BRUNEI DARUSSALAM in seconds

BiS < a Editorial Board

Advisors

Mawardi bin Haji Mohammad ([email protected]) Azman bin Haji Abdul Rahim ([email protected])

Editor

Musa bin Mohidin ([email protected])

Sub-editor & text

Hajah Noorhijrah binti Haji Idris ([email protected])

Layout

Hajah Apsah binti Haji Sahdan ([email protected])

Proof Reader

Hajah Norpisah binti Md. Salleh ([email protected])

Photo credits

Photography Unit of Information Department Fishery Department, Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources Forestry Department, Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO DARUSSALAM runei Darussalam is situated The official religion is Islam. Bon the north-west coast of the However, other religions are also island of , between east practised. latitudes 1140 and 04’ and 110 23’ and north latitudes of 40 00’ and 50 Official language 05’. Malay is the official language but It is divided into four district: English is also widely spoken. Brunei-Muara (570.7 square kilometres); Tutong (1,166 square Climate kilometres); Belait (2,727 square kilometres); and Temburong (1,288 Brunei Darussalam has an square kilometres). equatorial climate, a uniform temperature, high humidity and The country resumed full heavy rainfall. independence on January 1, 1984 where the National Day is Currency celebrated every February 23. The local currency is the Brunei Capital Dollar and written as BND which is issued at denominations of is based in $10,000; $5,000; $1,000; $500; the Brunei-Muara District. Total $100; $50; $25; $20; $10; $5; and $1 land area of the capital is 100.36 notes. Coinage is issued at 50, 20, square kilometres. 10, 5 and 1 cent denominations.

Area It is pegged to the value of the Singapore Dollar and both Total land area is 5,765 square currencies can be used in Brunei kilometres with a coastline of about Darussalam and Singapore. 161 kilometres. Time Population Brunei Darussalam is eight hours The population was estimated at ahead of Greenwich Mean Time 399,800 (Brunei Darussalam Key (GMT+8). Indicator - BDKI 2012). Majority of the population were Malays, Vegetation followed by Chinese and other groups. Seventy six per cent of the country’s total land area is covered by forests Official religion with 40 per cent of the land is gazetted Forests Reserve. Main industry its one billionth barrel and a Petroleum and gas has fuelled the monument was built near the nation’s economy for the past 80 original site of Well No.1 to mark years and more. The industry has the achievement. The Billionth come a long way from the very Barrel Monument was officially first commercial find in Seria of the opened by His Majesty Sultan in 1929. Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, The Sultan and Yang A milestone was achieved in 1991 Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam when the Seria field produced on July 18, 1991. National carrier Ferry Services and Immigration Royal Brunei (RB) or formerly Control Post: known as Royal Brunei Airline (RBA) is the national carrier established Serasa Teminal: Located in Muara on November 18, 1974. RB reveals Town, about 25 minutes from the its new livery and logo (RB) on capital. You can take ferry services October 30, 2012. from here to the ’s Federal Territory of . The journey It is an independent corporation is estimated to take around 45 wholly owned by the Government minutes to an hour. of Brunei Darussalam. Kuala Lurah Immigration Control RB provides scheduled services Post: Located in Brunei-Muara across Asia, the Middle East, District about 25 minutes from the Australasia and the United capital. This control post is a gate Kingdom. As an added convenience connecting Brunei Darussalam to to its passengers, the airline has the Malaysian town of , code-share agreements allowing . passengers to coordinate flights for seamless travel to a wider choice of Labu Immigration Control Post: destinations. Located in . This control post is a gateway RB now operates a fleet of six connecting Brunei Darussalam to Boeing B777-200ER, two Airbus the Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu, A319 and Airbus A320 aircraft. Sabah.

Sungai Tujoh Immigration Control Entry Checkpoints: Post: Located in Belait District. This control post is a gateway connecting Brunei Darussalam Airport: Brunei International to the Malaysian town of , Airport is the nation’s sole airport. Sarawak. It is located in Berakas, about 10 to 15 minutes away from the capital.

BiS < 4 Telecommunications National Celebrations

There are various National Day - February 23 telecommunications services Royal Brunei Armed Forces offered in Brunei Darussalam by anniversary – May 31 three service providers Telekom His Majesty‘s Royal Birthday – July Brunei Berhad (TelBru), DST 15 Communications and BMobile Communications Sdn. Bhd.

