| James Kon |
VISITORS to Brunei Darussalam now have the chance to see several of the country’s iconic landmarks and sample a portion of its rich history with a scenic cruise through the Brunei River, thanks to the launch of the Brunei River Heritage Trail tourism package yesterday morning.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong launched the new tour package at the Dermaga Diraja in Bandar Seri Begawan, as part of the Tourism Development Department’s initiatives to promote tourism products available in the country.
The package puts the spotlight on the Brunei River as a tourist destination with the aim of creating awareness on the historical development and birth of Brunei Darussalam.
The offering gives one the opportunity to view the famous Jong Batu, a rock outcrop located in the river and the subject of the legend of Nakhoda Manis, as well as the island of Lumut Lunting, which is associated with the local folktale of an epic cockfight between the rulers of Brunei and the Majapahit Empire, a story chronicled in the famed Syair Awang Semaun.
Visitors will also be given a historical account of the establishment of the traditional stilt settlements on the Brunei River and its banks, otherwise known widely today as Kampong Ayer.
Other highlights of the cruise include passing through the newly completed 750-metre-long Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge, named after Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam and the second longest single-pylon cable-stayed bridge in the world.
Tour-goers will also catch sight of the Islamic architectural marvel that is the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, and the golden dome of the Istana Nurul Iman, as well as Kampong Sungai Bunga, which can be easily identified with its neat rows of modern houses standing out in the water.
The village is a modern resettlement project, part of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s government’s initiatives to provide housing fitted with modern facilities for residents of Kampong Ayer. Schools, clinics and other amenities are available in the village.
The launch event featured nine exhibitors comprising government agencies, tourism service providers and members of the local community showcasing and selling a variety of tourism products in support of the Brunei River Heritage Trail tourism package.
Members of the Brunei Tourism Board and selected guests at the event also went on a test cruise for the package through the Brunei River.