Beauty of Brunei

People and Culture of BruneiBrunei’s culture mainly derived from the Old Malay World, a territory which covered the Malay Archipelago. Brunei’s culture is therefore deeply rooted in its Malay origins, which are reflected in the nation’s language, architecture, ceremonies, and customs governing daily life. Though various foreign civilisations have played a role in forming Brunei’s rich history, the traditions of the Old Malay World have left an indelible mark on the culture of modern Brunei.Today, Bruneians are predominantly Malay, though significant Chinese, Indian and indigenous Bornean populations add to the cultural makeup of Brunei. Brunei’s blend of cultures, customs, beliefs and customs is therefore very similar to that of Malaysia. The nation’s official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken by most of the population, and most signs in the country are written in Roman script.If Malay traditions are Brunei’s cultural root, then Islam is its heart. The nation’s Malay Islamic Monarchy is a uniquely Bruneian blend combining the best of Malay culture with the teachings of Islam and a mutual respect between ruler and subjects. This national philosophy is aimed at forging a stronger sense of identity as well as fostering unity and stability, and it forms the backbone of Bruneian cultural identity. While Brunei is indeed a devoutly Muslim country, the national philosophy is one of respectful tolerance, allowing for the practice of other religions and beliefs. * ETHNIC GROUPS: Malay: 67%; Chinese: 15%, indigenous tribes: 6%; other: 12% * RELIGIONS: Islam (official): 67%; Buddhism: 13%; Christianity: 10%; indigenous beliefs and other: 10%Brunei, for all intensive purposes, is considered a very safe place to visit. It is important, however, to remember that the sultanate is considered an absolute monarchy set in a strict Islamic country. You must take special care to avoid violating any type of religious law or custom while you are visiting. : 

People and Culture of BruneiBrunei’s culture mainly derived from the Old Malay World, a territory which covered the Malay Archipelago. Brunei’s culture is therefore deeply rooted in its Malay origins, which are reflected in the nation’s language, architecture, ceremonies, and customs governing daily life. Though various foreign civilisations have played a role in forming Brunei’s rich history, the traditions of the Old Malay World have left an indelible mark on the culture of modern Brunei.Today, Bruneians are predominantly Malay, though significant Chinese, Indian and indigenous Bornean populations add to the cultural makeup of Brunei. Brunei’s blend of cultures, customs, beliefs and customs is therefore very similar to that of Malaysia. The nation’s official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken by most of the population, and most signs in the country are written in Roman script.If Malay traditions are Brunei’s cultural root, then Islam is its heart. The nation’s Malay Islamic Monarchy is a uniquely Bruneian blend combining the best of Malay culture with the teachings of Islam and a mutual respect between ruler and subjects. This national philosophy is aimed at forging a stronger sense of identity as well as fostering unity and stability, and it forms the backbone of Bruneian cultural identity. While Brunei is indeed a devoutly Muslim country, the national philosophy is one of respectful tolerance, allowing for the practice of other religions and beliefs. * ETHNIC GROUPS: Malay: 67%; Chinese: 15%, indigenous tribes: 6%; other: 12% * RELIGIONS: Islam (official): 67%; Buddhism: 13%; Christianity: 10%; indigenous beliefs and other: 10%Brunei, for all intensive purposes, is considered a very safe place to visit. It is important, however, to remember that the sultanate is considered an absolute monarchy set in a strict Islamic country. You must take special care to avoid violating any type of religious law or custom while you are visiting.

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Brunei arerial

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Modern architecture

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Ttraditional architecture

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The Empire Hotel in Brunei

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Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: is known locally as the Kiarong Mosque.

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Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: is known locally as the Kiarong Mosque.

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque : 

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque

For the 25th anniversary of the sultan's reign : 

For the 25th anniversary of the sultan's reign

Italian marble, English stained-glass, Venetian mosaics : 

Italian marble, English stained-glass, Venetian mosaics Jame'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque

Jame'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque : 

Jame'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque

Beautiful minarets : 

Beautiful minarets Golden Dome

Gleaming Dome : 

Gleaming Dome

Golden dome : 

Golden dome

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque : 

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

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Named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei

Omar Ali Mosque Brunei : 

Omar Ali Mosque Brunei

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin : 

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin

Built in 1958 : 

Built in 1958

Built in 1992 : 

Built in 1992

Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque : 

Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque with stone boat and lagoon by day : 

Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque with stone boat and lagoon by day

Ceremonial stone boat : 

