The Jewel of Borneo: Bandar Seri Begawan

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-la-maht ting-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [see-lah]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awda?
  [bah-ee-kuh. dan ow-dah]
• Do you speak English?Awda boleh bertutur dalam Bahasa Inggeris?
  [ow-dah boh-luh buhr-too-tuhr dah-lahm bah-hah-sah ing-guh-rees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya mau melihat menu, sila
  [sah-yah mow muh-lee-haht meh-noo, see-lah]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yee-ng]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [suh-la-maht mee-noom]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, sila
  [sah-yah een-geen muhm-bah-yahr, see-lah]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi jauh-jauh!
  [puhr-gee jah-oo jah-oo]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tor]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sah-yah tuhr-suh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah een-geen muhm-beh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sah-yah huh-nyah muh-lee-haht]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [buh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too teh-rah-lah mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-luh ku-rahn-gahn hahr-gah]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool buh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahn]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Pukul setengah sepuluh
  [poo-kool suh-tuh-ngah suh-poo-looh]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonPetang
  [puh-tahng]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [uhm-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [uh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-looh]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [dee mah-nah]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [ah-pah ah-lah-maht-nyah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [boh-luh toon-jook-kahn sah-yah (dee peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-tuh-roos-nyah]
• A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)
  [suh-bwah tee-keht (keh ....)]

Bandar Seri Begawan, originally known as Brunei Town, has a rich history that dates back to the early 16th century. The city served as a pivotal trading hub for the Bruneian Empire, which controlled much of Borneo and the surrounding islands. Its strategic location along the Brunei River made it an ideal spot for maritime trade and cultural exchange. The early settlement was characterized by wooden stilt houses along the river, which laid the foundation for the vibrant water village, Kampong Ayer, that exists today.

During the 16th century, the Bruneian Empire was at its zenith, with Bandar Seri Begawan as its capital. The Sultanate expanded its influence through maritime prowess and trade relationships with regional powers, including China and the Malay Archipelago. The city became a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Arab traders, Chinese merchants, and indigenous Dayak communities. This era saw the construction of significant religious and cultural landmarks, including mosques and palaces, many of which have been restored or rebuilt over the years.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bandar Seri Begawan came under British protection as part of the broader colonial expansion in Southeast Asia. The British established administrative structures and introduced modern infrastructure, including roads and government buildings. However, the city faced significant challenges during World War II when Japanese forces occupied Brunei from 1941 to 1945. The occupation led to extensive damage, but it also sparked a sense of national identity and resilience among the Bruneian people.

After World War II, Bandar Seri Begawan underwent a period of reconstruction under British supervision. The post-war era saw the establishment of key institutions and modernization projects, including the development of healthcare and educational facilities. In 1959, Brunei adopted its first written constitution, and by 1962, the city had a new name: Bandar Seri Begawan, in honor of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The city continued to grow and modernize, setting the stage for Brunei's full independence from British rule in 1984.

Bandar Seri Begawan today is renowned for its blend of modernity and tradition. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, completed in 1958, which showcases exquisite Islamic architecture with its golden domes and marble minarets. Another significant structure is the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the largest in Brunei, built to commemorate the current Sultan's silver jubilee. These architectural marvels not only serve as places of worship but also as symbols of Brunei's cultural and religious heritage.

Kampong Ayer, often referred to as the 'Venice of the East,' is one of the oldest and most unique parts of Bandar Seri Begawan. This water village consists of traditional stilt houses and wooden walkways, offering a glimpse into the city's historical lifestyle. Despite modernization, Kampong Ayer remains a vibrant community, preserving its cultural heritage while integrating contemporary amenities. Visitors can explore the village by boat, visiting local homes, schools, and even museums that celebrate the rich history and traditions of the Bruneian people.

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, can be accessed via Brunei International Airport (BWN), located about 11 kilometers from the city center. Several international airlines operate flights to and from major cities in Asia, such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use the airport shuttle service to reach your accommodation. Additionally, the city is accessible by ferry from Labuan, Malaysia.

Transportation within Bandar Seri Begawan is convenient and varied. Taxis are plentiful and metered, though it is advisable to agree on a fare for longer journeys. The city also has an efficient public bus network with routes covering major attractions and neighborhoods. Car rental services are available for those who prefer to drive, but be aware that traffic drives on the left-hand side. Bicycles and scooters can also be rented for exploring the city at a leisurely pace.

The official currency of Brunei is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is interchangeable with the Singapore Dollar (SGD) at par value. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in more remote areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and currency exchange services can be found at the airport and major banks.

Bandar Seri Begawan is generally considered a very safe city for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists, but maintaining vigilance is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 993 for police assistance, 991 for an ambulance, and 995 for fire services. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital is the main hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan, offering comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and Islamic traditions. Dress appropriately and refrain from public displays of affection. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight nod. Handshakes are common but use your right hand. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bandar Seri Begawan like a local, visit the Tamu Kianggeh Market early in the morning to enjoy fresh produce and local delicacies. Spend time at the Kampong Ayer (Water Village) for a glimpse into traditional Bruneian life. Take a leisurely boat ride along the Brunei River for stunning views of the city skyline and mangrove forests. Engage with locals, as they are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and history.