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Furthermore, several tourism products
have been introduced and enhanced for
tourists, with the continuous support of
travel agents in promoting Brunei as the
preferred tourist destination.
In terms of flight services, RB is continuously
improving the air connectivity with the
introduction of new scheduled flights and
services to China, South Korea, Melbourne,
London and Dubai.
RB recently introduced RB Link flights, a
partnership with Malaysian low-cost carrier
Malindo Air. Passengers can visit new cities in
Borneo including Balikpapan, Kuching, Tawau,
Sandakan, Sibu and Bintulu.
Brunei is also beginning to make a name for
itself as a destination for Islamic tourism. In
the Global Muslim Travel Index for 2019, the
country was named the 10
th
best destination
for Muslim travellers among Organisation of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries.
The cruise industry is another area envisaged to
play a key role in boosting the country’s tourism
sector. According to the Tourism Development
Department under the Ministry of Primary
Resources and Tourism (MPRT), more than
130,000 arrivals via cruises and ferries into
Brunei were recorded between 2014 until 2018.
On average, 15 cruise ships arrive into Brunei
via Muara Port each year, bringing in around
400 to 3,000 passengers with each call.
Tour packages
In its effort to booth the tourism sector, the
Tourism Development Department of MPRT
introduced a number of tour packages, one
of which is Brunei River Heritage Trail. The
package puts the spotlight on the Brunei River
and enables visitors to explore the country’s
historical development while enjoying a scenic
cruise through the river. Visitors have the
opportunity to view the famous
Jong Batu
, a rock
outcrop located in the river and the subject of the
legend of Nakhoda Manis, as well as the island
of Lumut Lunting. The island is associated with
the local folktale of an epic cockfight between
the rulers of Brunei and the Majapahit Empire,
a story chronicled in the famed
Syair Awang
Semaun
. Visitors are also given a historical
account of the establishment of the traditional
stilt settlements on the Brunei River and its
banks, known widely today as Kampong Ayer.
To complement the Brunei River experience,
the Tourism Development Department of
MPRT launched the Kampong Ayer Walking
Trail package, showcasing the traditional
charm of everyday Kampong Ayer life. Some
of the interesting sights on the trail include
a visit to the local
kuih-muih
or cake makers,
woodcrafter, pottery house, Kampong Ayer
Police Station and schools.
The Tourism Development Department of MPRT
also launched ‘Discover Muara’, a tour package
aimed to feature Serasa and Muara as tourism
hotspots. The tour package also aims to attract
tourists to Pekan Muara, a town once home to a
lucrative coal mine called the Brooketon Colliery
in the late 1800s until it was closed in 1924.
Today, the tranquil beach town of Muara is a
favourite spot for locals and visitors, and is also
location of the Brunei-Australia Memorial site
in commemoration of Anzac Day celebrated
annually on April 25. Beyond the historical
landmarks in Muara is Bukit Tempayan Pisang,
which offers jungle trekking for avid hikers
and a splendid view of Brunei Bay, Temburong
Bridge, Muara Port and Pulau Muara Besar.
Along the way, visitors will be able to see two
caves – Radat Cave and Harimau Cave, each
with its own enticing legend.
Ecotourism developments
With over 70 per cent of the land in Brunei
Darussalam covered in pristine jungle, there
are many different hiking trails in the country
to explore and disconnect from the world.
Bukit Sipatir is the latest addition to Brunei’s
popular hiking tracks, officially launched on
January 1, 2020.
In addition, Brunei will build its first luxury
eco-resort in Temburong District, projected to
cost BND4.5 million. The Tourism Development
Department, under MPRT, appointed Eco-
Green Development Sdn Bhd to develop the
eco-resort following the contract signing on
January 6, 2020.
Located in Kampong Perdayan, the eco-
resort will house facilities such as a spa and
a swimming pool. The resort will also have
outdoor recreational facilities such as zip-lining.
Eco-Green Development will also refurbish and
operate the old District Office at Pekan Bangar.
The company will provide an information centre
for visitors to Temburong District and exhibit
spaces for the local community to showcase
and sell their traditional handicrafts products.
The Tourism Development Department
appointed Sunshine Borneo Tours and Travel
Sdn Bhd to develop a river centre for the
safe provision of temuai or longboat shuttle
services from Kampong Batang Duri to the
Ulu Temburong National Park. The river centre
will also serve as a comfortable ante-room for
tourists awaiting the arrival of their longboat,
showcasing cultural products and handicrafts
by the Temburong community.