BR-BV-01: BANDARSERIBEGAWAN CITY TOUR

10:00 Meet with the guide at the hotel reception. 

Today, Brunei is one of the richest countries in the world, thanks to their large oil and gas reserves, which forms the majority of their country’s economy. Brunei is one of the richest countries in Asia, just behind the UAE, so the country is able to provide free education to its citizens, even abroad. During the tour you will see:

• The Royal Ceremonial Hall, where his Highness – the 29th sultan was crowned in 1968. In 1983, the sultan celebrated his birthday in this hall. Nearby the old parliament building, known as the Dewan Majlis building, is also in the grace of the ceremony. The architecture of the building is kept in the traditional Bruneian style, while the walls are decorated in ancient Bruneian motifs. The building can only be viewed from the outside;
• Malaysian museum of technology, which displays the ethnic and technological exhibits that give an insight into the development of Brunei;
• Royal Regalia Museum –Museum of Royal Regalia –Located in the center of the city itself. Opened on September 30, 1992. Mostly things related to the celebration of Sultan Hassanal Bokiahs silver on gold jubilee are visible. At first this building was called “Churchill Memorial Building”. It was opened by Sultan Omar Ali Saiffudien 3 and he was a big fan of Winston Churchill. But in 1992, it was named the Royal Regalia Exhibition, and on December 2, 2017, the Royal Regalia Museum, during the golden jubilee of the Sultan. In the museum, you can see the 1992 silver jubilee celebrations, where a street with people and a carriage that was used in the parade have been created. There is also a second carriage which was used for the coronation in 1968 and also during the Queen’s visit. Coronation costumes, ceremonial weapons, jeweled crown.;
• Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque –it is said to be one of the most beautiful mosques in SE Asia. Named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who was the 28th Sutlan of Brunei and who also initiated its construction. In 1958, the building was completed and it is a symbol of modern Islamic architecture.

12:30 Lunch at a local restaurant.

13:45 After lunch we will visit:

• Jame‘ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque – The largest mosque in the world, named after the 29th sultan, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah. Construction started in 1988, opened after 5 years, in July 14, 1994 – the night before the Sultan’s birthday. The mosque was built as a commemoration of the silver jubilee. The mosque is located 4km away from the capital, on 20 acres of land in Kiarong village. At one time the mosque can accommodate 4,000 believers. Built in the style of Turkish mosques with 4 long minerets (58m), and 29 golden domes. The mosque is surrounded by gardens with a fountain and beautiful flowers. There is also a separate entrance with an escalator for the Sultan.

14:30 Motorboat ride on the Brunei river to the floating village. This village currently has 30,000 inhabitants. We will visit the local residents, where we will be treated to tea, local coffee and delicacies. This village was one described by Magellan, during his visit in 1521.

15:30 Further, you guys will see – Istana Nurul Iman (translate: “The palace of light and faith”)– The castle is located right outside the capital. And it is the largest palace in the world (in square meters of space) in which people live. Living area – 200,000m2 (257 bathrooms, 1788 rooms, 17 floors, 5 pools, 18 elevators). Completed – 1984 The cost of the palace is 1.5 billion US dollars. Anyone can enter the palace after the holy month of Ramadan, when its end is celebrated for 3 days (Hari Raya), guests receive gifts and food, and children are given money in green envelopes. The rest of the time you can only take pictures at the castle gates.

16:00 Return to the hotel. The end of the tour.