| James Kon |
ARM wrestling, a food festival, an Islamic festival, a drone racing competition, a display of the longest braided rice (Jalinan Kelupis Terpanjang) measuring 700 feet long, a Nasyid festival, as well as an art exhibition showcasing a collection of paintings are among the 60 exciting events which will be featured at the upcoming Brunei December Festival 2018.
Making this known was Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong during the launch of the Brunei December Festival 2018 awareness campaign yesterday morning.
A Festival Insider’s Guide, Event Magazine and Musafir guide book for the Brunei December Festival were also launched at the event.
“I am pleased to note that this year there will be 60 events and activities planned for the month of December,” Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali said.
“There will be many activities of interest for both domestic and international visitors. We will have a food festival, Islamic festival, culture and creative arts showcase, sports and adventure events, as well as recreational and shopping activities.
“There are also some new events this year such as a display of the longest braided rice that is around 700 feet or 202 metres long, a science carnival, an Open Karate Do Championship, a drone race, a radio controlled powerboat race, a World Nasyid Festival and an art exhibition.”
The Festival Insider’s Guide and Event Magazine, the minister added, provides information on local events that will take place in Brunei, so that visitors can plan accordingly for the best times to visit the country and take part in the activities.
Commenting on the Musafir guide book, the minister said, “The guide book is part of a tourism initiative by Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and the Islamic Da’wah Centre, Ministry of Religious Affairs. It provides information for travellers on the proper methods of performing prayers according to Islamic practices and outlines during their travels. It is available in both Malay and English and accessible online through bruneitourism.com.
“I’d like to convey my thanks to Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam and the Islamic Da’wah Centre for their efforts in producing the guide book. With Bandar Seri Begawan being named as the Capital City of Islamic Culture for Asia in 2019 and the ASEAN City of Culture 2016-2018, the guide book will definitely be very handy for Muslim travellers.”
The minister added that Brunei December Festival is one of Brunei Tourism Board’s annual initiatives organised to promote Brunei Darussalam as an attractive holiday destination for both locals and tourists, as well as to spur economic activity in the country.