding in Polo Club...YOU NAME IT, WE'VE GOT IT!!!

Parasailing

- Do you want to experience viewing the sea and beach by flying? Come, Have Fun and try to do parasailing at the Empire Hotel and Country Club!!

- Tel No: 2418888

Courtesy from shimworld.files.wordpress.com

Boat Kayaking at the Serasa Beach

- Serasa Beach is one of the places where you do another watersports such as kayaking, boat racing and many more..

Courtesy from www.3.bp.blogspot.com

Horse-Riding at Polo Club Jerudong

- Polo Club is the suitable place for you to try the horse-riding as it offers panoramic view of Jerudong beaches...

Courtesy from www.freme.com

Eating Areas

Brunei had lots to offer when it comes to food. From local Malay food to Korean and all types of International cuisine............

Aminah Arif Restaurant

- Most favorite spot for eating Ambuyat which is one of the traditional local food. Choose from selection of local cakes and snacks for tea-time.

- Open from 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. daily

-It has more than 3 branches and one of the branch is located at Units 2&3, Block B, Ground Floor, Bangunan Haji Abd Rahman, Spg 88, Kiulap.

Courtesy from www.4.bp.blogspot.com

-Tel No: 2236198

Courtesy from catzscafe1.clogspot.com

Fratini's Portview

- It is strategically located at the banks of Brunei River which creates a peaceful and romantic feeling while dine-in at night with the lights and panoromic view of Brunei River and Kampong Ayer....

Courtesy from www.picasaweb.google.com

- The menus being offered here is the Italian cuisine from pasta to freshly oven pizzas are not to be missed.

-Open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.daily.

-Tel No: 2231466

Kaizen Sushi
- For those who loves to eat Japanese food, then you should try the Japanese food at Kaizen Sushi at Unit 10, Block C, Kiarong Complex. 
- Tel No: 2452662

Courtesy from www.foodhungry.com

Entertainment

Jerudong Park Playground

Located at Kampong Jerudong which lies along Muara- Tutong Highway just 20 minute drive from the town centre, the Jerudong Park Playground was the only theme park in Brunei and it was launched to coincide with His Majesty 's 48th birthday celebration.

It is an amusement park with exciting rides to play such as the old0time carousel, Pirate Ship, roller coaster and many more!!! 

Cinema

Empire Cinemas

- Located at the Empire Hotel and Country Club, Jerudong which offers wide selection of movies with exclusive seats!!

- Tel No: 2417977

Courtesy from fadilahamdan.blogspot.com

The Mall Cineplex

- Located at the most commercial areas that is Gadong on Level 2 at the Mall.

- Tel No: 2422455

Courtesy from www.simpur.net.bn/atthemovies/cinema/mall

Seri Q-lap Cineplex

- Located at Level 2 of Seri Q-lap Mall, Kiulap

- Tel No: 2232277

Courtesy from fadilahamdan.blogspot.com

Special Occassions........

His Majesty The Sultan Birthday Celebration

- The celebration held every 15 July. This is the time when Brunei turns into colorful parades, fairs and entertainment. Locals as well as tourists will go to the town to see fireworks and went into bazaar that will be held during His Majesty the Sultan Birthday Celebration.

National Day Celebration

- Held every 23 of February every year. There will be performances by uniformed personnel, school childrens, civil servants and many other sectors of the community. The celebration include fairs of entertainment and food. 

Beauty and Therapy

1. Martha Tilaar Spa

-  Bangunan Haji Ibrahim Bin Awg othman, Spg 24,

  Kampong Menglait Gadong

  T: 2441333

2. Amanha Spa

- Level 2, Orchid Garden Hotel, Berakas

  T: 2337575

Courtesy from www.onebrunei.com

3. Zen Spa Health Care

- Unit 6 & 7, Second floor,

   Block C, Delima Square, Jalan Muara

   T: 2338877

Courtesy from sanctuarybrunei.wordpress.com

·        

Travel and Transport

Getting around in Brunei is easy as there are wide selection of public transportation from hire car to ferry services:

1. Car Rental company: 

• Avis-Rent-A-Car (T: 2426345/2442284/2446380/2424921)
• Hertz-Rent-A-Car (T: 2390300/2390310)
• Budget-U-Drive (T:2345573/2345574)

2. Taxi Services

• Taxis are available at the airport as well as hotels
• The Taxi Headquarter are located at the multi-storey car park at Jalan Cator, Bandar Seri Begawan

3. Buses

• There are 6 bus routes in Bandar Seri Begawan which operates from 6.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. This buses will stop at any bus terminal or bus station every 15 to 20 minutes. 

4. Airlines

• Royal Brunei Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Thai Airways International
• Malaysia Airlines
• Air Asia

5. Ferry Services

• It is located at the Serasa Terminal in Muara.

Courtesy from Brunei FM News

6. Water Taxi

• Available at Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan
• Regular water taxi and boat services to Temburong from 7.45 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Courtesy from the travel world.com

Health & Fitness

Jerudong Park Medical Centre

-Situated at Jerudong, Jerudong Park Medical Centre or famously known as JPMC is the specialists private hospital which has one of the top health care facilities with expertise and medical practitioners recruited from around the world. It is the only private hospital in Brunei that offers diagnostic facilties.

- Some of the services offers by JPMC includes:

• Well Baby Clinics
• Dental Clinic
• Immunisation Programmes
• Special Health Screening
• Well Women's Clinic
• Day Care Facilities and many more..

Courtesy from Brunei FM News

Fitness Zone Health Club

- One of the health fitness industry in Brunei. It had open 2 branches that is in Gadong and Kiulap. Recently they are about to launch their third branch of Fitness Zone in Serusop.

- The aim of this Health Club is to provide a healthy lifestyle environment for the people.

- It offers relaxation type of facilities and not only that it also offers a high quality of health programmes for those who wants to have a healthy lifestyle environment.

Courtesy from Fitness Zone Gadong Branch Facilities

Shopping Complex in Brunei

VARIETY OF SHOPPING OPPORUNITIES!!!!

Gadong Areas:

  1. The Mall

- An exciting eight-storey building with approximately 150 stores which includes Cineplex, food court, fitness zone and many more. It also features Rizqun Hotel equipped with multi-purpose hall, meeting rooms and many more.

- The Mall is located at another main commercial areas that is Gadong which become the main centre for people to do shopping as it features many shopping complexes such as Jaya Hypermart in Centrepoint, Utama Grand and Sin Kew Hin.  It also become the more popular spots among locals and tourists to spend some leisure time.

Courtesy from traveltheworld.com

Kiulap Areas:

2. Seri Q-lap Mall & Hua Ho Kiulap

- Another spot of favorite shopping complex in Brunei. It is located at Jalan Kiulap. The Seri Q-lap Mall features also cine plex  and other varieties of shops. Another shopping complex that can be found here is Hua Ho Kiulap. It is located near to Kiulap Plaza Hotel.

Bandar Seri Begawan Areas:

3. Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex

- It is the biggest shopping complex in Brunei, situated near to Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. It offers a wide selection of goods under one roof.With its unique and traditional architecture, it became the one must stop places in the Sultanate.

Courtesy from traveltheworld.com