Tourists get a taste of Brunei culture

A GROUP of tourists got a taste of the Brunei culture and traditional food when they visited the ‘Pink House’ owned by Haji Mohd Zahari bin Adis at Kampong Tamoi Ujong yesterday.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali welcomed them to the residence at Kampong Ayer.

The tourists, who arrived in Brunei on a cruise ship, had the opportunity to enjoy the specially made traditional food and also had an up close and personal look at the lifestyle of village dwellers.

Brunei’s water village is world famous and a must-visit spot for tourists.

The visitors agreed that the water village offers spectacular sceneries and lamented that their stay there was too brief.

“We are immensely impressed with your local culture and your friendliness, and I look forward to coming back,” said Helmuth from Germany.

The tourists were guests onboard Seven Seas Navigator, which brought in 530 passengers and 324 crew members.

The vessel docked at Muara Port yesterday and left the Sultanate the same day for Singapore.

Other groups from the ship visited other places of interest including the Royal Regalia Museum and the Malay Technology Museum in Kota Batu.

Based on statistics, the country received 25,000 to 30,000 tourists via cruise ships annually in recent years.

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BRUNEI - Bandar Seri Bagawan (BSB)

Brunei, (pop 410,000) a small sultanate, has the largest oil reserves in south east Asia. This tranquil nation is the realization of a particular vision: a strict, socially controlled religious state where happiness is found in pious worship and mass consumption.

It has the largest water village in the world dating back over 1000 years. Kampung Ayer is home to an estimated 20,000 people and consists of 28 contiguous villages on stilts in the Sungai Brunei.

The Brunei Times reports, that to bring more remote areas into the fold, the Information Department's Nationhood and Community Section have introduced a programme to strengthen the relationship between people and Government.

It involves a face to face approach to raise awareness and produce a civic community that loves their religion, nation and Sultan in line with the aspirations of the Government and Brunei Darussalem. This will give rise to a more prosperous and harmonious community which is vital to maintain unity.

There is also a call for the need for more religious education training trainers to ensure all children, including those with special needs, are able to understand and master reading of the Al-Quoran and perform the obligatory Fardhu 'Ain such as praying five times a day, ablution and fasting etc.

Unlike most towns we have seen in Sabah the centre of Bandar Seri Bagawan (BSB) is spotless and well appointed. Street kerb stones are painted black and white and roads are made from a dark grey coloured large aggregate. Drivers are very courteous and will stop for pedestrians. There is very little police presence but we are told that the population is under constant surveillance from CCTV and secret police.

The Sultan living in a huge palace with 1788 rooms and 251 bathrooms is well revered and respected. The population is mainly Muslim and alcohol is banned.

A sunny morning- as usual. Roti for breakfast. We see colourful umbrellas and head for a local market. Fascinating - lots of local fruit and veg, local fish - some alive, ladies making rattan baskets (although some are Chinese imports).

Sadly two baby owls and 4 squirrels in cages for sale as pets. ... And very fresh chicken on sale... Just choose you chicken; tie it's legs together with parcel tape; wrap it in newspaper and string and make a handle; carry it home; kill it; pluck it .....fresh chicken for dinner! Quite horrible for me with pet chickens at home all with their own personalities.

It is Friday and we head towards the mosque in time to see the local gents arriving for prayer in their beautifully laundered gowns. The town virtually closes for 3 to 4 hours.

We cross the river to Kampung Ayer, the water village, a maze of board walks connecting wooden houses on stilts. It is a zone of contrasts - dilapidated shacks, well appointed houses, flower lined boardwalks some with street lamps and a mass of floating rubbish.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: BRUNEI - Bandar Seri Bagawan (BSB)

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Visit the World’s Most Famous Floating Village in Brunei

The floating village of Kampong Ayer is a must-see destination for visitors to Brunei. The world’s largest floating village, it is considered a symbol of the history, culture and development of Brunei.

According to the ancient documents and records, Kampong Ayer was formed some 1,300 years ago. Small settlements were then scattered on Borneo Island, but people were afraid of predators on the land, so they began building houses over the water. Later, as the Sultanate of Brunei flourished, the village grew larger and larger.

The 14th and 16th century were the most prosperous period for Brunei, as well as of Kampong Ayer, as the village became an economic and administrative centre, and the capital of Brunei at that time.

The houses in the village are connected by a system of raised wooden walkways called jembatan. There are a total of some 36km of these wooden walkways connecting the different sections of the village and running to each house.

All the houses and public buildings in the village are built of mangrove wood from Borneo Island. This type of wood is used for the stilts since it is hard and strong, able to both support the heavy structures and resist the corrosive effects of seawater for many years.

The houses in the village are well known for being cleanly decorated, with outdoor areas for flowers and bonsai. Most of the houses are furnished simply, in keeping with the lifestyle in Brunei, but many have numerous rooms including living room, bedrooms for parents and children, and separate kitchens.

The houses, built about 2 meters above the water, have a cool and airy atmosphere for the residents. The community is quite peaceful; people need not worry about theft or burglary, and everyone is happy together.

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Brunei: not just another stamp

I found myself driving down a modern and newly paved highway from the Muara boat jetty to the city of Bandar Seri Begawan in a family station wagon. How did I get here? Well, on the ferry over to Brunei from Malaysia a young girl sat down beside me and introduced herself as Sighba.

She started conversation with me in perfect English asking about my travels and explaining that she was Pakistani but has lived in Bruinei with her family for the last 13 years. Sighba was only a couple years younger than me, very down to earth and forward thinking. It was a refreshing change to talk to a Muslim girl since normally they are very shy and never approach you on their own.

We talked about everything, making fun of the strange cultural differences in our countries and sharing our high hopes for our careers in the future. She was also eager to answer all my questions about Brunei and gave me a bit of insiders info on what to expect. When we arrived at the port we said goodbye and I went outside to catch a public bus into the city but after waiting some seemingly endless minutes in the mid-day heat I was approached by Sighba again. She was now with her parents who already heard the story about their daughter meeting a Canadian “bule”, of course.

They explained that there was almost no hope of me finding a bus at this time, despite the info in my trusty Lonely Planet book. They insisted that I would be better off catching a ride into town with them and I didn’t have any reason to argue.

We rode along smoothly with the AC blasting but I was still confused about the bus situation. When I asked why there was no reliable public transit in such a progressive city, they replied “Everyone is Brunei has their own vehicle. There are at least two cars or more for each family, it’s a hobby to collect expensive things here.”

It occurred to me then, that Brunei was a far wealthier country than it’s neighbours and I was in for a bit of an interesting change. It’s people were just as friendly though which was proven to me by Sighba and her family. They chatted away for the whole ride, giving me tips on what to see and do when I arrived in BSB. Lucky for me, the capitol city is small enough to explore in the waning hours I had left before sun down.

My first destination after checking into one of the only hostels in town was “Kampung Air” which translates to “water village”. A stark contrast to the clean and pristine downtown, Kampung Air is a town of it’s own where all buildings, including a school, mosque and even a fire station are built on stilts over the water.

From an outsiders perspective, Kampung Air’s battered wooded shacks can easily look like the dodgy slums of BSB, a huge separation from the gold detailed fences and BMWs just on the other side of the plank walk. As told to me on the ride over, however; no one is Brunei is poor.

Even the citizens of Kampung Air have high paying jobs but are compensated by the King to live in the water village to “preserve the culture”. It is hard to believe but walking through the houses you see that people have everything they need there and they seem to be doing just fine.

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Greater efforts sought in making Brunei's national attractions UNESCO World Heritage sites

By Siti Hajar

With the ambitioned focus in getting the Abode of Peace recognised as an important piece of international history, international expert from the United Kingdom yesterday highlighted that one key aspect stakeholders must take into consideration is the management of the country's most major sites.

As the Sultanate plans to secure key local and national features including the iconic Kampong Ayer, Tasek Merimbun Recreational Park, Bubungan Dua Belas and so on as part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, visiting Emeritus Professor Victor T King from University of Leeds stressed that those involved should "have some sort of management arrangement in place to ensure that the site is not going to be undermined in any way" especially for areas that involve residents such as those who currently identify the Water Village as their home.

"One of the major issues would be where you draw the boundaries around it, what to include, what to exclude and whether you decide to have some sort of core area and then a buffer of some sort around it where development could take place," he said following his delivery of a lecture that took place at the ILIA building on UBD's campus.

By having in place what would be considered as constraints for such inhabitants, the preservation of its authenticity and its legacy will contribute to the "appropriate" maintenance of the area.

Considering the prominence of a UNESCO World Heritage site title, the requirements to be included within the list are equally demanding and the international body pays special attention to the ways in which nominated sites are looked after especially if the development of a certain area becomes a possibility, which could potentially "spoil the site in some way", he explained.

With the signing of the 1972 World Cultural and Natural Heritage Convention and the 2003 Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention in November last year, Brunei Darussalam will have to invest a significant amount of effort to become part of a membership reserved for one of the most exclusive societies.

One such way, it was explained, will be the undertaking of "a lot of research, a lot of careful thinking" as well as talks "with as many people as possible" especially with those stationed at the UNESCO regional office in Jakarta, Indonesia as well as with "those who have been responsible in advising other governments in the region" that have been inscribed by UNESCO.

