Sunday, October 27, 2013

The Royal Regalia

Royal artillery in the oyal Regalia Building, Brunei (image courtesy: borneo.com.au)

Take a stroll to the Royal Regalia Building in Brunei. It houses wide array of imperial Bruneian artifacts. It also has a Brunei History Centre which displays the research of the genealogy and origins of the Royal Family and the Sultans of Brunei. The building has many things to present you like Lapau or the Ceremonial Hall, which holds traditional Royal Ceremonies and thus becomes eye-catching for you. Further, it has a striking Tasek Lama Recreational Park famous as a pocket of rainforest and is blessed with natural waterfall, lake and garden area. Furthermore, Tamu or commonly called the market is situated on the banks of Kianggeh River and you can visit the market anytime with your friends and family. Last of all, the Minggu market is only open at weekends and is stocked with appealing goods, as well as sell you variety of other local items

ALL ABOUT ISTANA NURUL IMAN

Istana Nurul Iman

The Istana Nurul Iman Palace (Jawi: ايستان نورول ايمان) is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government. The palace is located on a leafy, riverside sprawl of hills on the banks of the Brunei River, a few kilometres south of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital.

Design and construction[edit]

The name "Istana Nurul Iman" is taken from French sunakist and Arabic Wee-tu-loe and means Palace of the Light of Faith. It was designed by Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin, who utilised the architectural motif of golden domes and vaulted roofs to echo Brunei's Islamic and Malay influences. The interior of the palace was designed by Khuan Chew, Design Principal of KCA International, whose other works include the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Construction was handled by Ayala International, a Filipino construction firm, and completed in 1984 at a total cost of around US$1.4 Billion.

Physical characteristics[edit]

The banquet hall, which can seat up to 5,000 people

Upon completion, Istana Nurul Iman, became the largest residential palace in the world and the largest single family residence ever built.^[1]
The palace contains 1,788 rooms, which includes 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall that can be expanded to accommodate up to 5,000 guests, a mosque accommodating 1,500 people.^[2] The palace also includes a 110-car garage, an air conditioned stable for the Sultan's 200 polo ponies, and 5 swimming pools. In total, Istana Nurul Iman contains 2,152,782 square feet (200,000 m²) of floorspace.^[3]
Because of its massive size, Istana Nurul Iman makes use of 564 chandeliers, 51,000 light bulbs, 44 stairwells, and 18 elevators.^[4]

Functions[edit]

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Palace courtyard accessible to public during Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The Sultan takes his official audiences at the palace. The palace is also used for all the State functions of the government of Brunei. In addition, the palace houses the prime minister's office, and serves as the seat of the Brunei government.
In addition to Audience and State Rooms, there is a Throne Chamber used for various formal occasions such as the proclamation of the Crown Prince and the annual Birthday Investiture.
However, in keeping with its primary use as the Sultan's personal residence, the palace is home to the Sultan's massive car collection, which includes custom-made Ferraris and Bentleys as well as Rolls Royces.

Accessibility[edit]

The palace is not open to the public except on the annual Islamic celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (the festival at the end of the Muslim fasting month) when the palace receives about 110,000 visitors over a three-day period where the guests receive gifts of food as well as green packets containing money for young children. The palace is also open to Muslims during 10 days of the Ramadhan period for the Bertedarus prayer gathering.

World's Largest Palace[edit]

Main article: World's largest palace

The title of the "world's largest palace" is difficult to ascertain, and controversial, as different countries use their own unique standard to claim that their palace is the largest. Using various self-serving definitions, a number of palaces are claimed to be the world's largest: Istana Nurul Iman, Buckingham Palace, Quirinal Palace, Royal Palace of Madrid, Stockholm Palace, The Forbidden City, The Palace of Versailles, The Royal Palace of Caserta, The Winter Palace, The Louvre, Prague Castle, and Romania's Palace of the Parliament.
To be considered for the Guinness World Record, the palace must have been intended for use as a royal residence, and only the combined area of the palace's indoor floors (a measurement commonly known as floorspace) is considered. As measured by these standards, Guinness World Records currently considers Istana Nurul Iman to hold the title as the "world's largest palace."

