A n a m b u y a t s e t fro m T a ri n d a k d ’ S e n i Brunei has golf courses to accommodate the most committed of golfing enthusiasts, so we hope you brought along your golf set! Green fees in Brunei is comparatively cheap, so if you’re looking to play a round of golf or maybe just spend some time on the putting green, this is the place for you. The waters off the Sultanate’s coast are a diver’s paradise, with vast coral reefs and gorgeous marine life. A 15-minute catamaran-ride will bring you to beautiful reefs like Brunei Patch and Clownfish Avenue while the wreck dives are scattered between Brunei and the Malaysian island of Labuan. The shipwrecks are teeming with sea life and as you weave over the decks, you’ll swim alongside cardinalfishes, yellow- tailed barracudas, peacock groupers and red snappers. Local dive operators have activities packaged for the experienced and new divers, but if you prefer activities above water, they have options of water sports and activities. Dive Tribe Borneo #14, 1st Flr, Blk A Bangunan Hj Ahmad Awg Hassan, Kiulap Tel: 8737317 Poni Divers Serasa Watersports Complex, Serasa Beach Tel: 2771778 Oceanic Quest Company #6, Spg 46, Jln Perusahaan, Kg Serasa Tel: 2771190 MPK Katimahar Agro Park Tutong Tel: 8676783 / 8720750 Persiaran Damuan Jalan Tutong, BSB Getting there: bus (56, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49)/taxi Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreational Park Muara-Tutong Highway, BSB Getting there: bus (57/58)/taxi Tasek Lama Recreational Park Jalan Tasek Lama, BSB Getting there: bus (36, 38)/taxi Selirong Island Getting there: water taxi Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park Tutong Getting there: taxi/tour Berakas Forest Recreational Park Muara-Tutong Highway Getting there: taxi Ulu Temburong National Park Temburong For ecological and practical reasons, it’s best to visit the park as part of an organised tour. A tour operator can assist you in day trips or an overnight stay. *Getting there: All references to journeys are made from Central Bus Terminal on Jalan Cator in central BSB. Walk on The Wild Side Brunei’s heritage is evident everywhere you look in the country, with 700 years of history traced through many of the landmarks, giving visitors a sense of Brunei’s strong Islamic influences in the rich culture. A homestay is a unique way to experience the local village life. Indulge in cultural activities, bond with locals and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien Jalan McArthur, BSB Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Centre Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan Getting there: bus 39 Royal Regalia Museum Jalan Sultan, BSB Getting there: bus (56, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49) Brunei Museum Jalan Kota Batu, BSB Getting there: bus 39 Dermaga Diraja (The Royal Wharf) Jalan McArthur, BSB Getting there: on foot Sultan Bolkiah’s Tomb Jalan Kota Batu, BSB Getting there: bus 39 The Royal Ceremonial Hall (Lapau & Dewan Majlis) Jalan Sungai Kianggeh, BSB Getting there: on foot Malay Technology Museum Jalan Kota Batu, BSB Getting there: bus 39 Brunei History Centre Jalan Stoney/Jalan James Pearce, BSB Getting there: bus (56, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49) Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum Jalan Kota Batu Getting there: bus 39 Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Exhbition Gallery at Darul ‘Ifta Building Spg 26, Jln Babu Raja Getting there: taxi Billionth Barrel Monument Seria Getting there: by bus/taxi/car to Seria town The Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC) Seria Getting there: by bus/taxi/car to Seria town Kampong Sungai Matan Homestay The Head of Sungai Matan Village Tel: 2786460, 8893061 E: [email protected] Baitul Wajihah Homestay Tel: 8765913, 8732121 E: [email protected] Brunei may not be an international shopper’s paradise but not to worry, there are plenty of interesting places to shop in this land of hidden treasures. Outdoor markets in Brunei sell anything from local food to handicrafts and many of the shopping complexes offer clothing, electronics and cosmetics all under one roof. Each shopping area in Brunei offers a unique experience. BANDAR The equivalent to the Central Business District or Downtown, this area is a good mix of eclectic and high-end shops. Visit the Yayasan SHHB Complex or take a stroll around the myriad buildings to see what you might uncover there! Yayasan SHHB Complex Jln McArthur, BSB Getting there: bus 39 GADONG Brunei’s own premier shopping area and home to the biggest and grandest mall in the country, The Mall, Gadong. But don’t discount the other smaller shops in the area. The Mall, Gadong Centrepoint Jln Gadong, BSB Getting there: bus 01C KIULAP A shopping zone ready to win you over with the multitude of trendy shops and restaurants there. Visit the Seri Q-Lap Mall or take a walk around Shakirin Complex, Lim Eng Ming Complex and others to find out what other retail treasures can be found. Seri Q-Lap Mall Shakirin Complex Lim Eng Ming Complex Seri Kiulap Complex Setia Kenangan Building Kampong Kiulap Getting there: bus 20 KG JAYA SETIA The latest shopping precinct and