Local high education institute, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, he pointed, can play an important role with this particular endeavour, as he believes that "quite a lot of expertise can be furnished within the state".

"Resources can be drawn up to begin research and the preparation for a case," he opined.

The field of education, too, has special function as with the signing of the conventions, Brunei "has a responsibility to ensure that the population of the country is informed and kept informed of the heritage and its importance" especially the younger generation whom are considered the country's future leaders.

Yesterday's lecture that was attended by students from various institutions, meanwhile, was entitled "UNESCO in Southeast Asia: World Heritage Sites in Comparative Perspective" that highlighted seven Southeast Asian countries in the first comparative three-year research programme funded by The British Academy to consider how sites are being managed and how such sites are coping with the conflicting pressures to which they are subject in a globalising heritage industry and in national policies and development plans.

"In comparing sites within and beyond a particular country, it is hoped to draw out lessons for best practice to feed into UNESCO and national government approaches to heritage, conservation and tourism development," it was stated.

Emeritus Professor Victor T King is the Executive Director of White Rose East Asia Centre (WREAC) and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He specialises in, among others, socio-economic development and applied anthropology in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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Boosting tourism exchange between Brunei and Korea

By Khairil Hassan

The Asean-Korea Centre will be organising the Asean Tourism Human Resources Development (HRD) Programme on September 3 and 4 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Co-organised with the Brunei Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, the Tourism HRD Programme aims to build the capacity of tourism professionals and boost tourism exchange between Brunei and Korea by further enhancing awareness of Korea in Brunei Darussalam.

With 40 participants from both public and private sectors related to Bruneian tourism, the two-day HRD Programme will provide a series of lectures on Korean tourism, culture, and language.

Specifically, lectures will have an in-depth analysis of tourism trends and prospects of the Korean tourism market; a general overview of Korea including its history, culture, lifestyle that will facilitate the understanding of Korean tourists and a practical language training course on basic Korean expressions that can be used by tourism professionals in providing better services for Korean tourists.

By utilising its assets of beautiful nature and historical monuments, Brunei plans to promote eco-tourism, culture, heritage and Islamic tourism through the Brunei Tourism Master Plan 2012-2016. Through this Master Plan, the country has set its target to increase tourist arrivals from 242,061 in 2011 to 417,157 in 2016, as well as to double the tourism revenue from B$155 million to B$351 million in 2016.

Given such developments, this upcoming programme, which offers feasible ways on how to provide better services tailored to the needs of the Korean travellers, is expected to further enhance the capacity of Bruneian tourism professionals.

Bandar Seri Begawan is the centre of Brunei's commerce, finance and government, and is also the heart of Brunei's cultural landscape. Grounded in Islamic traditions, the city's breath-taking golden mosque, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, and the world's largest water village, Kampong Ayer, offers a glimpse of the nation's Islamic charm and a sense of peace that makes it one of Asia's most distinctive capital cities.

The Asean-Korea Centre is an inter-governmental organisation aiming to increase trade volume, accelerate investment flow, invigorate tourism and enrich cultural exchanges between the Asean Member States and the Republic of Korea.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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Brunei - Abode of peace, bastion of tradition

IF you’re yearning for the romance of Borneo, look no further than Brunei.

The tiny oil-rich nation is famously singled out for having a head of state who was once the world’s richest man. Take away the mystic and you’ll find a country rich not only in oil money but also cultural heritage. It is perhaps the last bastion of Malay tradition.

If you have 6 hours: Head to the centre of town to Kampong Ayer, the unique water village that gave birth to present day Brunei. Wooden houses on stilts hearken to Brunei’s early days as a water community, and residents still travel in boats to get to land and downtown.

Hire a water taxi and have the boatman point out the different villages, the clinic, school and firehouse.

Back on dry land, make your way to the Royal Regalia building, a museum of sorts, filled with the sultanate’s royal regalia. The Royal Chariot used during His Majesty’s coronation and Silver Jubilee celebrations is on display, together with many other royal objects of interest.

Take a break at the annexe of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex and sip Fratini’s freshly brewed coffee while you watch the water taxis zip by along Brunei River. From here, it’s just a short stroll to the sultanate’s most iconic landmark, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, where you’ll get awe-struck by the gold-leafed dome and minarets made from Italian marble.

Continue reading at: Brunei - Abode of peace, bastion of tradition

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Brunei eyes securing UNESCO world heritage status

By Rokiah Mahmud

Brunei Darussalam signed two conventions in November 2011 as part of its initiative to secure the UNESCO World Heritage status for its cultural treasures.

The signing of the 1972 World Cultural and Natural Heritage Convention and the 2003 Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention has taken Brunei a step further in contributing its role to the international body. Additionally, it demonstrates the Sultanate's commitment to protect its cultural heritage and natural environment, which aim to serve as reference and historical sites not only to Bruneians, but people the world over.