Ceremonial stone boat

The "bersanding" ceremony is a remnant of Malay culture's pre-Islamic roots, but Muslim marriage prayers were also recited in keeping with the Sultanate's religion. After the ceremony, the couple drove in a gold open-topped Rolls Royce across the capital, followed by family and guests in more than 100 limousines. The enthusiasm of the crowd who turned out to line the streets was only slightly dampened by a tropical downpour during the parade. The ceremony was attended by the prime ministers of Malaysia and Singapore, the presidents of Indonesia and the Philippines and royalty from across Asia. The Duke of Gloucester represented Britain's Queen Elizabeth. Observers said the event was relatively low-key by Bruneian standards. The Sultan, who was once the world's richest man, has toned down royal pomp since his brother lost $16bn of state funds through financial mismanagement. : 

The "bersanding" ceremony is a remnant of Malay culture's pre-Islamic roots, but Muslim marriage prayers were also recited in keeping with the Sultanate's religion. After the ceremony, the couple drove in a gold open-topped Rolls Royce across the capital, followed by family and guests in more than 100 limousines. The enthusiasm of the crowd who turned out to line the streets was only slightly dampened by a tropical downpour during the parade. The ceremony was attended by the prime ministers of Malaysia and Singapore, the presidents of Indonesia and the Philippines and royalty from across Asia. The Duke of Gloucester represented Britain's Queen Elizabeth. Observers said the event was relatively low-key by Bruneian standards. The Sultan, who was once the world's richest man, has toned down royal pomp since his brother lost $16bn of state funds through financial mismanagement. The Crown Prince of the tiny oil-rich Sultanate of Brunei has married his 17-year-old bride in what is being called Asia's wedding of the year. (9 September, 2004 ) The glittering traditional Malay ceremony was attended by royalty and politicians from around the world. Two-thousand guests saw the 30-year-old Crown Prince, Al-Muhtadee Billah Bolkiah, marry Sarah Salleh. Thousands more lined the streets outside the palace, waiting for a glimpse of the couple. The groom's father, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, escorted his son to a gold throne on a dais, where he was joined by his bride. Prince Al-Muhtadee wore a gold crown and a traditional snake-bladed Malay dagger tucked into his sash.

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Wedding

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Sultan of Brunei's Palace (Istana Nurul Iman Palace)It is the largest residential palace in the world and the world's largest residence of any type.

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The sultan's palace

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Inside the Palace

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Inside the Palace

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Inside the Palace

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Inside the Palace

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Inside the Palace

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Inside the Palace

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Inside the Palace

Sultan's Palace - Istana Nurul Iman : 

Sultan's Palace - Istana Nurul Iman

Largest mosque in Brunei : 

Largest mosque in Brunei

Mosaic : 

Mosaic

Mosque on Brunei waterfront : 

Mosque on Brunei waterfront

National Mosque of Brunei : 

National Mosque of Brunei

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A Gleaming Dome at Sunset

Slide 50: 

Jerudong's Crystal Arch

A gift from the sultan to the people : 

A gift from the sultan to the people

It claims to be the biggest in the world : 

It claims to be the biggest in the world

Sultan omar ali Saifuddin mosque Brunei : 

Sultan omar ali Saifuddin mosque Brunei

Palace in colours : 

Palace in colours

Spring Festival : 

Spring Festival

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Jubilee Fountain

colours downtown : 

colours downtown

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque : 

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Reflected in the lagoon : 

Reflected in the lagoon

Minaret : 

Minaret Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Beautiful mosque by the river : 

Beautiful mosque by the river

Royal Regalia Museum : 

Royal Regalia Museum

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Tamu Kianggeh Food Market

Bazaar : 

Bazaar

Tudung Saji : 

Tudung Saji

Berakas Beach : 

Berakas Beach

The Empire Hotel : 

The Empire Hotel

Temburong : 

Temburong

Tasik Lama Fall : 

Tasik Lama Fall Tasek Merimbun, Brunei's largest lake

Morning at Damuan : 

Morning at Damuan

Floating garden : 

Floating garden

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Kampung Ayer from the waterfront near customs wharf. Water taxis shuttle people back and forth between early morning and late evening The small village of Kampung Ayer is an incredible site to see. The people of Brunei refer to the area as the “Venice of the East,” and for good reason. You can only get to Kampung Ayer via a small footbridge or by boat.

The village is home to more than 30,000 people, many of whom live on small houses held up over the Brunei River with stilts. Visitors to the area can explore the fascinating architecture and get to know some of the members of this close-knit community. The wooden walkways connecting the houses bring this incredible historic community together. : 

The village is home to more than 30,000 people, many of whom live on small houses held up over the Brunei River with stilts. Visitors to the area can explore the fascinating architecture and get to know some of the members of this close-knit community. The wooden walkways connecting the houses bring this incredible historic community together.

The Water Village : 

The Water Village

Water village : 

Water village

Water village taxis : 

Water village taxis

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Streets of Kampung Ayer

Banana vendors : 

Banana vendors

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