Brunei’s Beautiful Islamic Culture
Brunei is an Islamic monarchy ruled by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulahking. In 2014, the country became the first Southeast Asian nation to introduce Shariah Law on a national level, beautiful and splendid Islamic mosques can be found throughout the country. The most famous among them is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which is surrounded by an artificial lagoon. Named after the 28thSultan of Brunei, this mosque was built in 1958 and is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia-Pacific region. An outstanding example of contemporary Islamic architecture, the mosque combines Italian and Indo-Islamic elements, featuring golden domes, marble minarets and magnificent stained glass. It is the landmark of Brunei that can be seen from anywhere in the city.
By far the largest in scale is the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the other of Brunei’s two national mosques. Built in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the current sultan’s ascension to the throne, this grand mosque features 29 golden domes, four steeples measuring 58 meters in height, and can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers at once . The Istana Nurul Iman is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and the seat of the Brunei government. The palace is another landmark not to be missed. With its 1,788 rooms, it is considered the world’s largest private residence. The doors of the palace are open to the public on only three days every year during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period, which marks the end of Ramadhan, the Islamic holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. Visitors to Islamic mosques are advised to wear modest attire that covers arms and knees, and must also remove their shoes. Except for the prayer times, in general, taking photos of filming videos inside mosques may be allowed but visitors should always ask for permission first and be respectful of worshippers. Be sure to check the opening hours of mosques in advance.
Ulu Temburong National Park, the Green Jewel of Brunei
Under the tropical climate with high temperature and humidity, over 70 percent of Brunei’s land area is covered by rainforests that have remained relatively unaffected by human activities. Ulu Temburong National Park, which, at 550 square kilometers, covers about 40 percent of Temburong District in eastern Brunei, was established in 1991 as the country’s first national park.
Particularly popular is the Canopy Walk, a jungle trekking up to the roof of the tropical rain forest. A traditional longtail boat sails to the Temburong River, the habitat for crocodiles and a mangrove forest, the home of proboscis monkeys. Built with steel towers, the highest of them standing 60 meters tall, it allows those unafraid of heights to gain an undisturbed 360 degree view of one of the oldest rainforest in the world. Standing above the green ocean, with clouds seemingly within arm’s reach, is an unforgettable experience. For those needing even more excitement, tubing on Temburong River is recommended.
Since 2016, an airline owned by the Brunei government offers direct charter flights between Incheon International Airport and Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport, making it effortless for Korean tourists to visit Brunei.
KOREA FOUNDATION