The membership allows Brunei to nominate its national icons, culture and customs, ancient monuments, traditional dances and language to be recognised for world heritage status.

As part of the initiative to achieve this recognition, a national committee has been set up at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, which is chaired by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman.

Speaking to the Weekend Bulletin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Awg Hj Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos said although we have the opportunity to nominate our national icons (such as Kampong Ayer, the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Bumbungan Duabelas and Tasek Merimbun Recreational Park), the process to earn the status is not easy.

"It is not a straight-forward process. There are several procedures and steps that we need to follow before submitting the application to UNESCO. We must also fulfil the requirements set by UNESCO, which is dependant on, for example, how old the building is and how we preserve the authentic values of these buildings or monuments that we consider a national heritage.

"Once the process is done and it is submitted to UNESCO, a committee will be assigned by UNESCO to conduct an analysis, examine and identify whether the nominated site can be recognised as world heritage," he explained.

"From what we understand, based on the experience of our neighbouring countries, the process may take several years - even up to six or seven years. Therefore, from this experience, we understand the process takes quite a long time, it is not just a matter of submitting an application and obtaining the status overnight," he explained.

"Therefore, what we have done as part of our initiatives and efforts is, we have hired a consultant to help us further understand the procedure."

This includes a workshop dubbed 'World Heritage Nomination Procedure' that involves a series of lectures and visits to potential heritage sites in the country. Reports will be produced as part of the workshop's input to be used as a framework. Among the contents of the workshop include, definition of world heritage, the setting up of national committee, criteria for the assessment of outstanding universal values, protection and management, process for inscription of properties in the world heritage list, and the process for monitoring the state of conservation of the world heritage properties.

The workshop, Awg Hj Mohd Rozan said, is especially to facilitate the committee in further understanding the process before submitting the nomination. Hopefully, the chances of this listed sites being accepted by UNESCO are high.

"Take Indonesia for example. Despite having quite a number of Borobudur, only five sites have been recognised by UNESCO. It showed that the process is not easy and requires a step-by-step procedure.

Drs H Suyud Winarno, the Assistant Deputy of Culture, Coordinating Ministry of People's Welfare Republic of Indonesia, has been involved in the nomination of several world heritage sites in Indonesia.

"With joint cooperation in this national committee (with the Museums Department as its secretariat), we are working together to look after the sites of our heritage property.

"In Brunei, the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act solely protects the country's heritage. We have also gazzetted a few areas, such as the Customs Warehouse Building, that need to be protected from being diminished," he said.

He went on to say, the structure of Kampong Ayer has experienced modernisation. In the early days, most of the houses were built using wood, but today many of the houses are made of concrete. Some are even two-storey homes.

"However, despite modernisation of Kampong Ayer, we shall look at the way the people live. They still practise their traditional customs and culture. This is what we want to highlight, the way our people live.

"As for Bumbungan Duabelas, the building has been serving since 1906. It has been there for over 100 years, but then again, it all depends on UNESCO's requirements as to whether the age of the building can qualify for recognition. Of course, the older a building, the higher the chances.

"Whether the nomination is accepted or not, by merely being a member of the convention, we are also entitled to seek assistance from UNESCO in preserving and conserving the nominated sites. Once this building earns the recognition, several commitments must be made by the government to ensure the site remains pristine and untouched.

"Preservation of this cultural and natural heritage is crucial as it will be passed down from generation to generation.

"It is important for us to understand our own history. We must protect and preserve as a nation without identity is like an empty soul," he concluded.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Beauty of My Country, Brunei

By Abang Jit Manis

The spirit patriotism is not only demonstrated with flag hoisting and participation in mass parades but also through one's creativity in the form of art.

This was proven to be true during a recent art exhibition at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The exhibition, which was held in conjunction with Brunei Darussalam's 28th National Day celebration, was organised by Ratna Dina Arif Art Gallery with cooperation from The Empire Hotel & Country Club, as well as the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports.

Carrying the theme "Negara Ku Brunei Darussalam" ("My Country, Brunei Darussalam"), the exhibition was participated by 17 artists and some 100 paintings were featured.

Among those who signed up for the exhibition were Hj Padzil, Pg Mohd Roslan, Zakaria Omar, Osman Omar, Suhaili Omar, Kassim Ismail, Hj Rosli Kadir and Pg Saifin.

Various techniques were used by the artists to create their masterpieces such as oil, pastel, acrylic, charcoal and more. There were also several unique Jawi calligraphy artworks by Helmil, a local artist.

Meanwhile, other artists like Hj Osman Mohamad and Kassim Ismail decided to draw Brunei's famous Water Village, Kampong Ayer, by pen.

