THE TRAIL the early kingdom of

Batu Gasing Awang Semaun Pulau Chermin Pulau Chermin According to local folklore, the great warrior Awang The island of the temporary palace of Abdul Hakkul Restaurants with a view Places to visit in Bandar Semaun and his nephew, Awang Sinuai, were playing Mubin, the 13th Sultan of Brunei who came to power after Looking to tuck into local fare while doing a spot of bird watching? Or enjoy an unparalleled view of Once you’re done exploring the Brunei River, explore the nearby attractions in the heart of the capital. Here a game of gasing (spinning top) at Bukit Patoi in the killing Sultan Haji – the father-in-law of Brunei’s famed water village while tucking into fine dining cuisine? Restaurants down the river heritage are some suggestions: Temburong district. When it was Awang Semaun’s turn Pengiran Bendahara Mahyuddin - and was then advised trail offer some of the best panoramic vistas. Here are a few you should definitely check off your list while Royal Regalia Museum to spin his gasing, it struck his nephew’s and flew away to move to the island after riots erupted on the mainland. visiting the trail. Admire the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien from Temburong to the Brunei River, where it bounced off Once he left for Pulau Chermin, Pengiran Mahyuddin took One of the most magnificent landmarks in the the waters like a skipping stone and landed upside-down the throne, and for that period of time, two kings ruled the Horizons Seafood Restaurant capital (and the rest of the sultanate!), this beautiful Batu Gasing Awang Semaun on the banks of Pulau Berambang, where it spun until it sultanate. The civil war erupted in 1662, and Sultan Abdul mosque, named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, was turned into a big rock. Hakkul was defeated in 1673, but not before destroying his built in 1958 and still remains a sight to behold. palace and the royal crown. Jong Batu Kampung Burong Pingai Ayer Take a stroll around Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas

