As one of the smallest, yet wealthiest countries in the world, Brunei is a unique destination. On the Brunei River, the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan has incredible mangroves nearby and the 2 most extravagant mosques in all of Brunei. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I had a fun and full day seeing both the mosques and the mangroves. So, read on to learn about Brunei’s Mosque and Mangrove tour in one day.
Background of Brunei and Bander Seri Begawan
Brunei is one of the smallest countries in the world. While it may be small in size, it’s also one of the richest countries in the world, with an economy based on crude oil. The capital city, Bander Seri Begawan, extravagantly displays this money with the 2 most extravagant mosques in the country. Also, there are many monuments to Brunei’s very wealthy Sultan. However, alongside all the opulence are the humble lifestyles of many Brunei people living in a water village on stilts called Kampong Ayer on the Brunei River.
Bander Seri Begawan lies on the Brunei River and Brunei Bay, an inlet of the South China Sea. It’s on the northern coast of the island Borneo. This capital city features the 2 largest mosques in Brunei: Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Jame’ Asr Hassainil Bolkiah Mosque.
Brunei’s Mosque and Mangrove Tour in 1 Day
When my ship arrived in the capital city, I got off with no plan. Standing outside the ship, I started talking with an Australian couple and they invited me along for a day adventure. They seemed so fun and why not because Australians know how to travel. Firstly, we headed for the riverside dock for the Mangrove Tour, with hopes to see exotic wildlife, such as, the native Proboscis Monkey.
Mangrove Tour & Water Village
With my new Australian friends, we hopped on a small motorboat with a guide. The Bay was crazy with chaotic boats darting every which way and trying to drum up tourist business. It was typical southeast Asia in this regard. So, we took off for the labyrinthine mangroves. It was fascinating to see these important ecosystems; however, we didn’t see any monkeys. But we did see a lot of birds and diverse plant life.
We also went past the iconic water village on stilts called Kampong Ayer. This is why the city is called the “Venice of the East.” How unique to live in such a way in modern times. Lastly, on the way back we saw the majestic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque’s golden dome looming alongside the banks of the Brunei River.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
After seeing the opulent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque from the river, we walked over to check it out once we got back on land. This Islamic Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific. Overall, it’s a place of worship and a famous tourist attraction of Brunei. It’s named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III. It is an iconic symbol in Brunei for the Islamic religion. Also, it opulently stands on an artificial lagoon on the banks of the Brunei River.
The mosque’s stunning architecture features marble minarets and golden domes, with the largest dome being covered in pure gold. The gardens surrounding the mosque are lovely. One bridge across the lagoon connects with the water village or Kampong Ayer, that we saw on our Mangrove Tour. Another marble bridge leads to the replica of the 16th-century Sultan Bolkiah Mahligai Barge. Even more, the barge commemorates the 1,400th anniversary of Nuzul Al-Quran and was used to stage the Quran reading competitions.
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
This is Brunei’s largest mosque, built in 1992 to celebrate the current sultan’s reign. Since the sultan is the 29th ruler, Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is embellished with 29 gold domes and 4 terrazzo-tiled minarets. Plus, its materials include the best, such as, real gold, Persian rugs & Italian Marble.
The extravagant mosque holds up to 5,000 attendees, who must take off shoes before entering. Overall, the fountains and gardens surrounding the complex are enchanting. I also went inside to see magical staircases, stained glass windows and exquisite art.
Overall…
What wonderful memories we made this day. I am so grateful that my ship brought me here, because this isn’t a place I would have considered, otherwise. Plus, Brunei is very safe with little crime. It was a day of just good clean fun and inspiration from the most beautiful mosques that I have ever seen. I truly believe my Australian friends and I made the most of our day in Brunei.
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