Hiking has become one of the country’s preferred sports and recreational activities, and it has been accepted by the wider community including seniors.
Among the hiking trails in the country are Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreational Park, Tasek Lama Recreational Park, Wasai Wong Kadir Recreational Park, Labi; Bukit Batu Bujang Pahang, Bukit Patoi Forest Recreational Park and Bukit Sum Sum.
Bukit Merikan Recreational Park was officially opened in October 2020, offering accessible jungle tracks and a few challenging uphill routes with a scenic view of the Brunei skyline. Two vantage checkpoints on Bukit Merikan provide scenic views of Kampong Ayer and Istana Nurul Iman, while the third and highest checkpoint offers a breathtaking aerial view of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge.
In early 2021, the Bukit Saeh Recreational Park was officially opened with four hiking tracks and 16 checkpoints. Bukit Saeh is the highest hill in the district, situated 728 metres above sea level and located about six kilometres from the capital.
Following the second wave of coronavirus infections and temporary closure of gyms, many opted to jog in their compound or surrounding areas to keep themselves fit while staying at home. Jogging is a convenient option and doesn’t require any equipment apart from a pair of sports shoes to get started.
The Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Damuan Park and Tasek Lama Recreational Park are popular spots among avid joggers. Many can be seen jogging around the tracks early in the morning or late afternoon, especially on weekends.
Having gained popularity in the past years, cycling has been recognised as a national pastime. Cyclists can often be seen pedalling on weekends, especially on Sundays during the Bandarku Ceria programme.
Cycling is made even more special with the active participation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Major cycling activities in the past included the event in 2017, where over 1,000 cyclists participated in His Majesty’s Golden Jubilee cycling recreation event to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.
In February 2018, Brunei’s capital once again witnessed a grand show of patriotism as over 1,000 cyclists from all walks of life participated in the cycling event in conjunction with the 34th National Day celebration led by His Majesty.
Copyright 2019 Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2019 All rights reserved.