Jong Batu Kampung Burong Pingai Ayer One of the latest jewels in the sultanate, this 12-hectare park is located next to the Omar ‘Ali Jong Batu which resembles a capsized ship tells the tale of Originally named Kampung Ulu-Ulu due to its location at the Hulu Saifuddien Mosque, and features manicured lawns Nakhoda Manis and his heartbroken mother. (the beginning) of the Brunei River, its name was changed adorned with shrubs, brightly coloured flowers and Visit the Royal Regalia Museum when, according to legend, one villager found a white exotic baobab trees. Dang Ambon was a widow left alone by her son Manis, bird perched on the pillar making the sound “Pingai, This museum is a tribute to the His Majesty the who desired to be a captain of a ship and travel pingai, pingai”. The villager had heard that Sultan Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas Sultan of Brunei and features a main gallery that abroad. After several years, he finally returned with Muhammad’s wife, a princess from Johor, had lost presents a recreation of his coronation, displaying a wealthy wife on his ship. Overjoyed, Dang History, Myths her pet bird named Si Pingai, and the bird was the gilded carriage that carried the newly crowned Ambon took a little boat and paddled out to see then presented to the Sultan. The village became ruler through the streets. There are also galleries him. Nakhoda Manis was mortified at the sight of known as Kampung Burong Pingai (Pingai Bird showcasing jewel-encrusted crowns, thrones, his mother in tattered clothing and cast her away. & Village) since then. Horizons Seafood Restaurant Tarindak D’Seni garments, and His Majesty’s revered silver keris (dagger). Dang Ambon prayed to God for her son to be This village is also known as the location that Offering one of the best panoramic views of the Try Brunei’s favourite dish: ambuyat! This Lumut Lunting Pulau Ambuk taught a lesson. A thunderstorm came and huge LEGENDS housed the first mosque in Kampong Ayer – water village, this stylish restaurant offers an array restaurant also serves local and Asian cuisine Shop at Tamu Kianggeh waves crashed upon Nakhoda Manis’ ship. When the Masjid Pehin Datu Imam Hj Abdul Mokti – built of fusion cuisine from Western to Asian fare and amid terrific panoramic views of the water Located at the Kianggeh River, drop by Tamu skies cleared, the ship had turned into rock, along with in November 1981 on the site where Pehin Datu succulent seafood. Truly fine dining with a view. village. Kianggeh for a full-on sensory adventure. Buy a Nakhoda Manis, his wife and everyone else on board. Imam Hj Mokti once resided. Waterfront, Jalan McArthur, Brunei Arts and Handicraft Center Visit the Royal Wharf snack and nibble while you shop for handicrafts, Tel: 673-2233400/401 Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan Once the Royal and Customs Excise Wharf built local fruits and vegetables, and some local delicacies. Pulau Ambuk Tel: 673-2240422 around the Royal Customs House, this heritage Lumut Lunting Semporna Enak building has a long history. Today, the Royal Wharf This island was the location where Brunei soldiers led by Pengiran Kaizen Sushi Restaurant is a waterfront with a pedestrian promenade while Brunei Arts & Handicraft Training Center Bendahara Sakam trained during the in their fight According to the famous poem “Syair Awang Semaun”, there was a Located at the Waterfront and serves local and the structure is now used as an exhibition art gallery. against the Spanish army. The island is also the location of the civil cockfight between Mutiara, a cock belonging to Awang Sinuai, and the Asian fare to be dined al fresco with a view of the Delectable Japanese cuisine in stylish settings war that broke out between Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin and Pengiran opponent Asmara, owned by the King of the Majapahit Empire. Mutiara Brunei River and the water village. and an amazing view of the water village. The Tourist Information Centre is located here, and Bendahara Mahyuddin in 1662. defeated Asmara and in a fit of anger, the King of Majapahit cursed visitors can obtain information about Brunei and Mutiara into an island. In mid-flight, Mutiara fell into the Brunei River The Royal Wharf, Jalan McArthur, Waterfront, Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri related pamphlets and maps. and became the small island now known as Lumut Lunting. Bandar Seri Begawan Begawan Tel: 673-2235995 Tel: 673-2226336 Pulau Berambang Pulau Berambang Kampung Sungai Bunga The Tourist Information Centre is open from 9am- Kampung Sungai Bunga 4pm (Mon-Thurs & Sat). In 1920, crude oil was discovered on this island, and by Soto Pabo 1924, up to 3,320 gallons had been produced. This island This modern resettlement, Kampung Sungai Bunga Located on a restaurant on stilts above water, this is Check out traditional arts and crafts is an important historical site as the location of the (Flower River Village), was so named because the river an authentic location to satisfy your soto cravings Go on a shopping spree at Yayasan mausoleum of Sultan , the ninth would at times emanate the smell of jasmine flowers, while enjoying the sea breeze. Brunei’s age-old traditional arts and crafts are Sultan of Brunei who died in 1598. particularly at night. The source of the smell could never showcased at the Brunei Arts & Handicraft Training Located in the city center amid a gorgeous view of the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Yayasan be traced, but locals would tell you that the smell comes Simpang 222, Kampong Pintu Malim, Jalan Sultan Center, displaying kain tenunan, intricately worked Shopping Complex offers plenty of options for from invisible beings living in the river. , Bandar Seri Begawan hand-tooled silverware, brass-work, wood-carving and basketry. shopping and dining! Tel: 673-8686388 Horizons Seafood Restaurant