most definitely the busiest, Kg Jaya Setia is full of life on any day. Browse through the shopping malls, just one hop away from each other. Times Square Shopping Complex Citis Square Airport Mall BT Complex Jln Berakas ‘A’, BSB Getting there: bus 34, 23, 24 SERUSOP & DELIMA The shopping blocks in this vibrant district are all within walking distance of each other. Colourful textiles, supermarkets, clothing, household goods, and great restaurants can be found here. BATU SATU A little further away from the other shopping areas but definitely worth the trip. Plaza Abdul Razak has a diverse selection of shops while the neighbouring Plaza Athirah building – an old favourite with the locals – has a big selection of colourful textile shops. Take a walk through the streets to find more hidden treasures. Plaza Abdul Razak Plaza Athirah Jalan Kubah Makam Di Raja, BSB Getting there: bus 01C BATU BERSURAT A vibrant street teeming with textile and clothing shops. Getting there: taxi HANDICRAFTS & TRADITIONAL ‘KAIN TENUNAN’ Brunei heritage is keenly preserved so if you’re looking for silver, copperware or the traditional woven fabric ‘kain tenunan’, Brunei makes some of the best in the region. Brunei Arts and Handicraft Centre Jalan Residence, BSB Tel: 2240676 Getting there: bus 39 Bangunan Sumbangsih Mulia Beribi Industrial Estate, Kg Beribi Getting there: bus 55 OUTDOOR MARKETS A true Bruneian experience, hustle and bustle with the locals at these colourful alfresco markets that sell indigenous produce, local delicacies and handicrafts. Tamu Kianggeh Jalan Sungai Kianggeh, BSB Getting there: on foot from bus terminal Tamu Gadong Spg 37, Pasar Gadong, BSB Getting there: bus 01C Tamu Seria Located between Jln Bolkiah and Jln Nakhoda Manis, Seria Getting there: taxi LIYANA RESTAURANT #7, Blk E, Bangunan Pengkalan Gadong, Jln Batu Bersurat Tel: 8783579 TARINDAK D’SENI Brunei Arts & Handicraft Centre, Jln Kota Batu Tel: 2240422 LOCAL CUISINE BABU’S KITCHEN C44, Blk C, Grd Flr, Gadong Central, Kg Menglait Tel: 2457868 ORIENTAL DELIGHTS LI GONG CHINESE RESTAURANT The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Jerudong Tel: 2418888 ext 71188 ALL SEASONS RESTAURANT #17, 1st Flr, Times Square Shopping Complex, Kg Jaya Setia Tel: 2338068 WESTERN MEALS CHARCOAL BBQ & GRILL RESTAURANT Grd Flr, Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Seri Complex, Jln Tutong Tel: 2221171 SAVY’S BRASSERIE 2nd Flr, Mabohai Complex, Jln Kebangsaan, Mabohai Tel: 2240829 DEALS Radisson Hotel Brunei, Jln Tasek, BSB Tel: 2244272 EUROPEAN FLAVOURS SORRISO RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA #14, Blk B, Grd Flr, Regent Square, Kg Kiulap Tel: 2233030 CALIENTE #7, Blk B, 1st Flr, Regent Square, Kg Kiulap Tel: 2234549 JAPANESE & KOREAN KAIZEN SUSHI Waterfront Yayasan Complex (Waterfront Side), BSB Tel: 2226336 KORYO RESTAURANT B16, Lim Eng Ming Complex, Kiulap Tel: 2239837 STRICTLY VEGETARIAN PURELAND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT #15, Blk B, Grd Flr, Bangunan Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak- anak, Kg Kiulap Tel: 2236503 CAFÉ CULTURE BELLO CAFÉ L1/12, Grd Flr, Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kg Kiulap Tel: 2233989 HIGH FREQUENCY LIFESTYLE CAFÉ 1st Flr, Unit 5, Blk B, Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat Tel: 2428262 Great Eats ! Brunei Darussalam is a peaceful sultanate with a long history steeped in culture and is famed for its luxuriant rainforest teeming with colourful flora and fauna. The country is a perfect blend of the heritage it has preserved and the modern world it has evolved into. Experience Brunei Darussalam’s tranquil lifestyle and friendly people, and discover the wonders and sights of this serene country in the heart of Borneo. Welcome to the ‘Abode of Peace’! Discover more about Brunei by downloading these apps: Discover Brunei Discover Brunei: Diving Discover Brunei: Islamic Tourism & Grand Mosques Available on iOS & Android Brunei Darussalam www.bruneitourism.travel Brunei is a nature lover’s paradise, with more than 70% of the country covered in tropical rainforest. Catch a glimpse of the proboscis monkeys: hail a boat from the jetty or contact a travel agent/operator to take you through the mangrove forest to see this endangered species in its natural habitat. Kg Kiudang is an eco-tourism, cultural and educational destination rich in flora and fauna. There are various nature activities for visitors: herb gardens, seasonal fruit farms and jungle trekking through the Wasai Bedanu Recreational Park. For overnight stays, there is a choice of homestays in the village. Kampong Kiudang Tutong For tours and information: Tel: 8866648 E: [email protected] Getting there: taxi Getting there: on foot from the bus terminal Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque Jalan Tutong, Kg. Kiarong, BSB Getting there: bus (01C, 20, 22)/taxi Brunei Art Gallery Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan Getting there: bus 39 Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery Bandar Seri Begawan Getting there: water taxi Culture & LANDMARKS The Empire Golf and Country Club The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Jerudong Tel: 2418888 Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club Jerudong Park, Jerudong Tel: 2611582 Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Course RBA Golf Club, BSB Tel: 2343724 Pantai Mentiri Golf Club KM 15 1/2, Jln Kota Batu Tel: 2791021 Panaga Golf Club Jalan Utara, Kuala Belait Tel: 3373142 MINI GUIDE TO DARUSSALAM BRUNEI Shop Till You Drop Brunei 8 Must -Dos in 1 Visit Kampong Ayer Kampong Ayer, or Water Village, is a township of multi-coloured houses built on stilts over the Brunei River. Take a boat ride through the narrow waterways between the myriad colourful houses and take a peek into the unique lifestyle of the residents there. Make sure you visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery. Visit the Mosques Islam is the state religion of Brunei and the mosques are the most prominent landmarks that portray the strong Islamic influences in the country’s rich culture. Most prominent are the beautiful mosques around Brunei. Visit the magnificent Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien at the heart of the city’s capital, the ornate Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque or the charming Ash-Shaliheen Mosque. Take a Day Trip to Seria Drive to Seria town - about an hour and a half drive from Bandar Seri Begawan. This is the economic heartland of Brunei, home of the nation’s oil industry. To see where it all began, visit the town of Seria and watch the rows of “nodding donkeys”, go to the Oil & Gas Discovery Centre, an interactive science centre showcasing exhibitions on the petroleum industry, see ‘nodding donkeys’ that are scattered around town and take photo at the Billionth Barrel Monument. Then drive a little further to the nearby Kuala Belait town for a meal. 2 6 7 Taste the Local Delights Local sweet and savoury snacks such as tapai, wajid, pulut panggang, buahulu and penyaram can be found at the outdoor tamu markets. For a quick and cheap meal try the Nasi Katok – a simplified form of nasi lemak wrapped in brown paper – a meal that is available almost anywhere. But for a truly local gastronomical experience, go to Tarindak D’Seni at Jln Kota Batu and try the ambuyat. Take a Mangrove Tour Hire a water taxi at the jetty in the city center and take a cruise down the mangrove-lined waterways. Watch the many birds and animals that live in the mangrove trees, including the elusive proboscis monkey – a true Bornean native! Go to Temburong Tour the pristine rainforest at the Ulu Temburong National Park – the conservation ground of our rainforests. Here you can take jungle treks, longboat rides down the river lined by mangrove swamps, or climb up 800 steps to the top of the canopy walk and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the rainforest. 4 Visit the Royal Palace during Hari Raya Aidilfitri On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Istana Nurul Iman opens its doors to the public. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei and members of the royal family, who greet every visitor during these three days, and also to take a peek inside the largest residential palace in the world. 5 Visit the Empire Hotel & Country Club No visit to Brunei is complete without a visit to the palatial Empire Hotel & Country Club, one of Brunei’s finest treasures. Have a meal at one of the restaurants, visit the private beach, play a round of golf, catch a movie, lounge by one of the swimming pools or indulge the senses at the hotel spa. 3 8 The legendary rojak from KK Koya P u lu t P a n g g a n g fro m M ei F a n g C o ffe e S h o p It’s no secret that Bruneians love their food. The country is packed with eateries providing cuisine of every kind so if you’re feeling hungry, there is an enormous choice of restaurants to choose from! From local cuisine to continental fare, there is something for everyone. MUST TRY! Ambuyat – a sago-based dish that is uniquely Bruneian AMINAH ARIF RESTAURANT #2 & 3, Blk B, Grd Flr, Bangunan Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap Tel: 2236198 MUST TRY! Roti Kuning - toasted fresh bun with a slice of cold butter and the restaurant’s signature kaya jam – at Brunei’s oldest and most well-known coffee shop. CHOP JING CHEW 10, Spg 5, Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait Tel: 2424132 RICE BOWL #72, TCY Building, Batu Bersurat Tel: 8630665 SPICY ASIAN FARE RAJAH’S RESTAURANT #3, Grd Flr, Blk A, Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, BSB Tel: 2240379 NUR WANITA RESTAURANT #10, Blk B, Kiarong Complex, Kiarong Tel: 2426789 OUTSIDE OF BRUNEI-MUARA MUST TRY! KK Koya is famous for its legendary rojak – arguably the best dish of rojak served in the whole country. KK KOYA Kg Telisai, Tutong Tel: 4244354 MUST TRY! Locals travel to Tutong just to get Mei Fang Coffee Shop’s famous pulut panggang –glutinous rice soaked in coconut milk with a spicy dried shrimp filling wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled over a charcoal fire. A true local delight! Mei Fang Coffee Shop Jalan Enchi Awang, Tutong BUCCANEER STEAK HOUSE Lot 94 Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait Tel: 3330406 MARILYN CAFÉ #42, Jln Pretty, Kuala Belait Tel: 3333066 RESTORAN HIJRAH #8, Bangar Town, Temburong Tel: 5221522