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Published: April 28th 2016
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Been reading blogs about Brunei especially the capital Bandar Seri Begawan and it made me curious to experience the country and find answers to my questions.
Arrived around 2am on the 22nd of April 2016. Everyone is picked by private cars except me. Taxis are not available at this time. Decided to familiarize the airport and glad to find a city guide posted on the wall outside. It has every details on how to go around the city especially the bus numbers. There's also a mosque of modern Islamic design that I enjoyed taking pictures. It was very touching and a bit dramatic to be closer to this house of prayer for it's my first time. Ooops... if you don't have enough $1 bills, you can exchange at the Car Park Office outside the airport and it's open 24hrs. After 2hrs, my body gave up and wants to rest. Airport bench was my first bed.
1st Day
Around 6.20am, first bus came at the airport. My destination would be the bus terminal or simply BSB (Bandar Seri Begawan) which is the main hub to every destination around the city. I could say that majority drives car in Brunei. Very
few takes the public transpo. While on my way to BSB, saw the Office Building of Brunei Prime Minister that is so HUGE, passed by also the SEAGAMES 1999 center and other interesting sights that I'm sure I will walk back once I arrive at the bus terminal. Walked around the bus terminal and to my surprise, I made it to the morning market called Tama Kianggeh. Locals are on their early trading of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry and marine products and even local food especially the famous Nasi Lamak Pusu which is very affordable and tummy - feeling. Nasi Lamak Pusu is a steamed rice in a leaf with fermented fish. Discovered also a local cemetery behind this morning market. Just around the bus terminal, I visited also the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque which is a famous attraction of Brunei. It is of golden domes, it has a lagoon and a courtyard. A very picturesque house of worship. This area is also near Kampong Ayer, Royal Regalia Museum and shopping malls that I want to visit on the next days. After hours of happy walks, tasted one of Brunei's bests, Nasi Kato. Fried chicken with a very different
sauce that is made of herbs I think. Seems after that midnight tiring trip, I accomplished a lot already.
Midday destination is my hotel that is located in Gadong town. I can say that it's a shopping area and center of good meals. While walking early evening, I made it to the Night Market. It's located across the river with a good view of a well-lighted and golden Jame'Asr Hassani Bolkiah Mosque. At the Night Market, variety of local food selections will drive you crazy and everything is affordable, from $1-$2. I ordered a special Kebab, mix of chicken and beef. While crossing the busy streets and eating my kebab to Jame'Asr Hassani Bolkiah Mosque, can't stop smiling and the feeling of excitement to have captures of this stunning mosque. Wondered also how it will look like on the next day when sun shines on it.
2nd Day
Walked up very early. Jogged to Jame'Asr Hassani Bolkiah Mosque and spent 2 hours running and taking pictures around this house of prayer. It is the largest mosque of Brunei that is of tiled-walls or design. Muslim gown/attire is provided for touring inside but picture taking is not allowed.
After satisfying my eyes, my mind, my camera... had my breakfast in a local restaurant.
Before midday, went to Muara Beach. A goverment-maintained beach. A bit quiet, fewer people, it has pine trees around and of long white sand. The clear blue-green water is tempting. Enjoyed few hours of swimming and sunning on this beach.
Went back to BSB late afternoon and decided to visit Ampong Ayer. Walking around on this water village gave me picture on how people live on this other part of the country. Seems each family has its own speedboat and when they visit the mainland, their cars await for them. Hospital, schools, mosques and other establishments are present this area.
3rd Day
Lazy day. Made few shoppings in BSB and visited the Royal Regalia Museum. Royal Regalia Museum is a eye-opener for me. It made me speechless and loads of realization. A wonderful learning experience being inside. It has exhibits about Brunei and the existence of the Royal Family.
FACTS
- Jollibee is everywhere.
- No alcohol, gambling, pubs and KTV.
- Drive on the right.
- Muslim country.
- Malay influence.
- Little nation of half million population but
has money.
- Milk teas and fruit drinks shops are everywhere.
- Public transpo like taxi or bus are not commonly use, they drive car.
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