Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei. It is a city with a history that dates back to the 16th century, when the city was established as a Malay settlement on stilts on the Brunei River. The settlement eventually developed into Kampong Ayer, which is now famous for its many stilt houses in the Brunei River. Kampong Ayer is located on the southern bank of the river and eventually became known as the Venice of the East due to its extensive waterways and traditional stilt houses. The area became a British protectorate in 1888 as a result of an agreement between Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin and the British government, in which Brunei sought security guarantees from Britain.

The city became the center of British administration, and British influence led to the construction of modern infrastructure and administrative buildings, which contributed to the city’s development as an important hub for trade and administration. In the early 20th century, a so-called British Resident was established in Brunei, which further strengthened the city’s status as an administrative center. The 1920s saw another watershed event in the form of the first oil discovery in the British protectorate. This occurred in 1929, while offshore oil was discovered in 1957, and oil later became a defining factor in the country’s development.

During World War II, Bandar Seri Begawan was occupied by Japanese forces and bombed by the Allies in 1945. The occupation caused considerable damage, with many of the city’s buildings destroyed. After the war, the city was rebuilt with the help of British and local authorities and continued to be Brunei’s administrative and financial centre. In 1970, the city was renamed from Brunei Town to Bandar Seri Begawan in honour of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who played a central role in the modernisation of Brunei. Brunei declared its independence from Britain on 1 January 1984, and this event was celebrated in a square in the city centre, where thousands of citizens gathered to mark the historic event. Today, Bandar Seri Begawan is the seat of the Brunei government and thus the political centre of the country.

The city centre is the Pusat Bandar neighbourhood, which is located on the northern bank of the Brunei River directly opposite Kampong Ayer. Here you will find the central square and large lawn called Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, where Brunei’s independence was declared. The square is therefore a historically important place, and is surrounded by important government buildings, shopping centres and some of Bandar Seri Begawan’s attractions. The square was previously called Padang Besar and has been the centre of celebrations for decades, including the Sultan’s birthday, Brunei’s National Day, and for football matches and other festive events in the city.

From Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, you can continue west to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a mosque and one of the landmarks of Bandar Seri Begawan. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a magnificent mosque with a golden dome and marble minarets, which was completed in 1958 with architectural inspiration from Mughal India. The mosque is one of the largest in Southeast Asia and is beautifully located on a lagoon surrounded by greenery. In the lagoon there is a ceremonial royal boat, which is a concrete recreation of Sultan Bolkiah’s so-called mahligai from the 16th century. Continuing to the western part of the lagoon, you will come to the park Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, which opened along the Kedayan River in 2017.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is one of Bandar Seri Begawan’s two large and beautiful state mosques. The other is called Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, and it is located not far northwest of Pusat Bandar. Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque was inaugurated in 1994 to celebrate Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s 25th anniversary as monarch. The mosque has 29 golden domes and stands as an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque’s four minarets are 58 meters high, and below them you can experience a beautifully designed building complex, which features Italian marble, Persian carpets and other fine materials.

Back in the city center, you can visit the Muzium Alat Kebesaran Diraja or Royal Regalia Museum, which is one of the interesting attractions of Bendar Seri Begawan. The museum with the large dome depicts the lavish royal lifestyle of the Sultan of Brunei and contains exhibits such as replicas of the royal throne, crown, ceremonial garments and gifts from world leaders. The museum provides a fascinating insight into Brunei’s royal history and culture, and it is educational to know the culture and traditions of the country. The same applies to the national museum Brunei Museum, which offers a comprehensive insight into Brunei’s history and culture. The museum has wide-ranging exhibitions on Brunei’s maritime history, Islamic art and archaeological finds, among other things.

After a tour of Pusat Bandar, you should head across the Brunei River to Kampong Ayer, which is located as one of the world’s largest villages on the water. The atmosphere is completely different from Pusat Bandar, and a visit to Kampong Ayer is like a journey back to the city’s historical roots. On the water is everything that belongs to a village. Between the waterways and the built-up plank paths between the buildings, you will find residential houses, schools, mosques and shops, all built on stilts over the Brunei River. A trip by water taxi is a fantastic opportunity to experience the village’s unique architecture and lifestyle.

There are also other interesting things to see in Bandar Seri Begawan. Along the Brunei River a little southwest of the city is Istana Nurul Iman, which is the residential palace and home of the Sultan of Brunei. The palace is known for its magnificent architecture and is an important symbol of Brunei’s wealth and power. As the residence of the Sultan, the palace is not open to the public, but you can drive past the palace and get a glimpse of its impressive exterior. Another important part of Brunei is the country’s energy sector, and you can gain insight into this by visiting the Brunei Energy Hub. It is a centrally located museum with exhibitions about Brunei’s oil and gas industry and its important role in the country’s modern development.

If you also want to experience daily life in the city, you can go to Tamu Kianggeh, a lively market in Bandar Seri Begawan. Here you can find local products with specialties such as edible ferns, medicinal plants and the catch of the day from the local fishermen. The market also offers prepared local delicacies, making it an authentic part of local life. Tamu Kianggeh is a popular place for both locals and tourists who want to experience Brunei’s culinary traditions and buy fresh produce or simply enjoy the good atmosphere that prevails here.