Brunei’s green treasures : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

Brunei’s green treasures

Pristine rainforests, unspoiled coral reefs, mangrove-covered islands, white sand beaches and accessible nature reserves offer visitors a dazzling array of eco-tourism options in Brunei.

Brunei’s green treasures

A picturesque view of the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque Photos by the writer



Anand & Madhura Katti

Pristine rainforests, unspoiled coral reefs, mangrove-covered islands, white sand beaches and accessible nature reserves offer visitors a dazzling array of eco-tourism options in Brunei. Nation of Brunei, Adobe of Peace, is a tiny Islamic country on the big rainforest island of Borneo. Its 4,00,000 plus people have enjoyed one of the highest average individual wealth in the world since its independence in 1984. Eco-tourism at nature-rich rainforest is helping the government to diversify its economy from dwindling riches from its underground oil reserves.

More than 70 per cent of Brunei’s land area is covered by primary rainforests. 32,000 hectares are conserved as forest reserves and another 50,000 hectares allocated for national parks. All of its natural attractions are within easy reach of the contemporary luxuries of the capital.

Brunei is an Islamic monarchy ruled by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the 29th ascendant of the world’s oldest continuously reigning royal line. Brunei Muara, the smallest of the four districts of Brunei, is the site of the capital Bander Seri Begawan. Simply referred to as Bander, it’s a well-developed, clean and modern city where all monuments have reference to the royal family.

Grand mosques of Brunei, permitting men and women of all religions inside, are intriguing sights to visit. Iconic Hassanal Bolkiah mosque has gold-plated domes and is made of rich marble. Even the metal fence and the gate have gold in them. One of the national mosques is Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque. With its soaring minarets and golden dome, the mosque provides tranquility within the bustle of downtown Bander. Built of Italian marble, gold mosaic and English stained glass, its craftsmanship reflects classic Islamic architecture. Anchored in a lagoon beside the mosque is a replica of a 16th Century mahligai or royal barge.

An interesting lifestyle is prevalent at Kampung Ayer, the Bander’s sprawling water village. Thousands of inhabitants here live in stilted houses. The sultan has its roots from the water village and has extended all government help to maintain this unique lifestyle. It has mosques, schools and health centres. Vegetables, and fruits and everyday requirements are sold on the boats. Huge parking place is provided on the shore for inhabitants to park their cars for usage on land. Kampong Ayer museum is quiet interesting.

The village’s centuries-old web of homes, markets, medical clinics and police and fire stations all stand on stilts over the shallows of the Brunei river. Water taxis are a popular means of transport to go and have a peek into the lifestyles of the people. A cruising with a small speed boat downstream past the Sultan’s Palace is a nice experience to see rare proboscis monkeys and maybe crocodiles.

A view from the ancient water village is of high-rise modern buildings on the mainland, showing off Brunei’s adoption to latest technology. Bruneian people are friendly and have a high standard of living. Yayasan complex on the river bank is an upmarket shopping venue. The walkway here offers picturesque views of the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque.

Situated in the heart of the city, is the Royal regalia building that is built to commemorate the silver jubilee of the Sultan’s accession to the throne in 1992. Ideally, it houses the unique collection of royal Bruneian artefacts, including the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armory, the traditional jewel encrusted coronation crowns and a replica of the throne used by His Majesty on the state occasions. You need to take off your shoes to enter and leave all smartphones and cameras with the desk.

Kianggeh Open Air Market is cool is visited before 10 in the morning. The place where most locals do their shopping for daily requirements is open as early as 5.30. Local food, cakes and delicacies can be savoured here. A 20-minute drive from the town centre is situated Jerudong, a large, state-of-the art theme park.

Walk in the rainforest canopy exposes an abundance of birds, plants, micro fauna and mammals, such as proboscis monkey. A stroll around the hauntingly beautiful lakeside walkways of Tasek Merimbun or relaxing on the turquoise shores of Muara beach is beautiful.

Ulu Temburong National Park and the Kuala Belalong Field Study Centre have an array of eco-tourism and adventure activities. There is an option of staying at primitive forest lodgings or returning to the capital. A tailormade two-night tour of Temburong National Park helps in further exploring the jungle’s wilderness, sounds, smells, and the feel of total remoteness and indigenous lifestyle.

Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, sport fishing, wreck and reef diving in the South China Sea, jungle hiking on well-maintained trails are the adventure options. The longboat ride down a winding jungle river, surrounded on all sides by pristine rainforest makes the journey itself an adventure. It’s an untouched paradise with very few tourists. At Selirong Island in the Brunei Bay, the Brunei Forestry Department has installed elevated walkways through the mangroves which criss-cross some of the many waterways that penetrate the island, offering an up-close view of some of Borneo’s famous wildlife and nature attractions.

Fact File

Visa: Brunei visa can be obtained from the Brunei Embassy in New Delhi.

Getting there: Take an Air India or Singapore Airlines flight up to Singapore and onwards take a Royal Brunei Airlines flight to Bander Seri Begawan. 

Getting around: Frequency of public buses is limited, as there are not many users. Taxis are available.

Currency: Brunei Dollar

Accommodation: A choice of hotels from five stars to budget category is available. 

Useful website: www.bruneitourism.travel, www.singaporeair.com. and www.airindia.in

Top News

Jailed gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari dies of cardiac arrest

Jailed gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari dies of cardiac arrest

Ansari was hospitalised after he complained of abdominal pai...

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

The bench refuses to comment on merits of the issue, saying ...

Arvind Kejriwal to be produced before Delhi court today as 6-day ED custody ends

Excise policy case: Delhi court extends ED custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 1

In his submissions, Kejriwal said, ‘I am named by 4 witnesse...

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

MEA spokesperson says India is proud of its independent and ...

Gujarat court sentences former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to 20 years in jail in 1996 drug case

Gujarat court sentences former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to 20 years in jail in 1996 drug case

Bhatt, who was sacked from the force in 2015, is already beh...


Cities

View All