Discover the Heart of Bandar Seri Begawan: City Centre

• HelloSelamat sejahtera
  [suh-lah-maht say-jah-teh-rah]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-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-bahr]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awda?
  [bah-eek dahn ow-dah]
• Do you speak English?Awda boleh bercakap bahasa Inggeris?
  [ow-dah boh-leh bahr-chah-kahp bah-hah-sah ing-gehr-ees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, sila
  [sah-yah in-geen muh-lee-haht muh-nyoo see-lah]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yin]
• Cheers!Sihat!
  [see-haht]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, sila
  [sah-yah in-geen muhm-bah-yahr see-lah]

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

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah in-geen muhm-buh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sah-yah huhn-yah muh-lee-haht]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [buh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too tuhr-lah-loo mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-leh koor-ahn-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)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [suh-tuh-ngah (suh-poo-loo)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonPetang
  [puh-tahng]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ih-nee]
• TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [um-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-loo]

• 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 kepada saya (di peta)?
  [boh-leh toon-jook-kahn kuh-pah sah-yah (dee peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahr suh-teh-roos-nyah]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh ....)]

Bandar Seri Begawan, originally known as Brunei Town, became the capital of Brunei in 1970. The city was named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who played a pivotal role in modernizing Brunei and establishing it as a nation-state. This period marked the transition from a traditional sultanate to a contemporary political entity, influencing the architectural and cultural landscape of the city.

The city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan is steeped in Islamic heritage, evident in its grand mosques, particularly the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which was completed in 1958. This mosque, with its stunning golden dome and intricate design, serves as a symbol of Brunei's Islamic identity and is a focal point for community gatherings and religious activities.

In the late 20th century, Bandar Seri Begawan underwent significant economic development driven by the oil and gas sector. The wealth generated from these resources allowed for extensive urban development, leading to the establishment of modern infrastructure, government buildings, and commercial centers that characterize the city centre today.

The city centre has evolved to become a hub for civic engagement, with public spaces such as the Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas (Golden Jubilee Park) serving as venues for cultural events and celebrations. These areas reflect the community's values and are integral to the social fabric of Bandar Seri Begawan, fostering a sense of unity among residents.

Despite modernization, Bandar Seri Begawan has made concerted efforts to preserve its cultural identity. The city's architecture, which combines traditional Malay elements with contemporary designs, and initiatives to promote local arts and crafts, showcase Brunei's rich heritage, ensuring that the legacy of its past remains a vital part of its future.

Bandar Seri Begawan City Centre is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Bandar Seri Begawan. The main mode of transport is by taxi, which can be hailed throughout the city. Alternatively, public buses connect various neighbourhoods, with routes that frequently stop at the City Centre. The Brunei International Airport is located about 15 kilometers from the City Centre, and taxis are readily available for transfer.

Getting around Bandar Seri Begawan City Centre is convenient, as the area is compact and walkable. Public buses operate on set routes and are an economical way to explore the city. Taxis are also available and can be hailed or booked via mobile apps. Bicycles can be rented from local shops for a more leisurely exploration of the area.

Bandar Seri Begawan is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is advisable to stay cautious, especially in less populated areas after dark. Areas near markets and crowded places can attract petty theft, so keep an eye on personal belongings. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying expensive items.

In case of emergencies, dial 991 for police assistance, 999 for fire services, and 98 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals like RIPAS Hospital provide emergency services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical situations. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and staff usually speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites; avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove shoes when entering homes or mosques. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly; don’t eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake or a slight bow; don’t engage in overly familiar behavior. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food from locals; don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Bandar Seri Begawan City Centre like a local, visit the bustling Gadong Night Market for authentic street food. Engage with locals in small cafés where you can learn about Bruneian culture. Don’t miss the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, best visited early in the morning or at sunset for stunning photo opportunities. Consider exploring the nearby Kampong Ayer (Water Village) by boat for a unique perspective of the city.