Hj Padzil, whose paintings of Kampong Ayer caught the attention of tourists at The Empire Hotel & Country Club, said: "The response for the exhibition was overwhelming, attracting students, art lovers, the public and tourists from Spain and Australia.

"The tourists love paintings of sceneries of Brunei such as the Kampong Ayer, Kuala Belalong greenery, water taxis of Kampong Ayer and the capital.

"The main aim of the Ratna Dina Art Gallery is not only to display paintings but also to give opportunity to other artists especially the young ones to display their artworks.

"This golden opportunity is actually rare, therefore, the young artists should grab this opportunity to highlight their artistic talents here."

Hj Padzil plans to hold a series of exhibitions throughout 2012.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Regatta participants greeted with cultural show at BSB Waterfront

By Fadhil Yunus

International contingents and participants who will be competing in the Regatta Brunei Darussalam 2012 were entertained to some of Brunei richest cultural performances at the BSB Waterfront last night in a cultural reception.

Present as guest of honour at the event was the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman. Never short of wise words, the minister encouraged those present last night to show their pride and passion and to strive to be honoured as countrymen and countrywomen.

In a motivational speech that shed light on the minister's own experiences in the old days of the Regatta, Pehin Dato Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin said, "We should feel proud and appreciate the identity of our beloved country. The Regatta will truly mark a memorable occasion, bringing back past memories and showing how much Kg Ayer and BSB has evolved since.

"The current generation should make their passions known in that they will be able to witness the experience of the Regatta," the minister added.

Last night's cultural performances received overwhelming response as nearly all of the seats were occupied even before the arrival of the guest of honour.

The international delegates also witnessed some of the country's popular and traditional dances and poetry-inspired music, with performers dressed in full traditional attire. The dances include the "Tarian Alai Asyik", "Brunei Indung Anak Indung Bunga Ku" and "Medley Cabuk-Cabuk Mukun Menyubuh", to name a few.

The cultural performances also showed signs of encouragement in the artistic development and growth of youths who created plenty of excitement among the audience, while at the same time keeping their poise and composure.

Among those present at the cultural event was Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi bin Hj Mohd Yussof, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs who is also the Chairman of the High-Level Committee Regatta Brunei Darussalam 2012.

Today marks one of the historical dates of the year as the Regatta Brunei Darussalam takes stage for the first time in 20 years.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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Falling in love with Brunei's landmarks

An Asean meeting on social issues and services, including housing, sent Darlene Marie B Berberabe, chief honcho of the Philippines' premier housing fund institution, to Bandar Seri Begawan last week.

Darlene's yearning for Brunei food prompted Brunei Pag-ibig Representative Arlina D Feliciano to bring her to the sultanate's showcase of Malay cuisine, Terindak D'Seni Restaurant and Cafe, on Jalan Residency, Brunei's oldest street.

"I'm sold on the view alone," said Darlene, looking at the panoramic view across the Brunei river of the rows of stilt houses standing in the centuries-old Water Village, of which Italian chronicler Antonio Pigafetta wrote, in the first detailed European description of Brunei in the 16th century: "The city is entirely built in salt water, except the houses of the king and certain chiefs.''

Today, the Brunei government is mulling the building of 420 low-rise, vertical housing units in a 47-hectare site near the Lambak Kanan mosques for its citizens.

In 1952, Kampong Ayer villagers moved to Kampong Bunut in Mukim Kilanas under the government's first national housing resettlement programme.

In 1906, when Jalan Residency was opened and named after the first British Resident's house, the 12-roofed Bubungan Dua Belas, the government encouraged Bruneians to move into dry land and build their houses away from the water.

Jalan Residency, where the jetty going to Temburong is located, leads to the Arts and Handicrafts Centre, a $22 million, 10-storey Malay style building opened in 1984, to train locals in making handicraft like traditionally woven sarong, using gold thread called jong sarat, used for centuries for royal ceremonies, hand-made silverware and ornaments, the snake-like dagger called keris, traditional bronze castings giant decorative wooden spinning tops, colourful cover dishes made of plaited leaves, and native baskets, on display and for sale.

Very near the centre's location was a factory producing cutch, a brownish red, sticky substance used to dye nets and sails, colour clothes khaki and tan leather. Mangrove trees growing along the riverbank were cut for its barks, which were crushed and boiled to make cutch, which were exported as hard blocks or balls, to Britain, US, China and Japan.

After commercial oil was found in 1928 and oil revenue gushed into Brunei in the late 1930's, the water community became officially known as Kampong Ayer and the capital on land as Brunei Town.

Tucked behind the Arts and Handicrafts Centre is the two-storey Terindak Café and Restaurant, offering the best in Brunei cuisine since 2009. Melanaus, the people of the river and Sarawak's earliest settlers, wear the terindak, the conical sun hat stitched from nipa leaves and reinforced on the outside with bamboo strips. A mini version used as a food cover is called tudung dulang in Brunei.

Pulau Terindak was an enclave in 12th century Brunei, 200 years before the era of Brunei's first sultan. Located beside Kampong Ayer in Kota Batu, blue and white plates, and jarlets mostly from China during the Ming dynasty were dug up in the 250 sq-m man-made island elevated 3.64 metres from the sea level.

Darlene Berberabe is a University of the Philippines-educated lawyer who gave up a promotion in Singapore for a multinational firm to be the chief operating officer of the Philippine government's Pag-ibig Fund, a shelter agency which channels savings for housing financing needs.

Pag-ibig, (meaning love in the Filipino language), is an acronym for helping each other for the future: you, the bank, industry and the government. It is symbolised by the bayanihan spirit, the Filipino version of gotong-royong: a house literally carried by several persons to be transplanted to a permanent site.

The Philippine government housing agencies aims to provide 1.5 million houses for its informal settlers and poor dwellers in 2016. From January to July 2011, 1.2 million Filipino Pag-Ibig members benefited from multipurpose loans, mostly for school-related expenses and tuition fees during the month of May.

After lunch, the Manila visitors motored to the largest and most magnificent mosque in Brunei, the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kiarong. Known as the Kiarong Mosque) it covers 20 acres.

Darlene and her inseparable classmate since Primary 2, and now Chief of Staff, Nanette Abilay, who celebrated her birthday in Brunei, were awed by the mosque's 29 marble domes and 29 white marble steps, the symbols of His Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah as the 29th ruler of the 600-year-old Bolkiah dynasty, one of the world's oldest ruling monarchies. Before the house of worship's large, gold-topped domes, striking mosaic patterns, manicured landscaping and gushing fountains, the visitors had their pictures taken for posterity.

On the way to Brunei's first green building, the Philippine Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave, stand the infrastructure landmarks "the country's pride", architect Edgardo Feliciano, working with Architect Abdullah Ahmad, helped erect during his 16 years' stay here: Magistrate's Court Building, Mabohai Condominium Apartments, RIPAS Outpatient Department, Kiulap Commercial Complex, and Pusat Da'wah Islamiah, the New Convert's Hostel.

Having experienced the comforts of the opulent Empire Hotel in Jerudong, viewed the historic Water Village and tasted the hospitality of Terindak the self-described Manila visitor said: "I'm single, available and willing to relocate in Brunei."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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Bandar Seri Begawan - Borneo bling

Discover BSB, the capital of tiny, shiny, secretive Brunei.

FULL disclosure: as a northern hemisphere relic until well into this century, I had no clue where Brunei was.

I thought that the oil-rich sultanate blessed with swathes of pristine rainforest stood somewhere in the Persian Gulf – next to Oman, say.

Brunei actually lurks on Borneo’s northwestern coast, bizarrely sandwiched between two slabs of Sarawak. Apparently landed from space, Brunei is the last stand of an empire that once spanned all Borneo and the southwest Philippines. Now one of the world’s smallest countries, Brunei (“abode of peace”) has just 400,000 inhabitants.

The heart of the exclusive corner of Borneo is the palm tree-lined capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which swallows up most of the population, hosting 280,000 people.

If you cannot remember the capital’s name, just use the abbreviation, BSB, which aptly echoes an Aussie finance term meaning “Bank/State/Branch”.

At the heart of BSB stands a dazzling Taj Mahal-like monument: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. The landmark merrily mixes Italian styles and Mughal architecture, and matches slender minarets with bulbous domes.

Built in honour of said Sultan, the mosque owes its existence to 20th-century Lombardy virtuoso Rodolfo Nolli. The sculptor and architect was hot at his job. So hot that he won the title Cavaliere (knight). Nolli the knight must have loved himself when the great mosque fully materialised in 1958.

Embedded in an artificial lagoon, Nolli’s creation soars 52m into the sky. Visible throughout BSB, the mosque boasts marble minarets, golden domes and, well, bling.

The most striking feature, the main dome, is coated with pure gold that presumably comes from an exotic source because much of the mosque’s material has an overseas origin.

The marble from Italy, the granite from Shanghai, the crystal chandeliers from England (which ruled the country until 1984) and the carpets from Saudi Arabia. The splashy spiritual icon’s courtyards are surrounded by a lush, fountain-dotted garden that symbolises paradise.

An arching staircase leading from paradise takes you to a bizarre concrete replica of a 16th-century royal barge. The barge, which stages Quran-reading contests, surreally seems to float like a lily on the lagoon.

Across the water, the skeletal shape of Kampung Ayer (“water village”) catches the eye. Besides homes for its 30,000 inhabitants, Kampong Ayer has mosques, restaurants, shops, schools, and a hospital – all woven together by 36km of boardwalk and community spirit reminiscent of a Sarawak longhouse.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Bandar Seri Begawan - Borneo bling
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Discover Borneo through Brunei, Borneo's Peaceful Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures

The oil rich Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam (Brunei, the Abode of Peace) is an aptly named little known gem of a destination, nestled on the northern shores of the huge island of Borneo, which it once ruled in its entirety in centuries past, along with parts of the southern Philippines.

As a result of numerous colonial intrusions in the past from the Spanish, Dutch and British, present day independent Brunei now covers only 5,765 km2, or less than 1% of Borneo's landmass, and is bordered on all sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and by the South China Sea.

Fortunately for Brunei, vast reserves of oil and gas have been discovered on and off shore, turning Brunei into one of the world's wealthiest countries on a per capita basis.

Today, this enchanting kingdom, ruled by a beloved and benevolent Sultan, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, considered the world's wealthiest monarch and descending from an unbroken royal lineage dating back to the early 15th century, provides generously for the welfare of its 400 thousand inhabitants, exempting them from personal income taxes and providing them with virtually free universal education and medical care, among many other ways to share the nation's wealth for the betterment of the population and the country in general.

With over two thirds of the population professing the Islamic faith, Brunei is ruled according to the national philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy, with most people practicing a pious but tolerant brand of Islam, which encompasses as well respect and attachment for the age old Malay traditions and culture and reverence for the monarchy and its members.

Often wrongly perceived as a strict and boring place, Brunei in fact has much to go for it. Tourists who can go for a few days without a drink or gambling will find no more restrictions to their enjoyment than in neighboring countries, as long as they respect Brunei's cultural and religious traditions.

Brunei of course does not pretend to become the next Bali or Phuket. Its strengths lie elsewhere, although there is also plenty of sea, sun and clean, wholesome family fun for those looking for it.

Brunei's strong points are rather found in its natural and cultural assets: the vast stretches of virgin tropical rainforests covering over 70% of the land, and its rich Malay culture, traditions and colorful history dating back centuries and reading like the pages of an adventure epic, replete with tales of sultans, princesses, pirates, headhunters and swashbuckling European adventurers.

Despite all this, few tourists as yet can be seen around Brunei, prompting many in the know to call Brunei "Asia's best kept secret". Even now that tourism promotion and development are firmly on the agenda for the future diversification of the oil dependent economy, Brunei is likely to remain a destination for discerning, experienced travelers in quest of an untouched and seldom visited new place to discover.

This little slice of paradise is packed with a variety of easy to reach attractions, such as the tiny capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, probably South East Asia's loveliest capital, a green, airy and well maintained garden city free of the crowds, traffic jams, pollution, noise and trepidation found in the region's other capitals.

Bandar Seri Begawan, often simply referred to as Bandar or BSB, boasts of the world's largest water village, Kampong Ayer, where over 20 thousand people still live in wooden houses on stilts, linked by water taxis to the mainland and combining an age old traditional lifestyle with the amenities provided by the modern age and the wealth of the country.

Overlooking Kampong Ayer is one of the region's architectural wonders, the majestic Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, built in 1958 by Brunei's previous ruler, which is a sight to behold, especially at dusk when the fading sunlight plays with the soft toned illuminations of the dome and minarets and the call to prayer reverberates across the water village and the downtown area.

Further down by the river seats the impressive Istana Nurul Imam - the Sultan's palace and the world's biggest residential palace with 1,788 rooms, complete with horse stables, polo field and a private heliport, which opens to citizens and visitors alike only once a year during the celebrations marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Discover Borneo through Brunei, Borneo's Peaceful Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures

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Kampong Ayer: A tale of two villages

By NYL

The identity, character and uniqueness of Bandar Seri Begawan are enshrined in the historical significance of its vintage buildings. In the case of Brunei's famed Kampong Ayer or Water Village, these vintage buildings are the wooden houses, built on stilts over the Brunei River.

Described by early European travellers as the 'Venice of the East', Kampong Ayer has 36 kilometres of walkways mainly supported by concrete columns decked with metre-wide timber piles.

Walking on the boardwalk after the joyous National Day celebration, the sights and sounds around me evoked a poignant feeling of yesteryear. I was heading back to Mile 1 Jalan Tutong where my car was parked but I was in no hurry. With the patriotic spirit still inside me, I lingered a while longer at the water village.

From the walkway that runs along west from the Yayasan Complex , I strolled to Kampong Tamoi Tengah, one of the more popular places for visitors in the water village.

There, one can get good views as far as the copper-domed Masjid Kampong Tamoi, an elegant mosque on the water's edge.

To promote Kampong Ayer as a tourist destination, houses have been converted into homestay concept lodgings for visitors, which would provide another source of income for the locals.

One of the residents who has been living there for more than 40 years, showed me around the village.

He recalled the incident when his house in Kg Pg Tajuddin Hitam was completely razed in a fire, but because he has too many fond memories of the place, he decided to buy another house just a stone's throw from his previous one.

From Kampong Tamoi Tengah, I continued my stroll along the wooden walkways to Kampong Bukit Salat.

I hung around the riverbank.

The tide was low with long stretches of exposed mudflats which attracted marshland birds lured by fish and mangrove swamp creatures.

Fiddler crab burrows abound here with many tiny crabs coming out of their hiding place in search of food. A shoal of tilapia fishes gulped in air at the surface, probably due to lack of oxygen of the water.

Rather less pleasant was the pollution in the water around the houses, all too apparent at low tide, and large number of migratory egrets and monkeys, scavenging for food.

The houses here are generally older than the ones in Kampong Tamoi Tengah though efforts have been made by the residents to brighten up the place.

A closer look reveals a state of neglect in the village infrastructure - dilapidated houses, rotting wooden walkways and stilt supports, irresponsible dumping of rubbish and remains of burnt houses.

To preserve Kampong Ayer for future generations, it is hoped that the relevant authorities will take immediate action to fix the sad state of matters in the water village especially in Kampong Bukit Salat. Otherwise, the nation's river-dwelling origins and the soul of Bandar Seri Begawan may disappear forever from our memories.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Plans to make Kg Ayer as world cultural and natural heritage

By Azlan Othman

To further maintain and strengthen the national treasures, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Museums Department plans to register Kg Ayer as a world cultural and natural heritage with Unesco and strives to rectify to the convention for Brunei to get expert's assistance to make it World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

This matter has been discussed with Attorney General's Chambers and presented to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

This was revealed by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah when responding to YB Dato Paduka Awg Hj Idris bin Hj Abas queries on steps taken by the ministry to enhance Kg Ayer in the international arena.

The legacy of the memorial park found in Temburong to commemorate the struggle of locals who fought in the 1962 rebellion was also highlighted. YB Awg Hj Sulaiman bin Hj Ahad asked which department is responsible to maintain it. The minister in his reply, said such memorial park in Temburong is gazetted under historical artefacts and the treasures under the supervision of the Museums Department. It has been upgraded and improved and is now located near the boat wharf in Bangar.

YB Awg Hj Bakar bin Mansor asked whether any studies would be made on the Wasai found in this country and also asked to revive the legacy of Lela Menchanai in Kg Ayer.

The minister said it has also been taken into consideration by the History Centre and the Museums Department, adding that the historical studies are implemented based on genuine facts. Some legendary stories are not supported with facts but the Museums Department and History Centre welcome feedback from the public.

Meanwhile, YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad asked whether any steps were taken to revive the legendary Kuala Balai, which used to be the administrative centre in the early days.

Touching on the ministry's plan to introduce a reviewed Youth Act, there is no plan to do so, the minister said, highlighting on several laws currently put in place due to global issues affecting youths in relation to development, education, abuse, exploitation, health and protection. We have a youth policy outlining the way forward.

Meanwhile, the speaker said we should not wait for another year for respective ministers to answer the queries. The Legislative Council will forward the unanswered queries to them and the departments should also answer the queries during the current session.

On issues relating to poverty with 5,472 households being categorised as poor and needy were raised by several Legislative Council members again yesterday. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said attention is given to teenagers and youths who are categorised as poor and needy.

From the studies, it was found that something must be done in a practical manner to free these people from poverty such as giving them education. We would not just give financial assistance but help improve their environment in order to be free from poverty. The Ministry of Education opted for a way to tackle it in an integrated manner, by allocating them to school hostels. It would give them a better and conducive environment.

YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Goh King Chin, among others asked about the percentage of household members that are above 50, 40, 30 and 20 years old and living in poverty.

On the need to give allowance for social workers as raised by YB Hj Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad, the Minister said we must take into account the budget but claimed he has not heard any social workers asking for allowance. However, the matter will be analysed if needed.

Social workers are taken because we encourage youths to carry out community works. Their presence could be seen during disasters like floods where many youths come forward to conduct welfare works. If there is a need to add more social workers, we could do through other agencies like the village institution.

Touching on the issue on Youth Development Centre, the ministry is thinking about widening the course and expanding the target. The ministry plans to enhance the capacity building by providing training to youths to improve their status.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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