Brunei

Overview

The vast natural resources, especially of oil, mean that the splendid rainforests have not been destroyed and cover 70% of the country. The prevalence of forests mean that in all the districts there are many recreational parks, developed to aid relaxation and fun. The Sungai Liang, Luagan Lalak, Anduki Jubilee and Tasek Recreational Parks are just some of the places to unwind. The local open air markets are called tamu and can be found in many cities, generally featuring exotic fruit, vegetable and meat. In addition to the saving of rainforests, the oil money has helped build and maintain some remarkable buildings. The Sultan's palace, Istana nurul Iman in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan is particularly impressive. However, there are, amongst the many the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Jam 'Asr Hassanil Boliah in the Gadong Area, the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in the Berakas Area and the Ancient Tomb of Suhan Bolkiah in the Kota Batu Area. Museums include the Royal Regalia building, the Brunei Museum, the Brunei History Centre and the Taman Mini Perayaan Kampong Parit which exhibits mini replicas of traditional buildings.

Activities are numerous in the sports stadium area and water sports complex in the Muara District. Also, beaches at Meragang, Muara and Seri Kenangan are available if relaxing amongst trees is not to the visitor's liking. There are two unusual places to see: Kampong Ayer is a town built on stilts in the Brunei River and the Billionth Barrel Monument which commemorates the billionth barrel of...more

History

Historians believe there was a forerunner to the present Brunei Sultanate which the Chinese called Po-ni. Chinese and Arabic records indicate that this ancient trading kingdom existed at the mouth of the Brunei River as early as the seventh or eighth century A.D. This early kingdom was apparently conquered by the Sumatran empire of Srivijaya in the early ninth century and later controlled northern Borneo and the Philippines. It was subjugated briefly by the Java-based Majapahit Empire but soon regained its independence and once again rose to prominence.

The history of Brunei is especially fascinating. Historians believe that there was a forerunner to the president Brunei Sultanate that the Chinese called Po-ni. Arabic and Chinese records indicates that in the early seventh or eighth century A.D an ancient trading kingdom existed at the mouth of the Brunei River. It is said that this early kingdom was apparently ruled by the Sumatran Empire of Srivijaya in the ninth century and later on ruled by Northern Borneo and the Philippines.

Every Kingdom has its golden time. Brunei⿿s Empire had its golden time from the 15 th to the 17 th century. Brunei was particularly powerful during the ruling of the fifth Sultan Bolkiah (1473-1521). Sultan Bolkiah was especially famous for his sea exploits and even briefly captured Manila. The ninth ruler was Sultan Hassan, he ruled from 1605 till 1619. He entirely urbanized a complex Royal court structure elements of which remain.

After some time Sultan Hassan entered a period of decline, the reason for...more