Fun things to do in Brunei and Muara

The magnificent "Crystal Arch" stands as a majestic sentry, at the entrance of the Playground Gardens and the road leading to Istana Nurul Izzah. It has become one of the country’s most recognizable icons. Weighing 7 tons, it reaches for the sky in the shape of a brilliant cut diamond supported by four shanks decorated with millions of small gold mosaic tiles cascading waterfalls bubble underneath. It is the largest known diamond replica in the world! Witness its metamorphosis as the light varies; protruding as a dramatic structure during the day, shimmering in the soft light of dusk and brilliant as coloured lasers spear through its centre to refract shots of neon at night!

The most impressive site in Bandar Seri Begawan is His Majesty's royal palace, known as the Istana Nurul Iman. It is the largest residential palace in the world, and its golden domes, vaulting roof and riverside setting make it a spectacular subject for photographs. The palace is open to the public only during Hari Raya, when residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to greet His Majesty and the royal households. The best view of the istana is from the Persiaran Damuan, which is a park along the river bank offJalan Tutong. It has walkways, a well equipped playground and feature six outdoor sculptures by ASEAN artists, on the theme of Unit,vin Diversity. The Persiaran Damuan is popular for jogging and has several foodstalls in the evenings.

Early European visitors to Brunei Darussalam described the Kampong Ayer, or Water Village, as the Venice of the East. Today, visitors continue to be fascinated by these traditional and historic houses on stilts which span the greater part of the Brunei River.

Home for about 30,000 people, the Kampong Ayer is accessible by boat or via wooden bridges from the houses in Kampong Ayer are joined by a maze of inter-connecting wooden walkways, and visitors are free to roam at their leisure. His Majesty's government has provided every modern facility for the residents, including schools, clinics, police stations and mosques. A visit to Brunei Darussalam would be incomplete without a trip to this unique and intriguing place.

Early European visitors to Brunei Darussalam described the Kampong Ayer, or Water Village, as the Venice of the East. Today, visitors continue to be fascinated by these traditional and historic houses on stilts which span the greater part of the Brunei River.

Home for about 30,000 people, the Kampong Ayer is accessible by boat or via wooden bridges from the houses in Kampong Ayer are joined by a maze of inter-connecting wooden walkways, and visitors are free to roam at their leisure. His Majesty's government has provided every modern facility for the residents, including schools, clinics, police stations and mosques. A visit to Brunei Darussalam would be incomplete without a trip to this unique and intriguing place.

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Dominating the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, this is one of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia and a symbol of the strong Islamic faith of the people of Brunei Darussalam. Completed in 1958, it is named after the 28th Sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien, who is still referred to as the architect of modern Brunei. The mosque's design reflects the use of the world's most elegant materials, including marble from Italy, granite from Shanghai, stained glass and chandeliers from England and carpets from Belgium and Saudi Arabia. Located in a lagoon beside the mosque is a replica of a 1 6th century mahligai barge, which was used to stage colourful religious ceremonies such as Koran reading competitions during the 1960s and early 70s. Visitors to the mosque are advised to remove their shoes before entering and should be dressed conservatively. Visiting hours: Sunday through Wednesday from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon, 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. On Friday: 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm . The mosque is closed to non-muslims on Thursday.