Bandar Seri Begawan Things to Do

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An interesting thing to do is to look at along the river under a shade. You can see fast moving motor boats crossing the river or going up and down the river - carrying school children and local rural folks.

You will heard the loud roars of the boat engines and the pounding waves on the river banks.

River transport is still main popular mode of transport and the sound of the boats on the river is equivalent to the sound of traffic of cars in a city. Just to watch life goes by the river.

There water taxis of different sizes. As a tourist, better negotiate your fare.

There are also boat services to Temburong and Limbang, Lawas, Sundar and Labuan.

You can see from a distance the royal palace of the Sultan of Brunei. It is called "Istana Nurul Iman". Some considered it the largest palace in the world, with over 1,700 rooms.

Unfortunately it is not open to public or tourists for viewing except during the Hari Raya Aidil-Fitri holidays after the fasting month of Ramadan. As this follows the Muslim calendar, the dates will vary year to year.

So if you happen to be in Brunei during Hari Raya, visit this royal palace with the masses. On other days, view it from a distance.

Brunei is a less travelled place and so your family, friends or colleagues would love to get a postcard from Brunei.

Found that there are many postcards of the several massive and beautiful mosques.

All the stamps have the portrait of the King of Brunei.

Originally it was just a small village built over the Brunei river, but now after centuries it has grown to a bigger settlement...now home for nearly 30,000 people.

Here, markets, mosques, schools, clinics, police n fire stations...they're all set on stilts over the Brunei river.

Most of this people here work for the government and private sector or some may have their own businesses. Most of them have cars...they keep them on the mainland and they commute to n from the shore by motor boats.

This is the famous Brunei landmark. You can see its beautiful minarets and golden dome...n its located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. At night the golden dome shines...truly a great view.

Visitors may go inside the mosque but you have to leave your shoes outside...n to dress modestly.

Visiting hours: Sunday-Wednesday from 8.00 am - 5.30 pm.

A great place to see an exhibition of Brunei traditional handicraft of silver smith, brassware, keris (dagger), basketry and gold brocade weaving.

It is established in 1975 as a training center for young Bruneians to learn and master the local arts and handicrafts.

There is also a sale hall for your souvenir. Intricate gold and silver thread woven sarong called "jong sarat".

Open daily 8am-noon. 1:30pm-4:30pm. Closed on Fridays.

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Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a classical Islamic architecture with a golden dome and floating boat with a moat. It is a must see just to wander in the outside marble courtyard.

The mosque was completed in 1958. It was named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei. The Brunei monarchy is over 600 years old.

Visiting hours: Sunday-Wednesday 8.00 am - noon, 1.00 pm - 3.30 pm, 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm. On Friday: 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm .

Important: Closed to non-Muslims on Thursday.

This is a fun thing to do. To walk over planks and wooden platforms on stilts over river, wandering through this famous Water Village. To see the way of life, their living rooms and laundry hanging out. There is the motorbike or bicycle here and there but no cars of course. And the golden dome of the mosque always in the background.

It is home to over 30,000 resident complete with school, police station and medical clinic. A unique Brunei heritage not to missed.