Famed Jerudong Park icon
A man enjoying a water ride with his son
A clown blowing bubbles at the entrance of the park
A performer juggling balls to entertain visitorsPhotos courtesy of and Copyright to Jason Leong and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd
By Azaraimy HH
Jerudong Park Playground yesterday scrapped its ticketing system in the bid to reclaim its former glory.
When it opened in 1994, the US$644 million playground was coined the largest amusement park in Southeast Asia, featuring lavish rides and free admission.
Fifteen years on, the number of rides has dwindled down to 11, according to officials, with some of the famous rides closed - it seems - for eternity.
Many believe the park's downfall began with the introduction of a ticketing system, though the entrance fee was only at B$1 per person or B$10 per eight rides.
The public had gotten so used to the free-for-all policy that when the park began to charge, they deserted the park.
The result was chronic. No new rides were introduced since; instead, some of them were reportedly sold off to other countries.
Jerudong Park, however, continued to maintain the venue, though no major refurbishments thereafter. With the revisiting of free-admission policy, Jerudong Park Playground management hopes to draw visitors back to the once magical venue in the country.
Admission to the park is now free, and B$8 family ticket for five rides or B$10 family ticket for eight rides.
Its operating hours are 4 pm to 10.30 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and 2 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Now, presto! What remains to be seen are the big crowds of yesteryear.
When it opened in 1994, the US$644 million playground was coined the largest amusement park in Southeast Asia, featuring lavish rides and free admission.
Fifteen years on, the number of rides has dwindled down to 11, according to officials, with some of the famous rides closed - it seems - for eternity.
Many believe the park's downfall began with the introduction of a ticketing system, though the entrance fee was only at B$1 per person or B$10 per eight rides.
The public had gotten so used to the free-for-all policy that when the park began to charge, they deserted the park.
The result was chronic. No new rides were introduced since; instead, some of them were reportedly sold off to other countries.
Jerudong Park, however, continued to maintain the venue, though no major refurbishments thereafter. With the revisiting of free-admission policy, Jerudong Park Playground management hopes to draw visitors back to the once magical venue in the country.
Admission to the park is now free, and B$8 family ticket for five rides or B$10 family ticket for eight rides.
Its operating hours are 4 pm to 10.30 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and 2 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Now, presto! What remains to be seen are the big crowds of yesteryear.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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