Since we arrived at the airport very late, I didn’t notice the mosque next to Brunei International Airport until we were already leaving. The mosque, smaller than the grand ones we saw in Bandar Seri Begawan, boasts a striking big blue dome and three minarets. Despite its location at the international airport, it’s unfortunately not accessible to tourists.

The Temburong Bridge, also called the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Bridge, holds the title of the longest bridge in Southeast Asia, stretching 26.3 kilometers across Brunei Bay, linking the Temburong district to Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Town of Seria holds historical significance as the site where oil was first discovered in Brunei back in 1929, subsequently evolving into a hub for the nation’s oil and gas industry. This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point in Brunei’s economic trajectory. The discovery of oil and natural gas not only bolstered the country’s political, financial, and cultural landscapes but also prompted amendments to the 1959 Constitution, leading to the abolition of the Resident System and laying the groundwork for Brunei’s eventual independence from Britain.

Initially known as the Kiarong mosque, the grand architectural masterpiece was later bestowed with the official name Jame ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in honor of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The construction of this majestic mosque employed the finest materials sourced from around the globe, including Philippine hardwood, Italian marble, Persian carpets, and genuine gold accents. Completed in 1994, the Jame ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque stands as Brunei’s largest mosque, a testament to the nation’s commitment to architectural excellence and spiritual devotion.

Brunei’s first and oldest national mosque, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, bears the name of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the nation’s 28th ruler. Positioned within a man-made lagoon, this architectural gem graces the historic grounds of the 1,000-year-old Kampung Ayer settlement, nestled along the Brunei River.

Kampong Ayer, a remarkable water village, is nestled on the banks of the Brunei River. Dubbed the “Venice of Brunei,” this expansive water settlement boasts a history that spans over a thousand years, making it one of the largest of its kind globally.

Kota Batu is situated on the outskirts of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. In historical terms, Kota Batu held considerable significance as Borneo island’s primary town before the emergence of Kampong Ayer, the largest water village globally. Known as “Kota Batu,” meaning “Stone Fort” in Malay, this area once served as the esteemed Bruneian Empire’s capital. It encompassed an ancient palace, administrative center, and mosques, tracing its origins to Brunei’s third sultan, Sharif Ali.

Brunei, having gained independence from British rule in 1984, has since embraced the national ethos of the Malay Islamic Monarchy. Bruneians take pride in their nation’s distinction as home to the world’s oldest continuous monarchy and the sole surviving Malay Islamic Monarchy.