Sunday, September 22, 2013

THE EMPIRE HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

THE EMPIRE HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB in Brunei is a modern, multi-function, luxury resort hotel and spar, built in a style that befits the image of Brunei as the Sultan of Brunei's home. THE EMPIRE's quality and service is acknowledged with membership of the exclusive World Hotels group.

Our discount room prices at THE EMPIRE include:
    - Superior, Ocean, Deluxe and Executive rooms
      - 2 and 3 bedroom villas - email for details
    - Executive Suites - email for details
      - All taxes & service charges
    - Buffet breakfasts

Superior Room - large bedroom & bathroom

                             - located in Lagoon & Waterfall wings
                             - 1 x king or 2 x single beds
                             - plus fold out bed & breakfast for 3rd person

Superior Room	Single	Double	Triple
One night	Email us	Email us	Email us
Multi-night	Email us	Email us	Email us

    Ocean Room - large bedroom & bathroom
                          - located in Seaview wing facing South China Sea
                          - 1 x king or 2 x single beds
                          - plus fold out bed & breakfast for 3rd person

Ocean Room	Single	Double	Triple
One night	Email us	Email us	Email us
Multi-night	Email us	Email us	Email us

Deluxe Room - large bedroom & bathroom

                           - located in Main Atrium directly off main lobby
                           - views across pool area to South China Sea
                           - 1 x king or 2 x single beds
                           - plus fold out bed & breakfast for 3rd person

Deluxe Room	Single	Double	Triple
One night	Email us	Email us	Email us
Multi-night	Email us	Email us	Email us

Executive Room - large bedroom & bathroom

                                - located in Main Atrium directly off main lobby
                                - views across pool area to South China Sea
                                - Exclusive E-Club lounge and other exec. services
                                - 1 x king or 2 x single beds
                                - plus fold out bed & breakfast for 3rd person

Executive Room	Single	Double	Triple
One night	Email us	Email us	Email us
Multi-night	Email us	Email us	Email us

We provide private airport-hotel-airport transfers for THE EMPIRE. Cheaper and more reliable than taxi. Email us for details.

Bring the Family:

Up to 2 children - 12yo and below - stay FREE in room with parents using existing bedding. (fold out bed & breakfast - $50)
Up to 2 children - 5yo and below - receive FREE buffet when both parents dine at buffet ie: at breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Children have up to 3 hours per day use of E Kids Club for FREE.
Baby cots are FREE (subject to availability).
Up to 4 children - 18yo and below - travelling with two parents, receive our private airport-Empire-airport transfer for FREE when staying 2 or more nights. (Subject to vehicle availability.)

LONG-STAY PROMOTION
Contact us for details of our special discounts when you choose to
stay three or more nights at Empire

Discount on our Brunei Tour Prices5% discount on our Brunei tour prices when tours are booked
in conjunction with two or more nights at
Empire Hotel
and payment is received 2 or more weeks before arrival.

When comparing hotel room prices please check:
         - does it include breakfast?
         - are service charges and taxes extra?
         - what standard of room are you really getting?
         - what currency? All our prices are in Brunei $
         - Brunei $ and Singapore $ are identical value

Click here to e-mail us for reservations and inquiries.

Note: Additional Peak Season rates may apply during the Christmas - New Year and Chinese New Year periods. Check for details.

The entire complex, comprising a series of intimate hotels and resort facilities, is luxuriously appointed to provide the highest possible standard of accommodation and service. The entry foyer features a seven level glass wall looking out over the South China Sea, and the resort's seaside pools and recreation facilities.
THE EMPIRE is twenty minutes drive along a four lane expressway from Brunei's International Airport, and twenty to thirty minutes from the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, Government offices and the major business and commercial centres.

