Top 5 Bandar Seri Begawan Attractions

Top 5 Bandar Seri Begawan Attractions

City: Bandar Seri Begawan
State: Brunei Muara
Country: Brunei

The capital and most populated (relatively) city in Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan in the district of Brunei Muara is the economic and financial capital of this oil rich country. Despite being focused more heavily on the oil and gas industry, there are a few tourist attractions of note in Bandar Seri Begawan. Formerly known as Brunei Town, it was renamed to Bandar Seri Begawan as a legacy to Al-Marhum Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Maulana Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Haji Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien III (Omar Ali Saifuddien III), the 28th Sultan of Brunei.

Here are the Top 5 Tourist Attractions to visit in Bandar Seri Begawan, all of which hold important cultural or historical significance. All these are permanent locations which can be visited and viewed at any time throughout the year.


1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

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Named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is an iconic landmark in the skyline of Bandar Seri Begawan. Built on an artificial lagoon and surrounded by landscaped floral gardens, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is considered among the most beautiful and extravagant structures in the world, with a dome of pure gold, stained glass windows, marble columns, crystal chandeliers and intricately hand woven carpets. Visitors can get a panoramic view of the city from the tallest minaret.



2. Brunei Museum

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The Brunei Museum traces the history and culture of the Borneo island, and the growth of Bandar Seri Begawan and the country. Divided into 4 main galleries, the Brunei Museum highlights include ceramics, manuscripts and blown glass in the Islamic Art Gallery, displays of local rituals and the Brunei Ceremonial Cannons in the Brunei Traditional Culture Gallery, and the oil and gas technology exhibition.



3. Kampong Ayer

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Kampong Ayer is situated in the Brunei Bay, just off the coast of Bandar Seri Begawan, and houses an estimated 10% of the country's population. Consisting entirely of stilt houses connected by wooden walkways, foot bridges, and serviced by private water taxis, this cluster of 42 villages in Kampong Ayer include homes, restaurants, shops, schools, and a hospital. The largest water settlement in South-East Asia, the district is a culturally important part of Brunei that preserves the nation's river dwelling origins.



4. Royal Regalia Museum

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A landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan, the Royal Regalia Museum houses a vast collection of opulent treasures, including replicas of the Brunei royal throne, crown, royal chariot, and garments. Elaborate and priceless gifts from various World leaders and heads of state are displayed here, including tributes of ivory, jade and crystal. The eye-opening experience of extravagant luxury leads one to wonder if the Sultan of Brunei, one of the world's richest men, truely has everything.



5. Cement Wreck

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Brunei is known for its excellent diving spots, and the majority of them are located just off the coast from Bandar Seri Begawan. The Cement Wreck is among the most highly recommended diving spots, suitable even for novice divers. At a depth of just 9 metres to 32 metres, the wreck is covered in corals and abundant with various marine life. Considered among the most photogenic wrecks in the world due to the clear visibility underwater.





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