Colourful arch in the heart of the capital
Shimmering lights along Jalan Tutong
Float procession in the heart of the capital. Photos: Mohd Syafiq
Fireworks to mark His Majesty's birthday
People are seen taking a snapshot of trees lit up in Taman JubileePhotos Copyright © 2006 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd. All right reserved.
By Mr Syaf
It is July and the people of Brunei Darussalam are in celebratory mood as it is time to celebrate His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan's birthday.
As you make your way into the heart of the capital, seated comfortably in your car with family or friends, you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a traffic jam.
You look in front and realise that there are hundreds of vehicles that are slowly inching their way into Bandar Seri Begawan.
However, something positive comes out of all of this: You get to take in the beauty of the capital, where decorative lightings can be seen hanging from lamppost to lamppost.
There are lights that change into dozens of colours as well as shapes, moving lights that fade and light up every few seconds, and crowds of people in their best clothing walking along the roadside in the capital.
Your car then slowly approaches a huge arch, erected high up across the road, glimmering with more colourful lights, and in the middle of all the vibrant colours - an image of the beloved monarch.
Besides the jazzy lights, hundreds of people from locals to foreigners can be seen crowding the annual stalls in the capital. A wide variety of goods are sold at these stalls, from clothes to household items to freshly barbequed food.
Families and friends can be seen walking around the stalls, having dinner at open-air restaurants while enjoying nightly performances.
Take a walk towards the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien and you will again see families and friends relaxing on the green grass; some having picnics, while kids are laughing away as they run around carrying balloons or playing football.
There is also a grand view of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque standing brilliantly across the road.
You can also go on a joyride outside the capital to admire the colourful decorative lightings and arches.
Cruise along Jalan Tutong to experience a magnificent view of the royal palace, Istana Nurul Iman, glowing magically at night as you drive under the shimmering lights outside the gates of the palace.
His Majesty's birthday celebrations are truly celebrated grandiosely throughout the country.
These magical moments are experienced everywhere around the country. From Tutong to Belait to Temburong, colourful lights are lit everywhere to mark the beloved monarch's birthday.
There are also breathtaking fireworks that shower the night sky with colour, causing traffic congestions at times.
It is definitely entertaining for those who managed to park their vehicles at strategic areas. Viewing the gorgeous night sky can be especially romantic for couples.
Towards the end of the two-week celebration, a number of events are held from Tug-of-War matches to boat races in the Brunei River.
There is also a grand parade procession in the capital, where thousands of people gather to experience the once-a-year spectacular floats.
Cameras flash everywhere and shouts of people can be heard cheering the parading performers. This is the liveliest time of the year in Brunei.
To experience such wonders in this small country with its proud people is undoubtedly a moment for anyone to cherish in their heart.
One thing that does not change every July is that Brunei screams 'magic' whenever the country joyously celebrates His Majesty's birthday.
As you make your way into the heart of the capital, seated comfortably in your car with family or friends, you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a traffic jam.
You look in front and realise that there are hundreds of vehicles that are slowly inching their way into Bandar Seri Begawan.
However, something positive comes out of all of this: You get to take in the beauty of the capital, where decorative lightings can be seen hanging from lamppost to lamppost.
There are lights that change into dozens of colours as well as shapes, moving lights that fade and light up every few seconds, and crowds of people in their best clothing walking along the roadside in the capital.
Your car then slowly approaches a huge arch, erected high up across the road, glimmering with more colourful lights, and in the middle of all the vibrant colours - an image of the beloved monarch.
Besides the jazzy lights, hundreds of people from locals to foreigners can be seen crowding the annual stalls in the capital. A wide variety of goods are sold at these stalls, from clothes to household items to freshly barbequed food.
Families and friends can be seen walking around the stalls, having dinner at open-air restaurants while enjoying nightly performances.
Take a walk towards the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien and you will again see families and friends relaxing on the green grass; some having picnics, while kids are laughing away as they run around carrying balloons or playing football.
There is also a grand view of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque standing brilliantly across the road.
You can also go on a joyride outside the capital to admire the colourful decorative lightings and arches.
Cruise along Jalan Tutong to experience a magnificent view of the royal palace, Istana Nurul Iman, glowing magically at night as you drive under the shimmering lights outside the gates of the palace.
His Majesty's birthday celebrations are truly celebrated grandiosely throughout the country.
These magical moments are experienced everywhere around the country. From Tutong to Belait to Temburong, colourful lights are lit everywhere to mark the beloved monarch's birthday.
There are also breathtaking fireworks that shower the night sky with colour, causing traffic congestions at times.
It is definitely entertaining for those who managed to park their vehicles at strategic areas. Viewing the gorgeous night sky can be especially romantic for couples.
Towards the end of the two-week celebration, a number of events are held from Tug-of-War matches to boat races in the Brunei River.
There is also a grand parade procession in the capital, where thousands of people gather to experience the once-a-year spectacular floats.
Cameras flash everywhere and shouts of people can be heard cheering the parading performers. This is the liveliest time of the year in Brunei.
To experience such wonders in this small country with its proud people is undoubtedly a moment for anyone to cherish in their heart.
One thing that does not change every July is that Brunei screams 'magic' whenever the country joyously celebrates His Majesty's birthday.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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