The Jack Nicklaus designed eighteen-hole golf course is a world class links style course, with spectacular views of the resort and the coast. This course has drawn many international guests to stay at THE EMPIRE.

Also incorporated within the resort is THE EMPIRE Hotel & Country Club, THE EMPIRE Theatre and Cinema Complex, a sports facility, beachside pools and distinctive food and beverage outlets.

THE EMPIRE Hotel & Country Club is nearby to Jerudong Park, where the Playground, Equestrian Centre, Polo Club and Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club (the Augusta of Asia) facilities provide a host of recreation and dining options for international visitors.

533 luxurious and spacious rooms of different styles and standards. Uniquely designed and decorated.
24 hour room service
Lagoon and poolside bar
18-Hole US PGA championship golf course
Conference and meeting rooms
Gift shops and beauty salon
Broadband internet and Wi-Fi available

The nearby Shahbandar Forest Recreation Reserve, provides active guests with space and challenges to satisfy their need for jogging, mountain biking or gentle forest walks.
THE EMPIRE Hotel and Country Club is the destination in Brunei for sumptuous business or leisure accommodation.

Facilities include:

THE EMPIRE Country Club Member's Grill, Bunker Cafe, The Spike Bar, The 450 seats Empire Theatre
THE EMPIRE Cinemas - two cinemas with 195 seats and one with 102 seats
Food & Beverages Outlets
The Atrium Cafe, The Lobby Lounge, Indian restaurant, Thai restaurant, Chinese restaurant, The Falafel (Mediterranean Cuisine), The Pantai restaurant,
Water Sports FacilitiesSailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing and Ocean Kayaking
Beachside FacilitiesSaltwater Lagoon Pool, Lap Pool, Children's Pool and Kids' Club
Sports Complex3 tennis courts, 3 squash courts, 2 air-conditioned badminton courts, 8 ten-pin bowling lanes, two-level pool and snooker room, 16.6m indoor lap pool and a gymnasium

Updated: 23/7/13

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Sunday, September 15, 2013

ALL ABOUT BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Brunei Darussalam is an Islamic country located in the northwest of the Borneo Island. Brunei is surrounded by Sarawak of Malaysia that makes Brunei Darussalam to be divided in two parts. Brunei is a small country with a total land area of 5765 sq km with its coastline runs 161 km along the South China Sea. Brunei Darussalam’s population is mostly Malays with a mixture of the Indian and Chinese communities. Brunei’s population is about 388,000. The country is ruled by according to Islamic rules and culture and the system of government is monarchy. Brunei’s form of government is called Malay Islamic Monarchy or as it is called in Malay language, ‘Melayu Islam Beraja’ (MIB). Brunei Darussalam is one of the oldest kingdoms with over 600 years of history and yet, one of the youngest independent nation in the region. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in AsihistorHistory of Brunei

HISTORY OF BRUNEI

Brunei is one of the most ancient states in Southeast Asia. Brunei used to be called Barunah until Sultan Ahmad, the second sultan of Brunei changed in into Brunei. The word Darussalam was added by the third sultan of Brunei, Sultan Sharif Ali which means the Adobe of Peace. The word was added to emphasis Islam as the state religion. The first sultan of Brunei, Sultan Muhammad Shah, he embraced Islam when he converted. The capital city of Brunei in the pre Islamic era was at Temburong before it was moved to Kota Batu. The capital of Brunei was again moved from Kota Batu to Brunei Town presently knows as Bandar Seri Begawan by Sultan Muhyiddin 1 during his reign. Brunei Darussalam was given its independence by Britain on 1^st January 1984.