Local calls cost 3 cents per minute and national calls cost 20 cents per minute.

For local calls, direct dial the local number. For national calls, dial the area codes 2 (for Brunei-Muara District); 3 (for Belait District); 4 (for ) or 5 (for Temburong District) followed by the number.

For international calls by reverse charge, dial 01. For direct international calls, dial 00 followed by the country code, area code and the number.

A number of economical telephone cards ranging from $5 above are also available.

Wi-fi and hotspots are widely available at various dining outlets and commercial areas. Brunei Darussalam also celebrates: New Islamic Year (Hijrah), Maulidur Mobile modem and router using Rasul, Israk Mikraj, First Day of a High Speed Downlink Packet Ramadan, Nuzul Al-Quran, Hari Access (HSDPA) or 3G (Third Raya Aidilfitri Feast, Feast of Generation) Mobile Telephony Sacrifice, New Year (January 1st), Communication Protocol in high Chinese New Year, and Christmas. speed are also available in Brunei. These days are announced as public holidays. Current HSDPA deployment in Brunei Darussalam support Medical Services downlink speed of up to 7.2 Megabits per second. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital is the main Numbers to note referral hospital. It is about five to 10 minutes’ drive from the capital. Emergency calls The hotline is 2242 424. Ambulance - 991 Police - 993 Government hospitals can also Fire & Rescue - 995 be found at the other three Search & Rescue - 998 districts. There are also two private hospitals. Hotline Water - 140 For convenience, 16 government Electricity - 144/145 health centres are available Health line - 2384234 throughout the nation. Private Flight Info - 2331747 clinics are also widely available. Driving Permits For inquiries on destination fares, you may call the Land Transport Brunei Darussalam recognises Department at 2451 979 during international driving permits office hours. issued under the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic. There are six bus routes operating around Bandar Seri Begawan. Each Transportation route has colour coded bus.

Bruneians drive on the left side of All of these bus routes end at the the road. The wearing of seat belts main bus terminal in the capital. for drivers and front passengers is The bus services begin from compulsory. 6.00 am to 8.00 pm daily.

Public Transportations Bus fare starts from $1.00.

Taxis services are available There are also buses that depart should you wish to hire one. For for Tutong Town, and reservations, please contact: 2222 Seria Town. 214 or 2226 853. A popular means of transportation The taxis are mostly available in should you wish to explore the the capital. There is a surcharge fee famous Kampung Ayer or Water for taxi rides from 11.00 pm to 6.00 Village is by using the water taxi. am. You can hail for a water taxi at jetties situated along Brunei River. Regular Taxis are also available at the Brunei boat services to Temburong District International Airport. are also available which operates from 7.45 am to 4.00 pm daily. Newspapers

Pelita Brunei is the official government newspaper while Borneo Bulletin, The Brunei Times and Media Permata are the three leading privately-run newspapers. A number of foreign newspapers and magazines are also available.

Radio and Television

There are six television channels namely RTB1, RTB2, High Definition, International, RTB5, RTB6, and five radio networks run by the government through the Department of Radio and Television Brunei (RTB). Meanwhile one radio network is owned by a private telecommunication company. Foreign channels are also available through private cable television network Kristal-Astro. State Street (Brunei) Sdn Bhd Banks (limited license banking) Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam There are two local banks, seven Brunei (TAIB) foreign branches of international and regional banks as well as one Credit cards are accepted at hotels Islamic trust fund as follows: and selected shops and restaurants. Most accepted credit cards are Baiduri Bank Berhad Visa and Master Card but some Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam also accept American Express and (BIBD) Union Pay. Citibank N.A. Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Remittance Corporation Ltd Maybank There are 21 licensed remittance RHB Bank Berhad companies and 24 licensed money Standard Chartered Bank changer companies (including United Overseas Bank Ltd hotels) in Brunei Darussalam. Where to go?

