Brunei -Borneo- May 2009

After leaving Labuan we motored the short distance to the Islamic sultanate of Brunei lying between the Malaysian States of Sabah an Sarawak in north Boreneo. Brunei is one of the smallest and wealthiest countries in the world having made its money from oil and petroleum.  

(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

City Centre

When we went to "check in" with customs and immigration we also had to have our temperature taken as "a health check" as the H1N1 flue was raging then.

Hamamas and Gaia anchored outside the Kota Batu YC

Celebrating with Jim and Helen from Gaia

We spent 2 weeks anchored either at the Serasa Yacht Club or in the river near the Kota Batu Yacht Club.

We were please to see Gaia anchored when we arrived and over the following weeks had a lot of fun with them and even helped them celebrate an anniversary.

We also enjoyed swimming at the Serasa Yacht Club pool and meals at the both Yacht Cluhouses. No alcohol is sold at the restaurants but the Clubs allows BYO. I imagine this is because of the huge number of expats working in Brunei with the Oil Companies.

Again we played tourists visiting all the major sights including the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque which was completed in 1958. It is built with Italian marble, gold mosaic and English stained glass. There is also a replica of a 16th century royal barge anchored in the lagoon.

The Mosque

We also visited the Royal Regalia Museum which houses the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armory and the Sultans jewel encrusted crown. As well it displays all the unusual gifts the Sultan has received from state and world dignitaries. Some of the gifts are very impressive and others just plain ugly. Sorry no photos were allowed. The display of wealth both inside and out of these two buildings is incredible and we didn't even see the Royal Palace of Light with it's 1788 room!

Water Village and Pollution!

In stark comparison is Kampong Ayer which is sometimes called "The Venice of the East."

Kampong Ayer is a sprawling water village on stilts protruding into the Brunei River, in fact, this is one of the world's largest water villages and it has existed for four centuries.

Currently it is home to about 30,000 people and has schools,clinics, a police station, shops and a mosque all within the water village. Just imagine the pollution which travels up and down the shallow river with the tide!

The Central Market was a delight with it's variety of fresh and dried food and all the other odds and sods.

A variety of Wares at the Central Market

Chile Anyone?

Temple Gates

Chinese Temple

On the morning we were due to leave Brunei poor Hamamas had a unhappy experience. During a squall another yacht dragged it's mooring and ended up bashing into Hamamas near the stern damaging some of the teak on the cap rail. Fortunately, the damage was minor and Tom has been able to do a patch up job until we can buy some new teak. (refer to "Thing that Go Bump in the Morning" in "Tall and Not So Tall Tales")

Although we enjoyed our stay we were both disappointed in Brunei after the our wonderful experience in Sabah. Perhaps we just didn't stay long enough.