Rise and shine early in the morning as D prepares for work. I was actually still lazing in bed, waking up to help him with his shirt buttons and the likes which I really am clueless now and then flopping back to sleep.
With constant reminders from my dad, I tried to dress more conservatively in Brunei as a form of respect in an islamic country. Lucky to heed his advice because no one wear shorts and wander around here. At most short sleeved tops, but that's also mainly the men and some of the chinese citizens.
Another thing I found out from D and the people there was that it is advisable not to wear any yellow clothing - it is seen as a colour for the royals only.
Streets of Brunei city
my breakfast at Yayasan's KFC, overlooking Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Gloomy clouds please go away, don't spoil my day.
"This magnificent mosque sits at the very heart of the capital city and the country's Islamic faith. Built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, it is one of the most impressive mosques in South East Asia." - abstract taken from Travel Brunei book
Indeed it is magnificent and majestic with its white and gold exterior.
Walking around the mosque and admiring the architecture of the structure in a peaceful setting.
As much as I have my own religious beliefs, I enjoy visiting other religious places to learn and understand others better. I'm glad D is the same as me.
The combination of blue skies, fluffy clouds and glistening water make the mosque stands out.
Kampong Ayer (Water Village)
This is definitely the highlight for my trip, the main reason why I came to Brunei. One of the largest and best preserved water village in SEA, this is housed to more than 20,000 people, that's 5% of Brunei's population in today's society!
I easily got a water taxi by the river opposite of the water village. They will be calling out for you so just haggle for the right price before getting onto one. Charges to just get across should be B$0.50 to B$1. For an hour's tour around the village, it shouldn't be more than B$30. I agreed on B$20 before getting up!
Kids playing by the river with their father.
These old, multi-coloured wooden houses in stilts covers many kilometres along the Brunei River with 42 separate villages. According to the driver of my water taxi, there are many mosques within the villages as well so that it's accessible to all. These houses are also well installed with electricity, water, internet access, etc. Speaking to some of the locals there, the houses are also subsidised by the Sultan, and all they need to fork out is only the electricity and water bills.
Chickens by the river.
Many jetties you see on the way for people to stop and go home.
Supreme Court by the river.
Water Village school! There are many primary and secondary schools within the water village. This is a sign of how many families and people are actually located in Kampong Ayer. Too bad it was the school holiday period and I didn't manage to catch students running around the schools. The driver said each family has an average of 6-7 children, hence the need for so many schools. Seriously? That's the case, the population should increase significantly in the years to come!
Besides schools, the villages here are self-sufficient in many other ways. Look, a fire station! They are well-equipped with road vehicles as well as boats. I read that a huge fire broke out here a few years back and burnt down a large part of the village. So this is very important too.
and a police station in the waters!
I was asked if I wanted to see monkeys. Not that the monkeys here are any special, but I thought since I am alone and with loads of time to spare, why not. Additional B$10 for this but I told him I expect extended time!
So the water taxi went further away from the water village and soon I was surrounded by calm waters bordered by trees and shrubs.
Once in a while I got to see people fishing at the side.
I enjoyed the serene and scenic view cruising along the river. Away from the hustle and bustle, embraced by nature. I am also impressed with these shots I took with the reflections from the still waters. Just beautiful and totally worth the extra 10 bucks!
After about 20 mins ride down, there were still no monkeys to be seen. Honestly I was a bit worried, maybe the driver trying to dupe me. Afterall it's only two of us. -_-
But okay, Brunei is a very safe country... according to google and wikitravel. haha. He tried very hard to look out for these monkeys and even went in closer to the mangrove area in search for them. Managed to see one or two from afar. Anyway I told him I didn't mind, cos the scenic view is worth the buck already.
My guide and I!
Back to Kampong Ayer and I wanted to take a walk on these wooden boards!
So I was brought to this part of the village with homes that were newly built, in year 2011 if I recall correctly.
I was nudged by the guide to visit the first home which was elaborately decorated.
This belonged to the "village chief" who opens his house to guests to look around or even for home stays. B$35 per bed per pax.
Free admission, just obliged to buy a drink from him as a good gesture.
It was such a coincidence as well as while I was talking to the chief, I noticed that there were trays of food prepared so I asked if he was expecting guests. True enough, he was, and his guests were the delegates from the conference that D was at! Just at that point the group also arrived from their boat. Totally surprised him!
Next to his home was the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery as well, a place to learn more about their culture and to pick up any souvenirs if interested. Opening hours from 9am - 5pm.
Ended up paying a total of B$40 for my whole trip as I made my driver cum guide wait for additional 45 mins just for me to catch a glimpse of D. Felt bad for wasting his time and I guess I am more generous when alone.
Tamu Kianggeh
An outdoor market that sells dried food, fresh fruits and vegetables. According to Lonely Planet, this place supposedly sells cheap local food as well but when I was there in the afternoon, most of the stalls were already closed. The morning market opens from 5am - 5pm but I think the food stops selling at noon.
Settled my meal at Jolibee before heading to my next destination!
Royal Regalia
Jalan Sultan, BSB
Opening Hours: 9am - 4.30pm
Free Admission
I came here without much expectations, but was immediately impressed when I stepped in. The air con in the hot weather was welcoming too.
Admission is free and photography is not allowed, had to place my belongings inside a locker.
The Royal Regalia is dedicated to the Sultan and was officially opened in 1992, marking the 25th year of the Sultan's ruling of the country. It i is split into 4 main parts. Starting with the Royal Exhibition Gallery, which houses photos, documents and items that illustrates the early years of the current Sultan of Brunei. Along the way, gifts from various countries to the Sultan were also displayed. I somehow like to look closely at each gift and compare because there are usually signs of the culture and historical background from the country where the gift is from. Of course, I was also on the lookout for gifts from Singapore and found a horse painting from our current Prime Minister as well as a beautiful sword from the former Prime Minister, which was given during the Sultan's coronation.
There is also the Silver Jubilee Gallery which celebrates the Sultan's ascension to the throne. This important event was recreated in the museum with a huge royal carriage, 2 rows of men accompanying the carriage during the ceremony as well as the royal regalias that were used during the event.
Next exhibition gallery shows the history and the development of the constitutional of Brunei Darussalam, which were mainly pictures and documents.
Lastly, I was returned to the huge main hall which depicts more royal regalias during the Coronation. Taking the centre stage is the Royal Chariot which the Sultan rode on during the royal procession.
Surrounding it are other regalias that accompanied the chariot during the procession.
Tamings - decorated shields
Payong Dadu/Payong Kawan - checkered umbrellas
Payong Berwarna - multi-coloured umbrellas
More Tamings
Other items include many types of decorated spears, the royal orchestra, swords and royal vases.
Photography is only allowed at the main hall.
Gerai Makan Kianggeh
Jalan Residency, next to Jalan Mc Arthur
Before I make my way back at 5.30pm, I thought I should drop by another makan place for an early dinner to fill my tummy first. Since Tamu Kianggeh was a disappointment for me, I decided to check out Gerai Makan Kianggeh which is just adjacent to the former.
along the way...
It's dining by the riverbank!
Tried the chicken satays which were cheap and good! B$1 for 4 sticks! Soft, juicy and drenched in satay sauce. Too bad I'm alone and can't eat much.
Most of the shops are said to open from 4pm to midnight (I asked the satay shop they said till 11.30pm) but according to Lonely Planet, there is one that opens 24hrs. Not many stalls were open, in fact maybe about 3-4 stalls only. There is one main stall that sells rice and noodles dishes for a proper meal.
Hurried off to catch a bus back to hotel after that!
Phew, at least no need to walk back today.
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