A Tourist Information Centre is Brunei Arts & Handicraft Training available at the Brunei International Centre – Established in 1975 with Airport. the objective to preserve the skills of producing local handicrafts. The Another centre is available at the centre until today has produced Temburong District located at many graduates who later are No. 13/14 Bangunan Perniagaan mostly involved in small-and- Rakyat Jati, Bangar Town. medium enterprises (SMEs) mainly in producing local handicrafts Their operating hours are from 9.00 like kain tenunan (weaved cloth), am to 5.00 pm daily and will close songkok (traditional headgear), for Friday prayers from 12.00 pm to and brass-making products. The 2.00 pm. centre has a gallery that displays various types of handicrafts made Places of Interests: by the students where some exhibits are for sale. (Brunei-Muara Malay Technology Museum – The District) Malay Technology Museum is located next to the Brunei Museum Berakas Forestry Recreational at Kota Batu. The museum has three Park – This 199 hectares forestry main exhibition halls, the water recreation park is situated along village’s traditional homes; water the Muara-Tutong highway which village’s traditional technology; is just about 10 kilometres from and inland’s traditional technology. the capital in Berakas. At the park, (Brunei-Muara District) you can witness the sun-dappled pathways meander past sheltered Brunei Museum – Located about picnic spots and barbeque facilities. five kilometres from the capital, Besides this green forest, you can the Brunei Museum was officially also enjoy the beach. (Brunei- opened on February 29, 1972 by Muara District) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The museum Tasek Lama Recreation Park – It has several galleries namely on is one of the oldest recreational Islamic arts, oil and gas, natural parks located in the capital. It history, the National Day Gallery, has a natural waterfall and lake, Brunei’s traditional culture and and features a beautiful garden of Brunei’s archaeology and history. trees and flowers. (Brunei-Muara (Brunei-Muara District) District) Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah – Built from its historical origins until in 1994 to commemorate the silver its present day. (Brunei-Muara jubilee anniversary of His Majesty District) Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan Royal Regalia Building – Situated in and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei the heart of the capital, the building Darussalam’s accession to the was built to commemorate the throne. It is located in Kampung silver jubilee anniversary of His , and about five to 10 Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal minutes drive from the capital. The Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, mosque is one of the main venues The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of for mass prayer in the nation. Brunei Darussalam’s accession to (Brunei-Muara District) the throne. The building houses a collection of royal regalia and associated items to Brunei’s royalty. Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque (Brunei-Muara District) – Named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei. Officially opened on September 26, 1958 by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, it is one of the most magnificient mosques in Southeast Asia, is situated in the capital and has a majestic golden dome. Next to the mosque (in the middle of the lagoon) is a replica of a 16th century royal barge. (Brunei- Muara District)

Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (KACTG) – Built with a style replicating a grand Kampung Ayer house and with a distinctive observation tower that gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the water village and its surroundings, the KACTG has become the latest tourist attraction in Bandar Seri Begawan. There are galleries containing background information of the water village

BiS < 9 Dermaga Diraja BSB - Brunei formerly used as the residence Darussalam has recorded yet for previous British Residents and another milestone with the High Commissioners. It is now inauguration of the Dermaga an exhibition gallery and offers a Diraja Brunei as a landmark panoramic view overlooking the which will enhance the attraction famous water village. (Brunei- of Bandar Seri Begawan. The Muara District) Dermaga Diraja BSB was launched by His Royal Highness Crown Damuan Recreational Park – Prince Pengiran Muda Haji Al- Situated next to the Istana Nurul Muhtadee Billah, Senior Minister Iman, the Damuan Recreational at the Prime Minister’s Office. Park is the place to get the best The Waterfront with its facilities view of the palace. It also offers signifies the citizens’ social support park view along the riverbank for achieving quality life, in line of Jalan Tutong, and it is also a with the nation’s Vision 2035 in popular spot for joggers. (Brunei- the aspect of universal access to Muara District) important public facilities. (Bandar Seri Begawan) Gadong Night Market – This market is opened daily from 6.00 pm until Bubungan Dua Belas – Also known midnight. It offers various types of as House of Twelve Roofs. Built cooked food ranging from local to in 1906, it is one of the oldest western dishes at affordable prices. surviving buildings in Brunei Also available are fresh fruits and based at Kota Batu. Located along vegetables and some clothing Jalan Residency, the building was items. (Brunei-Muara District)

