More tourists visiting Brunei

By Achong Tanjong

An increasing number of foreign tourists have been coming to the Sultanate in the past few years, according to the statistics recorded at the information counter of the Royal Regalia Building in the capital.

Many foreign tourists come in package group tours.

From January to September 2007, the Royal Regalia Building has recorded 69,623 foreign tourists compared to 84,049 recorded in the whole of 2006.

Some 65,493 visitors were recorded in 2004. The number also increased in 2005, said the information counter officer yesterday. Topping the list of foreign visitors to Brunei Darussalam were visitors from China. They were followed by visitors from Germany, Italy, England, America and from Asean nations.

Every Saturday and Monday, the Royal Regalia Building receives an average of more than 100 foreign visitors compared to other days.

The figure showed the positive trend of Chinese tourists arriving to Brunei.

The highest number recorded was in July this year with 1,577 visitors from China. In January, it recorded 796 Chinese visitors.

Peak months for tourist visits depended on the long holiday season in their countries.

Patrick and wife Elizabeth from Mccormack, New Zealand said they were very impressed with what they saw at the exhibition galleries. The couple, here on a two-day holiday, will be leaving Brunei today.

For the convenience of visitors from Mainland China, the authority has printed the brochure in Chinese and listed all the information available on what they will see in the building.

A must visit destination for tourists, the Royal Regalia Building's design incorporates characteristics of the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy. It has become a landmark of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.

The building is open to the public from Sunday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm; Friday, from 9.45am to 11.30am and from 2.30pm to 5pm and on Saturday, it is open from 9.45am to 5pm.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin