From Awe-Inspiring Mosques to Tranquil Nature

We departed from the bustling Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal Station in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Our journey to Brunei Darussalam commenced with a picturesque ferry ride across the azure waters of the South China Sea. We made a short yet memorable stop at the Labuan Island. It allowed us to glance at its tropical beauty. Then, we continued onwards to the port of Serasa Muara. Upon arrival, we boarded a bus. It transported us to our accommodations in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. We eagerly anticipated the adventures that lay ahead.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Kota Kinabalu

Transportation and navigation

It is not hard to navigate the country. It was a relatively seamless experience due to the availability of user-friendly transportation services. The “Dart” mobile application, similar to Grab, facilitated efficient and cost-effective commutes within the country. With this mode of transport, most destinations within Brunei could be reached without difficulty.

Istana Nurul Iman

However, for those wishing to visit Ulu Temburong National Park, a more intrepid approach was required. Given the park’s remote location, speedboat rides were the only practical mode of transportation. And for that reason, I did not choose to go there due to motion sickness. 😂😂

During part of our stay, a friend showed gracious hospitality. They provided us with convenient transportation to various tourist attractions. For most of our journey, we used the ease and flexibility of Brunei’s “Dart” app. This ensured a seamless and efficient travel experience during our time in the country.

Exquisite display of religious architecture

The grandeur of Brunei’s mosques amazed me. They were among the most mesmerizing sights during my travels. Each mosque was a complex and masterful example of architecture. It was adorned with ornate designs. These designs seemed to transport visitors into a fantastical realm of royal splendor. The majestic facades, embellished with exquisite Islamic motifs, evoke a sense of reverence and wonder that is truly captivating.
These mosques are places of worship and should be treated with respect. Visitors are expected to adhere to the prescribed dress codes and etiquette.

Mosques at Bandar Seri Begawan

A glance of history and culture

To fully appreciate the rich culture and history of Brunei Darussalam, we ventured to the historic Kampong Ayer. It is known as the “Venice of the East.” We experienced some local cuisine and gained a “feel” of the local way of life. Our visit to this unique stilt village also provided us with an opportunity to visit nearby museums. These museums serve as custodians of the nation’s cultural heritage. This visit granted us a deeper understanding of the history and identity of this remarkable country.

Royal Regalia Museum and Kampung Ayer

We also had a moment to relax and unwind at the peaceful Tasek Lama Waterfall Park. The overall landscape is a window of their vegetation and forest area. The nature’s tranquility, serene atmosphere and lush greenery providing an unparalleled experience of inner peace. With its cool temperature and solace ambiance, the eyes feast in autumn-like view. These perfect ingredients present a rejuvenating experience, away from the city life!

Our trip to Brunei was an eye-opening experience. We gained a deeper understanding of Brunei’s identity. It was filled with cultural landmarks and scrumptious local delicacies. The overall cost of travel and expenses is not so pricey. It is also easy to navigate the place. The breathtaking mosques, serene waterfall and the enchanting Kampong Ayer made our visit unforgettable! ☺♥