BiS < 9

Ulu Temburong National Park – This park is rich with unspoiled flora and fauna. It can be reached by using a long boat or locally known as Temuai. At the park, you can enjoy strolling on the extensive wooden boardwalk and witness the fresh environment. Other excitements here are the Canopy Walk and the waterfall. (Temburong District) Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park – Located in Tutong District, about one hour 15 minutes drive from Bandar Seri Begawan. Administered by the Brunei Museum, the park aims to provide a safe haven for protected wildlife to breed, preserve flora and fauna and to provide a base for scientific research and study. For those interested in botany or bird watching, there is also a trail through the jungle. The park was declared as one of the ASEAN National Heritage Sites on November 29, 1984. (Tutong District)

BiSBiS << 1113 Where to stay?

Brunei-Muara District Roomz Hotel Rumah Persinggahan Kuala Belait Abdul Razak Plaza Apartments Sea View Hotel Badiah Hotel Sentosa Hotel Brunei Hotel D’ Anggerek Service Apartments Temburong District Goodview Hotel Grand City Hotel Awadah Guesthouse Jeluton Hotel Haji Radin Guesthouse Jubilee Hotel Hyerma Guesthouse KH Soon Services & Resthouse Homestay Kampong Senukoh Plaza Hotel Homestay Kampung Sibut Kompleks Mohamad Yusof Service KHP Guesthouse Apartment Likut Intan Guesthouse Le Gallery Suites & Hotel Lubuk Batu Mas Homestay LR Asma Hotel Nadi Utama Guesthouse Mangrove Paradise Resort Rumah Persinggahan , Pekan Bangar Orchid Garden Hotel Stoneville Hotel Palm Garden Hotel Ulu-Ulu Resort Riverview Hotel Rizqun International Hotel Radisson Hotel Terrace Hotel The Capital Residence Hotel The Centrepoint Hotel The Empire Hotel & Country Club The Holiday Lodge Times Hotel Traders Inn Voctech International House Youth Hostel

Tutong District

Halim Plaza Hotel Telamba Homestay

Belait District

Hotel Kooperasi Seria Plaza Sutera Biru Riviera Hotel

BiS < 13 Leisure/recreation/dine in: Agro Park, Tungku Gadong Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park, Belait Billionth Barrel Monument, Seria Bukit Shahbandar Recreational Park, Jerudong Bukit Patoi Recreational Park, Temburong Cineplex, The Mall Gadong Damuan Recreation Park The Empire Hotel & Country Club Jerudong Park Playground Kianggeh Food Court Lumut Beach Mangrove Paradise Resort, Sungai Belukut Menteri Besar Recreational Park Muara Beach Pusat Insani, Seria Cruise (Kampung Ayer) Selirong Island Serasa Beach Seri Kenangan Beach, Tutong Seri Qlap Cinema, Kiulap Taman Aie Tenap, Temburong Tamu Selera, Bandar Seri Begawan Tamu Serambangun, Tutong Tamu Seria Tamu Muhibbah Aneka Selera, Temburong Tasik Buluh Aie Merah Recreation Park, Temburong Times Cineplex Ulu-Ulu Resort Shopping: Wasai Wong Kadir, Belait Airport Mall, Berakas Water Park, LLRC, Belait Athirah Plaza, Jalan Tutong Citis Square, Berakas Delima Square Galleria YMRM, Jalan Tutong Hua Ho Mall, Tanjung Bunut Hua Ho Mall, Tutong Hua Ho Mall, Manggis Jaya Hypermart, Centrepoint Gadong Kompleks Utama Bumiputera, Temburong Mabohai Shopping Complex Nazmi Textile Mall, Delima Patani Mall, Tutong Regent Square Seri Qlap Mall Setia Kenangan Complex, Kiulap Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Shopping Complex Shopping/restaurant hours are The Mall, Gadong from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm daily Times Square Shopping Complex, and will be closed for Friday prayers Berakas from 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm. Seria Plaza Sumbangsih Mulia, Gadong Prime Minister’s Office Buliding he Prime Minister’s Other facilities include TOffice building stands various large meeting venues magnificently in the heart and conference rooms, two of the capital’s government fully equipped commercial offices along Jalan Menteri kitchens with 300-seat staff Besar. The building itself has a cafeteria, fitness gymnasium, total build-up area of 92,000 day-care centre, large out square metres to house the door terraces, de-stressing operational accommodations gardens, water features and and facilities for the Ministerial a grand parade ground. offices and its functions. Other buildings in the The central dome in the Atrium complex’s vicinity area are is suspended 40 metres high the Ash-Shaliheen Mosque, into its interior air spaces which can accommodate up and spans 23 metres wide. to 1,000 worshippers, and The building complex houses the Prime Minister’s Office the Office of the Prime Minister, Museum Gallery. Both building alongside with office suites are open to the general public. and general offices to cater for the ministers, officials and staff The key features of the building of the Prime Minister’s Office. include low consumption LED lighting; corridors, restrooms Other major facilities include and utility areas are operated a terraced 1,000-seat Main by smart sensors; the air- Theatre with state-of-art audio conditioning system is cooled and visual equipment, meeting using harvested rainwater; and the demands of productions 100 % Low-Emissivity Double- and performances. The theatre Glazing on all External Windows features VIP viewing balconies makes it Brunei’s first Energy and dining galleries suitable for Efficient Ministry Building. all occasions. The vast atrium linked to the building’s largest The building became the venue meeting venue, which is a 30-seat for the 22nd ASEAN Summit which Conference Chamber, suited to took place in April 24-25, 2013. hosting world-class events. The Banquet Hall can accommodate around 1,000 guests. Original text by: PMO Editorial Team. National Housing Programme he Government of His Majesty the people’s housing needs. Tthe Sultan and Yang Di- Hence as a result, the first of many Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam housing schemes, the Lambak in implementing its policy in Kanan National Housing Scheme providing all its citizen with proper in the Brunei-Muara District was accommodation in a pleasant introduced covering a site of environment, with the citizen about 810 hectares where 84 households owning their own houses under Phase One had been houses, various schemes had been completed and allocated to the introduced as early as the 1950’s. successful applicants in early 1986.

