subject: Bandar Seri Begawan - Things to Do [print this page] Bandar Seri Begawan - Things to Do Bandar Seri Begawan - Things to Do
Resting along the Brunei River, Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city in the country of Brunei. The Sultanate (or king) of the small oil rich country resides in the city, making it the most important settlement in Brunei. There are about 270,000 people living in the city and its surrounding areas, and many thousands of visitors travel to Bandar Seri Begawan every year.
With Bandar Seri Begawan hotels found throughout the main areas of the city, tourists can easily find an accommodation option that suites their needs. Most of the hotels in the city are not overly expensive, and they are generally close to the main activities in Bandar Seri Begawan, in which some of these are listed below.
- Nature Trails: there is a plethora of parks and nature reserves located in and around the capital of Brunei. One of the most memorable and most visited by nature lovers is Jalan Tasek Lama. It is just a short stroll from the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, and is a great place to go trekking through nature or picnicking with the family. Another great park to visit in the capital of Brunei is Persiaran Damuan, which is not only home to a species of monkeys, but also provides fantastic views of the Istana Nurul Iman.
- Museum Tours: throughout Bandar Seri Begawan, visitors can find a host of museums that will easily take a day or maybe two to experience. The most popular museum in the city is the Brunei Museum, which is home to a range of different exhibitions that cover almost every aspect of historical and modern day Bandar Seri Begawan. Some of the most intriguing displays include the Islamic Art Gallery and Natural History Display. Another great museum in the city is the Royal Regalia Museum, which houses much of the royal family's prized possessions.
- Moving to Mosques: the city of Bandar Seri Begawan contains some amazing Islamic structures, including mosques. As a matter of fact, tours of the numerous mosques can be found within the city. There are two major mosques, and time must be given for each to truly embrace the beauty of these structures. The most notable in the country of Brunei is the Jame'asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. Another mosque that mustn't be overlooked is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, which is only opened when not being used by the royal family.
- Water Village Wonders: one of the most memorable activities in Bandar Seri Begawan, and Brunei for that matter, is visiting the water village known as Kampong Ayer. The village is found just outside the main area of Bandar Seri Begawan, and is visited by thousands upon thousands of tourists each year. The water village stands over 1,000 years old, and is one of the most historically important areas of the country. Visitors will surely by enthralled and amazed upon arriving at Kampong Ayer.
- Shopping Sections: Brunei is not all history and culture, and Bandar Seri Begawan certainly follows suit. There are several modern shopping areas available in the city which are perfect for visitors looking to buy clothes, food, arts and crafts and other souvenir type products. Gadong is the main shopping area in the city, and is home to a range of specialty stores, restaurants, and supermarkets. The largest mall in Bandar Seri Begawan is the aptly named, The Mall Shopping Centre. It is located next to the Rizqun Hotel and is extremely popular. The Yayasan Complex is another famous shopping precinct in the city, offering supermarkets, retail stores and restaurants.
