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Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2023
World War II. Some wrecks are only
accessible for technical divers due to
their depths.
Diving is highly recommended during
Brunei’s dry season, between March
and October when the sea is calm and
divers are likely to encounter deeper
underwater visibility. Brunei’s water
averages 25-28 degrees Celsius, a
warm tropical temperature ideal for
diving. These conditions coupled with
exotic marine life in vast quantities are
perfect for underwater photography
or simply just to explore what nature
in Brunei has to offer. Two of the most
prominent diving operators in the
Sultanate are Oceanic Quest and Poni
Divers.
GOLFING
With multiple championship-grade golf
courses and the country’s warm sunny
weather, Brunei is an emerging must-
visit golfing destination particularly in
Southeast Asia. Explore the local golfing
scene with some of the highlights
below.
The Empire Brunei
Country Club
Situated within this luxurious hotel’s
compound is a world-class 18-hole
golf course, designed by legendary
American
golfer
Jack
Nicklaus.
Renowned as one of Asia’s finest
and well-loved for its immaculate
landscape, the golf course is littered
with strategically placed bunkers and
hazards. The signature hole is 549-yard
par five 15
th
that stretches along the
beach dotted with sprawling bunkers.
The course also treats players with a
gorgeous view of the South China Sea.
The golf course has hosted royalty
and heads of states from around the
world, in addition to prestigious golf
tournaments including the Asian Tour,
Aberdeen Senior Masters, Brunei Open
and the Royal Trophy.
Location: The Empire Brunei, Jerudong
Tel: 241 8222
Royal Brunei Golf &
Country Club
Designed by renowned American golf
course architect Ron Fream, this golf
course is one of the best in the world.
Fream described it as the “Augusta
National of Asia” due to its reputation
of being one of the best manicured
golf courses in Asia. Nestled within a
jungle landscape, it is distinctive for its
narrow, tree-flanked fairways, leading to
relatively small greens. This gives players’
short game skills a real challenge.
Location: Jerudong Park, Jerudong
Tel: 261 1582
Pantai Mentiri Golf
Club
The Pantai Mentiri Golf Club is a
6,105-metre, par-72 course suitable for
seasoned golfers and professionals.
The golf course is pepperedwith water
hazards throughout its compound,
offering a challenge for golfers who
wish to prove themselves to be among
the best. Golfers with a handicap of 10
and above will struggle to achieve a
net par score. In 1999, the golf course
played host to the golf event during
the 20
th
Southeast Asian Games, as
well as a slew of other amateur and
professional tournaments throughout
the years.
Location: Jalan Kota Batu, Bandar
Seri Begawan
Tel: 279 1021
Royal Brunei Airlines
Golf Club
Brunei’s first 18-hole public golf
course is located near the Brunei
International Airport and was designed
by world-renowned golf architect
Max Wexler. The golf course features
a flat terrain with huge man-made
lakes spread throughout the course
serving as irrigation. The golf course
is considered challenging due to the
preservation of its original vegetation
while the lakes play their part as
unforgiving obstacles.
Location: Brunei International
Airport, Berakas
Tel: 234 3724
Panaga Golf Club
Managed by the Panaga Club, this golf
course is located along Jalan Utara, with
Brunei Shell Petroleum’s headquarters
not far off. Its close proximity to the
sea in combination with its low-lying
lands means the course’s ponds and
ditches are susceptible to be filled
with seawater when a high tide occurs.
In 1978, the golf course hosted the
widely successful Brunei Open. It also
conducts the annual Panaga Open, a
local golfing event.
Location: Panaga Club, Seria
Tel: 337 2265, 337 5754, 337 2234