Geographical Location and Climate

Brunei Darussalam is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia. Brunei’s total land area is a total of 5765 sq km with the coastline of 161 km. Brunei is situated between the longitudes of 114

- 115

30’ East and the latitudes 4

- 5

30’ North. Brunei Darussalam is divided into two parts – West and East. West Brunei is three times larger than the East. There are a total of 38 mukims in Brunei Darussalam. Brunei’s highest peak is Bukit Pagon (1841 m). The eastern part of Brunei which is Temburong district is famous for its rainforest and natural habitat. Temburong has a low-lying coastal plain on the northern part and the southern area of Temburong district, the area rises to become a hilly terrain. In western Brunei, three districts combining together, Brunei Muara District, Belait District and Tutong District are mostly located on lowlands and swampy plains. There are also hill ranges to the south, watershed to the biggest rivers in the country. Brunei has an equatorial climate. It is usually hot and wet throughout the year. The heaviest rainfall usually falls during September and January and May to June. The warmest months are March and April with the temperature around 28

. Humidity is high with 79% throughout the year. Brunei is not a common place for natural disasters.

Districts

Brunei is divided into two parts, the western part consists of three districts and the eastern part consist only one. Altogether Brunei Darussalam has a total of four districts. Those districts are:

1. Belait District

Belait district is the largest district in Brunei Darussalam with the total area of 2724 sq km. It is the production base of the nation’s main export commodities which are the oil and gas. Belait district is divided into eight territorial subdivision or mukims which are, Belait, Seria, Labi, Sungai Liang, Sawat, Sukang, Kuala Balai and Melilas.

2. Temburong District

Temburong District is located at the eastern part of Brunei. It is the second largest district with the total area of 1304 sq km. It is the least populated district in Brunei. The district is heavily forested and largely undeveloped. There are 5 mukims in Temburong, Batu Apoi, Labu Bokok, Bangar and Amo.

3. Tutong District

Tutong district is third largest district in Brunei Darussalam with the total land area of 1166 sq km. Tutong district is the home of many Brunei ethnic tribes such as the Tutong, Murut, Dusun and Kedayan. Tutong is divided into 8 mukims which are, Keriam, Pekan Tutong, Tanjung Maya, Telisai, Lamunin, Kiudang, Rambai, and Ukung.

4. Brunei Muara District

Brunei Muara District is the smallest district in Brunei Darussalam. The total area of this district is 571 sq km. Even though it is a small district, most of the population of Brunei is located in Brunei Muara District. One of the reasons this district is the most populated because the capital of Brunei Darussalam which is Bandar Seri Begawan is located in this district. Brunei Muara District has the total of 17 territorial subdivision or mukims, Mentiri, Sengkurung, Kilanas, Gadong, Kota Batu, Serasa, Kianggeh, Berakas, Lumapas, Sg. Kebun, Sg. Kedayan, Burung Pingai, Saba, Pengkalan Batu, Tamoi, Peramu and Kumbang Pasang.

Language and Religion

Bahasa Melayu is the official language in Brunei Darussalam. English are also spoken as well as Mandarin and other Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Hakka and Cantonese. Indian languages used include Tamil and Hindi. Islam is the state’s official religion but other beliefs are also practised in this country.

Culture

Brunei’s culture is basically based on Islamic rules and old Malay world, which encompassed the Malay archipelago and from this stemmed what is known as the Malay civilisation. Most of the rules are as follows:

Do’s	Don’ts
Dress code in Brunei is modest. Dress codes are expected when a certain place is visited such as weddings. Anyone who visits the mosque should remove their shoes before entering. Women should have their head, knees and arms covered while entering the mosque. When people in Brunei shake hands, it is usually done by shaking and then brings your hand to your chest.	It is unacceptable to dress casually when attending religious events. Make sure you don’t the Koran or pass in front a person who is kneeling in prayer. It is better to go around or behind them. Some people does not shake hand with the opposite sex Do not point with your finger. Do not present gifts for food with your left hands because it is rude and disrespect.
Point with your thumb with all four fingers below it. Gifts or anything should be passed with right hands. It is polite to accept a little food and drinks that are offered. During the month of Ramadan Muslims do not take food from sunrise to sundown.	It is inconsiderate to eat or drink during the month of Ramadan. Muslims are strictly restricted from drinking alcoholic drinks. Muslims are not allowed to eat pork and also touching dogs.