Downtown Bandar Seri Begawan – The capital of Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam is located in the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo. It covers a land area of 5,765 kilometers. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei

Darussalam with an area of about 16 sq. km and a population of about 46,000 It is located in the Brunei/Muara District, and is the centre of government and business activities.

The official language is Malay, but English is

widely spoken.

Brunei Darussalam has an equatorial climate characterized by a uniform high temperature, high humidity and heavy rainfall. Temperature ranges from 23 - 32 Degree Celsius, while rainfall varies from 2,500 mm annually on the coast to 7,500 mm

in the interior. There is no distinct wet season.

Brunei Darussalam has been blessed with rich natural resources and a strategic location within the region. The majority of the country is covered in tropical rainforests

teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Brunei Darussalam is well known for its natural resources of oil and natural gas and has embarked of a program of economic diversification.

Relics and other various artistic heritage of Brunei Darussalam besides the ones mentioned above include Malay weaponry, woodcarvings, traditional games,

traditional musical instruments, 'silat' (the traditional art of self defense) and decorative items for women.

These are kept in the Brunei Museum and the Malay Technology Museum; not only for the world to

see but most importantly for today's generation to admire and be proud of, for future generation to emulate, perhaps and something to remind us of our forefather's natural skill, creativity and innovativeness which over generations has

been ingrained as one of the richest traditional culture in the Malay world.

Brunei Darussalam is richly endowed with cultural heritage steadfastly maintained until today. The setting up of the Arts and Handicraft Centre in 1975 is a living testimony as to the preservation and the proliferation of the

arts and crafts of the bygone days which Brunei was renown for such as boat making, silver-smithing, bronze tooling, cloth weaving as well as mat and basket weaving.

The country offers a wide variety of attractive places to be visited and experienced. The

rainforest and National Parks are rich in flora and fauna. Eco-tourism has gained importance in

the country's economic activities to promote the conservation of its lush surroundings. Brunei’s goal is to preserve their way of life. Its most

magnificent mosques, water village (traditional and historic houses on stilts), rich culture and

Jerudong Theme Park are among the uniqueness of Brunei Darussalam.

Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam. Islam plays a central role in the life

of every Muslim in Brunei Darussalam. Other faiths practiced in the State include

Christianity and Buddhism.

Brunei is an independent sovereign Sultanate that is governed on the basis of a written Constitution.

His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan is the supreme executive authority in Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty has occupied the position of Prime Minister since resumption of independence

in 1984.

Brunei's administrative system is centred on the Prime Minister's Office, which has provided

the thrust behind His Majesty's aim to introduce greater efficiency in the Government.

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque: with stone boat in the lagoon (a replica of a 16th-century

mahligai barge).

Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque:is known locally as the Kiarong Mosque.

View from the roof of theJame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Tamu Kianggeh Food Market

Tamu Kianggeh Food Market

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal BolkiahComplex near Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a

very chic shopping mall, comprising two twin Malay-style buildings. It is known locally as the Yshhb Complex,

or just Yayasan.

Kampung Ayer

Kampung Ayer from the waterfront near customs wharf.

Kampong Ayer, at low tide…

Brunei: Seria town center with Plaza Seria market

Brunei: river crossing at Kuala Belait

Bandar Seri Begawan and Brunei river from aircraft

Bandar Seri Begawan and Brunei river from aircraft

Istana Nurul Iman: The sultan's palace

Brunei Darussalam , in 2004, ushered in what was described as one of the most significant moments in the country's history when Crown Prince HajiAl-Muhtadee Billah married at a grand ceremony attended by thousands

of distinguished guests.

bride’s father & Swiss mother…don’t look too happy… do they?!?...their daughter’s only 17!!!...marrying a 30-yr –old

man…!

Bride-to-be to Brunei's Crown Prince, Dayangku Sarah

Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman, is escorted to the Malay traditional

marriage powdering ceremony-September 5, 2004.

The Crown prince sits on a dais during a Malay traditional marriage powdering

ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri

Begawan

The 30-year-old heir to the throne of this tiny oil-rich sultanate and his bride, 17 year old girl Dayangku Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman,(half Swiss on her mother’s side), forged a royal union at the Bersanding (Malay

wedding) ceremony.

A bride & bridegroom of modern Brunei

The Sultan of Brunei is the Current Guinness World Record holder for most cars owned, pictured are a very few examples...