Information for Visitors The early Transportation Tourist Information Centre The Venice of the East The sights along the Brunei River Heritage Trail Obtain information, pamphlets and maps for kingdom of are beautiful to see from far, and they’re even free at the Tourist Information Centres at the nicer up close! While some of these landmarks Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery Kampong Ayer, or water village, is a township of multi-coloured houses built can only be accessed via water taxi, most are and The Royal Wharf. Both are open from on stilts over Brunei River, and this historic settlement has been in continuous only accessible on land. Here are a few ways to 9am-4pm (closed Fridays, Sundays and public occupation for at least 600 years. Today, it’s a vibrant community home to more BRUNEI get to your destination: holidays) than 10,000 residents, and is the largest and best-preserved water village in Southeast Asia. Taxis Do’s & Don’ts Metered taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping centres, and the central bus station in Brunei Darussalam is a small but friendly the city center. You can also grab a Dart Taxi by sultanate and its citizens are always happy to ’’ The city is built in the sea, the King’s palace and the houses of the principal downloading the ‘Dart’ app - a taxi booking help out visitors in the country. There are just persons excepted. It contains 25,000 hearths or families. The houses are app - on the App Store and Google Play. a few things to take note of when visiting these built of wood upon large piles, to keep them from the water. When the tide Brunei is one of the most ancient sovereign states in Southeast Asia, and the early history of our locations: monarchy can be found in the writings and accounts of Chinese historians dating as far back as the 5th rises, the women, who are chief venders of necessaries, traverse the town in Taxi Hotline: 673-8833182 and 7th centuries. From the 14th to 16th century, Brunei was a powerful sultanate that wielded power When boarding the water taxi, do sort out the boats. over the whole of and the southern , beginning with the reign of Sultan Mohammad ’’ Water Taxis prices with the boatmen before getting onboard. - Antonio Pigafetta, BRUNEI Shah. This era is known to some as The Golden Age of Brunei. The most common means of transportation Italian voyager who stopped in Brunei on a return voyage to in Kampong Ayer, hail a water taxi from the Do not forget to request for a lifejacket before Spain after exploring the Indies as a part of a Spanish crew. Sultan Mohammad Shah (1363 - 1402) Sultan (1432 - 1485) numerous jetties along the banks of Brunei boarding a water taxi. River Heritage Trail River. Fares are negotiable but usually a The first ruler of Brunei, also known as Awang Alak The son of Sultan , Sultan standard ride across the river costs about Do be informed that restaurants, companies, The city was very large and rich, and was built over a very broad and deep Betatar, introduced to Brunei and adopted the Sulaiman ascended the throne after his BND1.00. government departments and public areas are ’’ Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) as the government father’s rule and was later succeeded by closed from 12pm to 2pm out of respect for river and had the appearance of another Venice. The buildings were made authority of the Brunei Empire, which impacted the most renowned ruler in Brunei’s early Buses Friday prayers. of wood, but the houses were excellently constructed, many of them being the nation to change into the cultural and Islamic history, Sultan Bolkiah. There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area. constructed of a stone work and gilded, especially the king’s palaces, which landscape that we know today. This became the Normal operating hours are from 6am to 8pm were of huge size. stepping-stone to Brunei’s Golden Age. and bus fares start from BND1.00. When sightseeing wild animals, please do not ’’ Sultan Bolkiah (1485 - 1524) feed or call out to them. But do enjoy watching Go to https://mtic.gov.bn for the Brunei bus the magnificent creatures in their natural - Francisco de Sande, Sultan Ahmad (1408 - 1425) Also known as Nakhoda Ragam, habitats. the Governor of in the 15th century Sultan Bolkiah’s reign was the peak of route map. The brother of Sultan Mohammad and once known as the Golden Age, and it was under his Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned Pateh Berbai, Sultan Ahmad was the first Treasurer of rule that Brunei’s influence was spread and non air-conditioned areas in Brunei. Brunei. across the Borneo Island. In 1511, at the Smoking is banned in specific places collapse of the Malaccan Empire, the including government buildings, recreational spread of Islam went beyond Borneo’s areas, public transport and restaurants. Sultan Sharif Ali (1425 - 1432) Visit ASEAN@50 borders, and others began to take notice Offenders could be fined. Golden Celebration of the sultanate’s growing influence. Also known as Sultan Berkat (the Blessed Sultan), Sultan Sharif Ali, the son-in-law of Sultan Ahmad,