The resettlement programmes More similar and other housing began as early as 1951 when the schemes were introduced since residents of Kampung Bendahara then which include the Landless Lama from Kampung Ayer were Indigenous Citizens Housing resettled to Bunut Resettlement Scheme (STKRJ), Temporary Area in Kilanas of the Occupation-of-land License Brunei-Muara District. Two years (TOL) and Infill Scheme (IS). later, in 1953, similar resettlement programmes was also carried out Through the National Development for residents of Kampung Burong Plan 2007 – 2012 more housing Pingai Berakas, Kampung Pancha projects been introduced such Delima, Kampung Pengiran SiRaja as Resettlement and Housing Muda, Kampung Schemes for Kampung Rimba, and Kampung Orang Kaya Besar Kampung Meragang, Kampung Imas, all of which are in Mukim Tanah Jambu; National Housing Berakas of the same district. In at Kampung Lambak Kanan, 1954, resettlement program was Kampung Mentiri, Kampung also carried out for Kampung Tanah Jambu, Kampung Rimba and Kampung Jaya (additional areas) and Kampung Bakti, both in Mukim Berakas, Salambigar; Relocation of Kampung Ayer Scheme at In the 1960‘s, the government Kampung Lumapas A; Landless built two-housing estates in Indigenous Citizen Housing Berakas, namely Kampung Setia Scheme at Kampung Sungai Bakti and Kampung for Buloh/Tanah Jambu and Katok B; some of Kampung Ayer residents and Relocation of Kampung Ayer who accepted government offers Scheme at Kampung Katok B. to resettle them to the mainland.

A nationwide survey was conducted in 1970’s to identify Ministries The Prime Minister’s Office www.pmo.gov.bn www.jpm.gov.bn

Ministry of Defence www.mindef.gov.bn

Ministry of Finance www.mof.gov.bn

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade www.mofat.gov.bn

Ministry of Education www.moe.edu.bn

Ministry of Health www.moh.gov.bn

Ministry of Development www.mod.gov.bn

Ministry of Communications www.mincom.gov.bn

Ministry of Home Affairs www.home-affairs.gov.bn

Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources www.bruneimipr.gov.bn

Ministry of Religious Affairs www.religious-affairs.gov.bn

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports www.kkbs.gov.bn Published by: Information Department, Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam