Published on December 8, 2014
Brunei offers various choices of travel experience to the visitor, ranging from pristine rainforests and historical Islamic architecture and culture, to beaches, sports and shopping activities. A safe destination, Brunei is a perfect location for any MICE event, particularly for delegates travelling with their family.
Bandar Sri Begawan tour: Visitors can stroll through the local morning market, then visit the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the nearby Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex – a modern shopping mall offering fine restaurants – before heading to the nearby Royal Regalia Museum which includes displays of some of the gifts received by the Sultan of Brunei. Admirers of modern tropical architecture will also enjoy buildings such as the Dewan Bahasa and Library building. One of the most interesting areas to visit in Bandar Sri Begawan is Kampung Ayer, a Malay waterfront fishing community which has facilities ranging from schools to grocery shops and even a fire station. Other popular places include the Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the city center with its range of trendy new coffee shops, and a night market on the river. For MICE, an excellent destination is the Empire Resort and Country Club combining first class conferences facilities, a hotel and Brunei’s premier golf course.
Proboscis Monkey River Safari: A cruise on the open deck of a local wooden boat takes visitors into the rainforest and mangroves, just a few km away from the urban development of Bandar Sri Begawan. The cruise usually passes the old Palace of the Sultan (Istana Lama) and the Istana Nurul Iman, the current residence of the Sultan of Brunei and continues on to the mangrove forest where the rare and endangered proboscis monkeys live.
Ulu Temburong National Park: An exotic trip through Borneo’s best preserved rainforests includes a walkway above the jungle canopy.
Kuala Belait/ Seria Oil Town Tour: Following a scenic drive through rural Brunei, visitors arrive in the district of Kuala Belait where oil was first discovered back in 1929. The Oil and Gas Discovery Center tells the story of this important discovery.