succeeded the throne as the third ruler of Brunei and Visit ASEAN@50 was loved and respected by his people. He was an Golden Celebration Islamic scholar from Ta’if in Saudi Arabia, and was the Tourism Development Department. Ministry of Primary Resources & Tourism first Sultan to build a mosque in Brunei. Jalan Menteri Besar, Negara Brunei Darussalam BB3910 +673 2382822 +673 2382807 [email protected] www.bruneitourism.com Brunei Tourism @brunei.tourism 6 7 The Tombs of Sultan 1 2 3 4 5 Pulau Chermin Kampung Sungai Bunga Mangrove Paradise Resort Queen Elizabeth II Jetty Malay Technology Museum Sharif Ali & Sultan Bolkiah The location of the temporary A modern Kampong Ayer Located just a 10-minute Queen Elizabeth II visited This museum offers an inside The Golden Age of Brunei palace of Sultan Abdul resettlement village, drive away from the capital, Brunei in 1972 and arrived look into the intricacies of was attributed with Sultan Hakkul Mubin, the 13th Kampung Sungai Bunga is this resort is situated amid here, named after her Royal indigenous workmanship. Also Bolkiah, the country’s Sultan of Brunei, who engaged known for its homestay, Seri serene surroundings and visit. Today, it’s the landing spot on display are some of Brunei’s fifth Sultan and one of its in a civil war against Pengiran Tanjung Homestay, which beautiful mangroves. Their for MV Sentosa, a furnished famous handicrafts, such greatest monarchs, and he Bendahara Mahyuddin and offers visitors a chance to two-storey villas offer guests vessel that offers guests a scenic as kain tenunan, gold- and is buried here in a grand was eventually defeated. experience life on the water a glimpse of the Kampong two-hour long trip with silver-smithing, brass-casting tomb intricately designed village. The village also has Ayer life while retaining the memorable sunset views down and more. with Islamic motifs and art. an interesting story behind comfort of a resort villa stay. the Brunei River. Close by, Sultan Sharif Ali, its name! Tel: 673-2786868 FB: Brunei River Cruise the third Sultan of Brunei’s IG: @bruneirivercruise well-preserved tomb can also be found.

8 Brunei Maritime 21 Jong Batu Museum

This large rock formation resembles a capsized Located next to the Malay Technology ship. The myth of Jong Batu tells the tale of Museum, this museum showcases Brunei’s Nakhoda Manis and his mother. Brunei River maritime culture of different ships and vessels throughout history. Highlights include a gallery exhibiting a Chinese shipwreck 20 Istana Nurul Iman Heritage discovered in 1997.

9 Batu Gasing Awang TRAIL Semaun

His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei’s official residence and seat of Government, and the largest residential palace in the world. The best view of this palace can be enjoyed from Persiaran Damuan, a nearby recreational park A gasing (spinning top) belonging to Awang along the Damuan river. Semaun that was believed to have turned into a rock.

19 Kampung Burong Pingai Ayer 10 Pulau Berambang

Named after the discovery of the chirping sounds of a bird perched on a pillar, this village A famous spot for trekkers because of Bukit also housed the first mosque in Kampong Ayer, Bujang Pahang, which affords fantastic views the Pehin Datu Imam Hj Abdul Mokti Mosque. at the top.

11 18 Royal Wharf Pulau Ambuk

Once the Royal Customs and Excise dock, The location of a civil war and a fortress to today, it serves as a gateway to Kampong Ayer train 1,000 Brunei Malay Warriors led by and is the venue for the annual ‘Brunei Regatta’. Pengiran Bendahara Sakam for the Castilian It also houses an Art Gallery, with an aim to War against the Spanish army. promote both local and international arts.

Yayasan Sultan Hj Hassanal Kampong Ayer Cultural & Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak 17 Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas 16 Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque 15 14 13 12 Lumut Lunting Bolkiah Complex Tourism Gallery Hajah Saleha Bridge The Taman Mahkota Jubli Passing by the Omar ‘Ali A shopping complex located The cultural centre was The opening of the Raja Isteri This little island tells the Emas was officiated in 2017 Saifuddien Mosque, one is in the heart of the town officiated in 2009. This gallery Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha myth of a famous cockfight by His Majesty the Sultan of struck by the magnificence center. Also known to the offers exhibits showcasing the Bridge was a historical between Awang Sinuai and Brunei. The 30-acre riverfront of its striking golden domes locals as Yayasan Shopping traditions, arts and society of moment in 2017. At 157 the King of the Majapahit park commemorates His and the marble minarets that Complex, this three-storey Kampong Ayer’s long culture metres high, this is Empire. Majesty’s 50-year reign. surround it. Built in 1958 and shopping complex opened and history, and displays of Brunei’s first cable-stayed named after the 28th Sultan in August 1996 and offers handicrafts and antiques. bridge, named after His of Brunei, it remains one of visitors plenty of options Visitors can also drop by the Majesty the Sultan of Brunei’s the most impressive for shopping and dining. Its souvenir shop and enjoy a wife, connecting the capital in Southeast Asia. majestic architecture was view of surrounding sights to Kampong Sungai Kebun. designed to reflect Kampong and sounds from the Ayer. observation tower.