Brunei is a tiny country to the south of Sabah with half a million people. At its height, Brunei ruled all of the coastal areas of the island of Borneo, mountainous inland was little settled. In 1929 oil was discovered offshore. Brunei didn't become independent from the Brits until 1984.
Though more than half of the country's economy is oil-based, the amount of oil must not be at the same level as the Gulf States, as Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), the capital city is rather modest looking, and rather quiet, except the second morning it seemed half of the city turned up for the rehearsal of the National Day celebration. In fact, it is rather old fashioned. Right in the middle of the city a large part of the old water village is preserved where the Sultan of Brunei formerly had his water palace.
Compared to neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia, Brunei seems much more fundamentalist. Maybe when the oil runs out, their adherence to Islam will save the country.
In a Grab Taxi from the BSB Airport to our hotel.
The view from our hotel, the Qing Yun Rest House, located on the Brunei River in downtown BSB (Bandar Seri Begawan, the Capital City).
Out and about the next morning, we were surprised to find a Chinese Taoist Temple nearby.
The pride of the city is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, built in the 1950's. Non-Muslims can visit a slim section of the mosque. It was peaceful, cool and comfy inside so we sat down on the carpet along the wall for a rest, and a break from the sun and heat.
A park with a lake surrounds the mosque which is of course also lit up at night.
From the mosque we walked over a footbridge to Tamoi Water Village where all the houses, and a school, and a mosque, sit above the water on stilts. There is even a fire hydrant system - look for the blue pipe. This place was more than fascinating.
The people in the water village own boats, not cars. There is a small shipyard (1st below), and many docks. For those who don't have boats, water taxis stop at the many jetties (2nd below).
We happened to be in the water village when the school let out. It's a religious school. This boy is wearing the school uniform.
We woke up on our last day in BSB to the sound of military marching drills below our window. And around the corner there were marching bands, and more. Later we found out it was a rehearsal for the National Day Celebrations.
The rehearsals centered on the large parade grounds in front of the mosque where a newly hung banner provided a backdrop.
For lunch we were able to find a restaurant with veg options.
Finally, we visited the Royal Regalia Museum where the Sultan keeps his "stuff" i.e. gifts from foreign countries, and the Royal ceremonial vehicles and liveries. Also, there are exhibits on the history of the Sultanate.
We found BSB to be pretty much with the modern Asian world: Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, Mr Softee, a giant parking deck, and a mall with an atrium.
A few more shots of the BSB waterfront.
