Welcome to our latest travel vlog where we explore the serene and opulent country of Brunei Darussalam. Nestled on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, Brunei is a small yet wealthy country known for its stunning mosques, pristine rainforests, and rich culinary traditions. Join us as we delve into what we ate and did in this peaceful sultanate.
### Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Bandar Seri Begawan
Our journey began in the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. After settling into our accommodation, we ventured out to explore the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. With its golden dome and marble minarets reflecting in the surrounding lagoon, this mosque is a breathtaking sight and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Brunei.
For lunch, we tasted our first Bruneian dish at a local restaurant – Ambuyat. This unique, starchy dish made from sago palm is eaten with a bamboo fork called “candas” and dipped into various savory sauces. It’s a communal eating experience that brought us closer to understanding the local culture.
In the evening, we strolled through the open-air night market or “pasar malam” at Gadong. Here we indulged in an array of street food including satay (grilled meat skewers), Nasi Katok (a simple meal of rice, fried chicken, and sambal), and ended with some sweet treats like Kuih Malaya (pancake rolls).
### Day 2: Ulu Temburong National Park
On our second day, we embarked on an adventure to Ulu Temburong National Park – an untouched enclave of biodiversity accessible only by boat. The canopy walkway at dawn was particularly surreal; experiencing the rainforest come alive while perched above the treetops was something unforgettable.
For lunch, packed by our tour guides, consisted mainly of traditional Malay dishes such as Beef Rendang which is slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and spices – incredibly flavorful!
### Day 3: Kampong Ayer and Royal Regalia Museum
Day three was dedicated to exploring Kampong Ayer – dubbed as ‘the Venice of East’. This historical settlement built entirely on stilts in the Brunei River houses museums that illustrate traditional Malay water village life. We took a boat ride through waterways which gave us an authentic glimpse into the lives of locals who reside here.
Later that day, we visited the Royal Regalia Museum which displays regalia from the Sultan’s coronation among other artifacts related to Brunei’s royal heritage – quite fascinating from both an artistic and cultural perspective.
We dined at a local’s recommended restaurant trying out Murtabak (stuffed pancake) and Rojak (fruit and vegetable salad).
### Day 4: Jerudong Park & Departure
Before departing Brunei, we spent our final hours at Jerudong Park Playground which once was one of Asia’s largest amusement parks. A relaxed stroll here was a perfect end to our trip – it encapsulated both modernity juxtaposed against traditional aspects which define much about Brunei today.
Throughout our travels in Brunei Darussalam, not only did we enjoy diverse foods ranging from jungle-based fare to royal delicacies but also immersed ourselves fully into cultural experiences whether by observing prayer rituals or simply conversing with locals about their daily lives.
Brunei might be small but its cultural richness and natural beauty certainly left an indelible mark on us! Be sure not miss out on watching all these experiences on our vlog; it truly captures “What We Ate & Did” during our unforgettable journey across this unique sultanate!