Art, Cultural & Heritage Brunei

HISTORY
As the world’s oldest reigning monarchy, Brunei is home to centuries of royal heritage, with the current Sultan’s family line dating back over 600 years. Walk through time and discover relics from an ancient shipwreck, take a stroll around the surroundings of a royal tomb, and experience history all over again through numerous exhibits and displays.

Royal Regalia Museum
This museum houses the Sultan’s full royal regalia, as well as exhibits commemorating the Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations of the present monarch’s reign. Visitors are greeted with the very same golden chariot used to bring the Sultan through the city streets during the Silver Jubilee celebration in 1992.

Brunei History Centre
Dedicated to the research, collection, publication and exhibition of Brunei’s history, the centre offers a fascinating look into the nation’s past, including elaborate displays of antique cannons and intricate daggers. There’s also a gallery showcasing treasures unearthed from shipwrecks off Brunei’s coast!

Belait District Museum
The Belait District Museum, the only one outside of the Brunei-Muara District was once the residence of a Deputy British Resident. Built in the 1930s, it still has nearly all of its original structures – an elemental combination of Malay and colonial architecture. The museum displays the history, ethnicity, and even wildlife found in the district.

Sultan Bolkiah Mausoleum
Sultan Bolkiah was widely regarded as the monarch whose reign brought upon Brunei’s ‘Golden Age’ of power and influence. As much as Borneo, the Southern Philippines and Manila came under his rule. The site of the memorial is also scenic, overlooking the Brunei River and surrounded by green nature.

Sultan Sharif Ali Mausoleum
Not too far from the Sultan Bolkiah Mausoleum is the resting place of Brunei’s third Sultan, Sultan Sharif Ali, who added the phrase ‘Darussalam’ to the country’s name. A sense of historical importance is palpable here, and for good reason: this area was the ancient capital of Brunei’s maritime empire.

Batu Tersilah
It might be easy to miss this four-foot tall stone in the shadow of the grand Royal Mausoleum, but that doesn’t diminish the importance the Batu Tersilah has on the country’s history in the least. Constructed due to the request of Brunei’s 14th and 16th Sultans, Sultan Muhyiddin and Sultan Husin Kamaluddin, the names of the country’s rulers, from the first, Sultan Muhammad Shah to the nineteenth monarch, Sultan Tajuddin are carved on the stone. Batu Tersilah can be found outside the Royal Mausoleum and a replica of it can also be found in the Brunei History Centre.

Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum
In 1997, a shipwreck off the coast of Brunei was discovered and unearthed over 13,000 valuable artefacts, giving a peek into the nation’s maritime history and role as a leading trading power. The awe-inspiring skeleton of the vessel can be found in the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum, along with an exhibition on the history of the country’s ancient capital.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Brunei is a tightly-knit, conservative community filled with warm politeness, evident in the way we speak, dress and carry ourselves. There are also hidden wonders in the vast expanses of the rainforests!

The Community
A phrase that Bruneians are very familiar when it comes to community is ‘gotong-royong’, which essentially means working together. There are regular events for ‘gotong-royong’ to help with the upkeep of community-based places, such as cleaning campaigns for schools, mosques and town halls.

Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre
The centre was established to preserve and revive the traditional arts and handicraft industry, and possesses some of the best examples of the nation’s handicrafts. Don’t miss the chance to view Brunei’s famous brocades, the ‘kain tenunan’, woven with golden and silver threads.

Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery
Located in, you guessed it, Kampong Ayer, this unique gallery, which was opened in 2009, provides a glimpse into the village’s past and focuses on the history, lifestyle and crafts of the Kampong Ayer people.

Malay Technology Museum
This museum offers an in-depth look at the traditional lifestyle of Brunei’s ethnic groups and their ways of old. Showcasing multifarious exhibitions including model houses of the Murut, Kedayan, Dusun and Penan people as well as ancestral weaponry, hunting tools and crafts that are still being practised in Kampong Ayer.

RELIGION AND MIB
According to Chinese historical records, Islam has been present in Brunei since the 10th century, and by the reign of the third monarch, Sultan Sharif Ali, Brunei grew into an Islamic empire. With Islam as the state religion and the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept as the national governing philosophy, Brunei flourished spiritually and through the people’s material well-being.

Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque
A timeless architectural work of art, the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, or fondly known as SOAS mosque to the locals, is the highlight of any visit to the capital. More than the mosque’s splendour of a golden dome, stained glass windows and marble columns, it gives a spiritual and uplifting feeling like no other.

Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
This mosque is definitely a must-see for any traveller, with its colourful mosaic tails and eight-pointed stars, it’s no less grand than the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque! It was built to commemorate the present monarch’s Silver Jubilee, and is surrounded by finely manicured gardens and fountains.

ARTS
No matter what time of the year you choose to come to Brunei, there’s always something going on in the ‘Abode of Peace’. From a variety of tasteful wonders and a long list of outdoor adventures to a creative showcase by the nation’s budding artists – experience pieces of Brunei like never before, from the eyes and ears of a Bruneian.

Brunei Arts & Handicraft Training Centre
Built along the banks of the Brunei River, Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre is a great retreat from the heat of the capital to get a feel of the country’s traditional art. Established mainly to preserve traditional handicrafts and facilitate the training of young Bruneian artisans, many artifacts made by current students and graduates can be viewed or even purchased here in the centre. From hand-woven baskets, brassware and silverware to gorgeous wood carvings, brocades and asymmetrical daggers, take a step back from the modern age and appreciate the fine arts that have carried a country’s heritage for centuries. The centre is located on Jalan Residency – by the river, 600m east of Sungai Kianggeh.

