A small country Brunei attracted tourists because of the many unique structures and natural beauty, the study of which will take quite some time. Therefore, for travelers who go to Brunei, what to see - this is one of the most pressing issues. Sightseeing should begin from the capital of the state - Bandar Seri Begawan , where grandiose mosques and palaces are located.
Next, you need to allocate time to explore the suburbs to the west of the city, and then switch to the eastern part. In addition to active rest, in Brunei you can just lie on the magnificent beaches and soak up the sun. In the comfortable and hospitable hotels of Brunei every tourist will feel himself a real sultan.
Brunei - sights of the capital
The city of Bandar Seri Begawan is small compared to the capitals of European cities, but by the standards of Brunei it is a metropolis. Walking along the streets is always pleasant, because it maintains perfect purity. Tourists are surely taken to the green hills that surround Bandar Seri Begawan from all sides.
The main sights of the capital include:
- The official residence of the head of state is the Sultan's Palace (Istana Nurul Imana) . Seeing such a stunning luxury, it becomes interesting, how much did the construction cost with 1788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, 18 elevators and 5 pools? In different sources, the figures range from $ 500 million to $ 1.4 billion. The palace covers an area of 200 thousand square meters and includes parking for 5 thousand cars.
- No less important is the mosque James Asr Hassanal Bolkiah , built in 1992. Recognize it among other mosques is not difficult on 29 domes towering over the city. The number of domes was chosen not casually, after all the mosque is constructed in honor of 29 ruler of Brunei. The mosque is open every day, and the entrance is free.
- But the main decoration of the capital is called another mosque - Omar Ali Saifudin , named after the 28th ruler of the country. It is a symbol of Islam - the religion of the state. The date of its construction is 1958, and the place is an artificial lagoon.
- After studying the cultural facilities of the capital, you can switch to entertainment and visit Jerudong Park . This sports and entertainment venue was built right in the green zone under the sultan's care. Here the best stadiums for polo and croquet are equipped, there is a route for karting and a shooting club. But special attention should be paid to the Luna Park, where it will be fun for both children and adults.
Amazing Places in Brunei
Traveling through Brunei, you can not miss the part where all the buildings are on the water. This is the village of Kampung Ayer , which includes 28 smaller villages. All houses, mosques and other buildings are built on stilts. Tourists are brought to it by boat, and a familiarization tour takes place on them, during which visitors manage to see firsthand the life of the inhabitants of the city. The first houses in this area were built 1000 years ago.
Brunei is rich in national parks, but the most outstanding of these is Ulu-Temburong , established in 1991. It is located not far from the capital and covers an area of 500 km². The uneasy terrain of the territory was preserved exclusively by the efforts of the authorities. In the national park there are many hills, among which stands an 1800-meter mountain. The hills are located on one side of the national park, and the other is represented by a lowland landscape that has become home to many species of animals.
The natural landmarks of Brunei include the Usai-Kandal nature reserve , located in the jungle. Rest here is safe and comfortable. First of all, tourists are attracted by the waterfalls of the reserve. One of the most surprising is Air-Terjun-Menusop with a lot of pools. They can be reached by numerous trails in order to cool off in cold water.
Rest in the main hotel of the country - The Empire Hotel & Country Club will seem fabulous. Once it was a guest house of the Sultan, who was converted into a hotel. On it you can only move on an electric car. About the past the building resembles a rich interior and vast territory. It is located all for a comfortable stay - SPA, swimming pools and a beautiful beach.
Cultural Attractions
The most visited sight of Brunei is the Museum of Royal Regalia . You do not have to pay for entry, but photography is strictly forbidden. The building is located in the center of the capital, so finding a road to it will not be difficult. In the halls of the museum the entire history of the formation of the Sultanate in Brunei is kept. Here you can see the crown, chariot and other regalia, used in official events of the country.
About the oil industry of the country is told in the Discovery Center , representing the fascinating world of science and technology. It is built to convey the scale of the oil and gas industry to tourists. Only in Brunei you can find a monument to a billion barrel built in 1991. It is located next to the first well, from which oil was extracted for the first time in the country.