Bandar Seri Begawan
has been the capital of Brunei for hundreds of year. Originally composed
of a community built on stilts over the water, this water
village first moved location to get more space, and then gradually expanded onto firm land.
Today, the
water village is still home to about 40 thousand people. Some
live in the traditional timber housing, but a growing number in
recently built structures with modern services. Many of the
traditional homes have modern conveniences and sophisticated
electronics behind the simple facades.
Originally
named Brunei Town, it was renamed as one of the steps towards
total independence from British Protectorate status in
1982. Bandar Seri Begawan
(commonly called Bandar or BSB) is home to all the government
ministries, and many of the major government departments, such
as Public Works, Education, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Town &
Country Planning, Health, Transport and Communication.
The central city
area is the traditional shopping and commerce area, with the
modern Yayasan shopping mall, traditional shop houses and
local markets. The main terminal for local and regional buses -
including those to Kota Kinabalu. Miri and Bintulu - is
in this central area; just a few minutes walk from our office. Centrepoint is another large
shopping complex and shop house development in the Gadong
commercial region. This area includes many cafes,
restaurants and the Mall; a complex of shops, movie theatres and
eateries; trendy modern and classic local style.
Brunei's important
role in the history and development of Borneo, and the role of
the Family Monarchy, has been captured in numerous museums.
These provide a unique insight into the development of Brunei
and it's regional role.
The relatively high
standard of living in Brunei means hunting local wildlife for
food is part of history. Therefore is is possible to see some of
Borneo's popular wildlife attractions, such as Proboscis
Monkeys, living in the mangrove and jungle areas
immediately adjacent to the
city.
Our Kingdom
and Culture tours are designed to explore these
venues and highlight the unique nature of Brunei.
Notes: 1. Malaria was eliminated from Brunei about 25 years
ago and public health policies mean Brunei is remarkably free of
biting insects, so most visitors do not use any repellent. But
some people are more susceptible than others, so please bring
your favourite insect repellent that works for you.
2. Intrepid Tours places a high
priority on visitor safety. We have our own radio network
and an extensive staff training programme. Safety equipment and
boating operation procedures are in line with recognised
international standards.
3. A detailed Tour Description
(in Adobe Acrobat format), with advice on what to bring, wear
etc is available for every tour.
Cultural
Heritage Tour - Half Day
4 hours Tour Code: ITH-C2BS
Starts at: 8.15 am, & 1.15 pm
Includes: Morning/afternoon tea (at water village), experienced guide
Optional: Lunch beside the Brunei River
Description: This compact tour will introduce you to the Nation, its
history and the significant cultural, leadership and religious
influences. Visit the Brunei Museum,
The Royal Regalia Museum, Jame Asr
Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque and the Water Village. Ride a water taxi around
the the water village, explore on foot along the walkways, and
stop at a water village house for morning or afternoon tea with
local cakes, and discover the unique mix of traditional and
modern lifestyle. See the previous and current Sultan's
palaces to learn about the role it plays in modern Brunei.
Cultural Heritage Tour - Full Day
7.25 hours Tour Code: IT1-C2BS
Starts at: 9 am
Includes: Lunch beside the Brunei River, and afternoon tea in the
Water Village
Optional: Link with an evening Mangrove Safari (see below) to see
the local wildlife.
Description: This comprehensive tour will immerse you in the history and culture of
Brunei, with it's almost 700 year Family Monarchy. The combination of venues
and the guide's information provides a unique understanding of
traditional and modern Brunei. Visit the Tamau (local market) stalls. Drive to the previous and current Sultan's palaces
for a photo stop. Visit the Jame Asr
Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque and Royal Regalia, then stop for lunch
overlooking the Brunei River. Visit the the Brunei Museum, Malay Technology Museum, and Arts &
Handicraft Centre. Ride a water taxi around the the
water village, explore on foot along the walkways, and stop at a water village house
for an afternoon tea with local cakes, and discover the unique mix of
traditional and modern lifestyle.
Brunei
River Tour
5.25 hours Tour Code: ITH-H1BR
Starts at: 11 am
Includes: Lunch beside the Brunei River,
experienced guide, boat with safety equipment.
Optional: Link with Mangrove Safari after the tour
Description: Waterways have been central to Brunei's
history, habitation, and development. The Brunei River still plays a key role in food cultivation, transport, recreation, and riverside
communities. This boat based tour begins at Serasa, near the Brunei
River mouth. Motor past Brunei's modern port, naval base, ferry
terminal and yacht club, then visit a fish farm and proceed upstream
past islands, golf courses and a modern water village for lunch
beside the Brunei River. Travel further upstream past
the Brunei Museum, old British Residents quarters, and through the
centre of Bandar Seri Begawan to the riverside tomb of the 18th century
Sultan. Stop to photograph the present Sultan's Palace from this best
viewpoint on the river,
then venture into Bandar's water village. Explore along the waterways
and walkways to see how this remarkable community still maintains it's
traditional lifestyles amongst modern technologies. Afternoon tea in a
water village house. The tour ends in the centre of Bandar Seri
Begawan.
Water Village & Mangrove Safari
3 hours (4 hours with optional dinner) Tour Code: ITE-H1BR
Starts at: 4.00 pm
Includes: Afternoon tea (at water village), drinks and experienced guide
Optional: with Steamboat Dinner after the tour (Tour code: ITE-CBBB
)
Description: The Water Village is still home to approximately
30,000 residents. Described as The Venice of Asia, this traditional
community and housing now includes modern services and international
connections. Following a tour by boat and on foot, and afternoon tea in
a water village house, the tour proceeds upstream by boat to visit the
nearby mangroves. Explore quietly
along narrow channels to look for Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, monitor
lizards, birds and occasionally a crocodile. Watch thousands of Egrets
return to their roost. On sunset emerge to
photograph the Sultan's Palace from this best viewpoint, then drive past
the town and water village as the lights begin to illuminate.
Mangrove Safari
2 hours (3 hours with optional dinner) Tour Code: ITS-E3BR or ITS-E2BR
Starts at: 5 pm
Includes: Drinks and experienced guide
Optional: with Steamboat Dinner after the tour (Tour code: ITE-MBBB
)
Description: The tour proceeds upstream by boat to explore the nearby mangroves.
Travel along along narrow channels to look for Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques,
monitor lizards, birds and occasionally a crocodile. Our driver/guide will
highlight the mangrove ecology and the diversity of wildlife this tangled
environment supports. Watch thousands of Egrets return to their roost. On sunset emerge to photograph the Sultan's Palace
from this best viewpoint, then drive past the town and water village as
the lights begin to illuminate.
A member of the:
Brunei Association of Travel
Agents (BATA) and the
Outdoor Recreation Industry Council of Australia
Click here
to e-mail us for reservations and inquiries.
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For national parks, fishing,
rafting, sailing, diving, cultural heritage,
corporate teams, school & special programmes,
with island, rainforest and city accommodation Brunei, Sabah & Sarawak
INTREPIDTOURS
PO Box 2234
Bandar Seri Begawan BS8674
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Phn: 673 2 221685/6 Fax: 673 2 221687
Unit 105, 1st Floor, PGGMB
Building
Jalan Sungai Kianggeh
Bandar Seri Begawan BS8111
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
