Brunei can be deceiving in all its riches available for tourists. Don’t be fooled and know what awaits the gambling tourist who is looking for a new and exciting place to visit. So here are the top ten tourist spots for Brunei which all should visit if traveling in this historic country.
Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Brunei has a lot of cultural and religious tourist attractions. That should be expected due to the 600 year rule of sultans in the country. A lot of these religious sites have become historic as the years have gone by. The Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is by far the most splendid one of them all. It is also one of the most important religious sites in the country.
It is located in Kampong Kiarong, which is quite close to the nation’s capital. Though it is mainly a place of worship among Muslims, it is open to visits by those not of the faith during Thursdays. You’ll definitely enjoy the architectural masterpieces to be witnessed here.
Royal Regalia Museum
A tour of the many tourist attractions of Brunei will give you various glimpses into the royal buildings and cultural centers. Not only do they speak of the architectural prowess of the country, they also speak volumes regarding the people’s history.
The Royal Regalia Museum is one of the most culturally significant places to visit if you want to understand the people’s culture and history. The collections you will find here portray the regal life of the royal dynasties that ruled the land, which also reflects the political aspects of the nation.
Brunei History Center
600 years worth of history is preserved in the Brunei History Center. Historical edifices are preserved here for the perusal and appreciation of generations to come. It was built in 1982 under the consent of the reigning sultan of the time. If you want to take a crash course into the country’s history then this History Center place will give you quite a comprehensive introduction.
Kampong Ayer
Kampong Ayer is locally dubbed as the Venice of the East. It is one of the tourist attractions in the country that you shouldn’t miss. This place is sometimes called the ‘water village’. It is quite interesting that the moniker ‘Venice of the East’ wasn’t coined by one of the locals but was given by a foreign visitor.
Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
One of the important mosques in the country is the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. This mosque is quite picturesque being situated on an artificial lagoon near the Brunei River. This religious site has become quite popular in South East Asia being known for it transient beauty. Incidentally, this mosque was named after the country’s 28th sultan.
Istana Nurul Iman
The residence of the nation’s sultan, Istana Nurul Iman, is a spectacular place to visit. In fact, it is the biggest palace in the whole country. The palace was designed by the Philippines’ national artist for architecture, Leandro V. Locsin. Unfortunately, the palace itself isn’t usually open to visitors. You can only adore the lavish residence during the annual Hari Raya Puasa Festival.
Jerudong Theme Park
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. It is often frequented by a lot of visitors all year round. It is open to the public and visitors are not required to purchase any ticket to gain entry. It’s a great place to have a picnic or just spend a relaxing afternoon. There are rides for visitors and food kiosks in case you get hungry.
Drottningholm
This tourist attraction is actually where the country’s royal family resides. The very first palace built in this site was constructed in the 16th century. However, it was destroyed in 1961 and a new palace was constructed the following year. The place is quite charming and reflects the country’s glory.
Religious Pilgrimage
The main religion of this nation is Islam. And as such, one of the highlights to any visit here would be a religious pilgrimage. People come here not only to admire the beautifully crafted mosques but also to worship. The architecture of these religious buildings is already a welcome treat to any visitor.
Visiting the Royal Residences
One of the big attractions of Brunei is the lavishly decorated and designed royal residences. The members of the sultanate’s royalty live in regal homes that are wonderfully decorated and fashioned. Some of these places are also historic sites as well.