Dermaga Diraja (The Royal Wharf)
More popularly known as the ‘Waterfront’, the Royal Wharf is situated by one of the Brunei River banks and was recently redeveloped into a scenic promenade that now also leads to the Mahkota Jubli Emas Park. This is a perfect place to enjoy those long strolls at night without ever being too far from some of Brunei’s finest eats (check out Kaizen Sushi or The Horizons Seafood Restaurant). One of the best viewing spots of Brunei’s heritage site – Kampong Ayer, a historic water village. If you require additional help navigating Brunei, a Tourist Information Centre is just around the corner too.

The Islamic Calligraphy and Art Study Centre, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
In addition to Brunei’s breathtaking Islamic Architecture, Brunei also has a curated collection of beautiful Islamic Calligraphy locally and international. Visitors often find themselves immersed in a world of priceless Islamic art and stunning calligraphy pieces. In addition, you can also experience first hand how to write arabic caligraphy in their offered courses.

CREATIVE SPACES
The Collective Makerspace
Nestled at Jalan Tungku Link is a creative platform that’s never quiet at heart, because everyone’s always creating. Whether it’s a stage performance, a workshop or even a sharing session, you can be sure The Collective is always up to something, nurturing the arts and culture of a community that never sleeps. Because creativity never sleeps.

Avenue 41
Somewhere along the quiet, mellow streets of Jalan Kiarong, rhythmic beats, luminous colours and delicious palates often fill a modern mid-scale studio space as it celebrates creativity in all its glory. Welcome to Avenue 41 – where the country’s emerging artists, musicians and event planners often gather to show off their craft, share aspirations, and inspire others to also take up their own reins of creativity.

Creative Space Gallery
Home to some of the most talented artists and creative thinkers in Brunei, there’s always something going on at this bespoke art gallery/studio in Sengkurong. Known for their bold, progressive art exhibitions and unconventional art styles, Creative Space Gallery is what happens when a community of passionate artists are given the world to use as their canvas where their stories and emotions can be heard and felt by all in the most brilliant way possible.

Sound and Canvas
Founded and spearheaded by writer and composer Sandy Tan, Sound & Canvas is her vision of a platform where creative makers and thinkers can come, connect and collaborate. Based mostly on an abstract form of illusory art, the studio is best known for seamlessly blending powerful music scores and moving imagery and design to give patrons a mind-blowing, kaleidoscopic experience second to none.

Jo Art Gallery
Begin your journey into the creative arts at Jo’s Art Gallery, where they are dedicated to helping people refine and develop their artistic sensibilities. Hosting a variety of different courses every month, they offer lessons on making crafts,painting, sketching as well as other artistic pursuits. Many parents bring their children here to partake in painting activities. They have courses for adults as well, and people of all ages can come here to learn how to better express themselves through their art.

SPECIAL OCCASSIONS
Each year, Brunei goes through a cycle of long-awaited events that either highlight the nation’s achievements or a traditional pastime, which are then met with a nationwide celebration that is often both quaint and extravagant in nature.

Considered to be some of the best times to visit the country, here’s a list of yearly occasions invigorating Brunei each time it happens.

Brunei’s National / Independence Day
On February 23rd, Brunei celebrates the day the country first gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. And every year, thousands of people would gather in the nation’s capital to pay tribute to this day with coordinated marches and mass performances from all sections of society. If you love fireworks, the celebration often culminates in a grand burst of colours at night as lustrous fireworks take to the skies, delivering a fitting end to a momentous day.

His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday
The celebration is often followed by two weeks of outdoor food bazaars that line the streets and parking lots of the capital that come with performances of traditional dances and local music. For a city that usually takes a quiet turn in the evenings, it truly is a charming experience that can’t be missed.

Hari Raya AidilFitri (date varies each year)
Hari Raya AidilFitri is an Islamic holiday that’s celebrated by Muslims all over the world. In Brunei, it is our most wholesome holiday of the year and most shops and restaurants will be closed for the first three days of the month-long occurrence, so people get to spend uninterrupted quality time with their families and friends. If you’re considering visiting at this time (first 3 days), bring a fancy modest outfit that covers your arms, shoes that cover your toes and a hijab (for ladies). This is one of the few occasions His Majesty’s grand palace, Istana Nurul Iman, is open to the public and you’ll get to meet members of the Royal Family in person! There’s a long line to get in, but if you’re curious what His Majesty’s palace looks like, this is your chance to get in. Once inside, men will be able to meet and greet male members of the Royal Family, including the Sultan, while women will meet female members of the family, including the Queen.

Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival is a holiday that is celebrated by various ethnic groups in Brunei such as the Dusun and Murut communities. In Dusun tradition, it’s referred to as Adau Gayoh and it’s celebrated on May 1st every year, where the padi farmer with the most plentiful harvest will host the event – showcasing traditional games such as the Uwod Yompok (spinning top), and symbolic dances such as the Ancayau – along with traditional food and drinks prepared from the rice harvest. In Ibanese culture, the Harvest Festival is referred to as Gawai and is celebrated on June 1st every year. It is during this special time that Ibanese families prepare and serve portions of homemade rice wine to their neighbours and guests, in commemoration of the cultural festival. It is even considered an auspicious sign, if the rice wine prepared by each family could be finished right before the end of Gawai. Recipes for a long, merry night, indeed.