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{{Short description|Capital and largest city of Brunei}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Bandar Seri Begawan
| settlement_type = Capital city
| native_name = {{no bold|{{Script/Arabic|بندر سري بڬاوان}}}} ([[Jawi script|Jawi]])
| native_name_lang = ms
| translit_lang1 = Other
| translit_lang1_type1 = [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]]
| translit_lang1_info1 = {{lang|zh-hans|斯里巴加湾市}} <br />''Sīlǐbājiāwānshì'' ([[Hanyu Pinyin]])
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| total_width = 300
| border = infobox
| perrow = 1/2/2/2
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Pusat Bandar, Brunei skyline.jpg
| caption1 = Skyline of the [[Pusat Bandar, Brunei|city centre]]
| image2 = Brunei Fireworks & Drone Light Show 2024 12.jpg
| caption2 = [[Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque]]
| image3 = Pusat Bandar 19 February 2023 11.jpg
| caption3 = [[Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien]]
| image4 = KgAyer.jpg
| caption4 = [[Kampong Ayer]]
| image5 = BN-bsb-jame-asr-hassanil-m-2.jpg
| caption5 = [[Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque]]
| image6 = Indonesia-Brunei 17 October 2023 01.jpg
| caption6 = [[Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium]]
| image7 = Bandar Seri Begawan 31 December 2022 06.jpg
| caption7 = [[Brunei Energy Hub]]
}}
| nicknames = The Venice of the East<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/n3/2019/1028/c90000-9627157.html |title=The Venice of the East |publisher=People.cn |access-date=2021-06-11}}</ref>
| image_map = {{hidden begin|title=OpenStreetMap|ta1=center}}{{Infobox mapframe|wikidata=yes|coord={{Coord|4.890278|N|114.942222|E}}|frame-width=250|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=11}}{{hidden end}}
| pushpin_map = Brunei#Asia
| pushpin_relief = 1
| pushpin_label_position = top
| coordinates = {{coord|4|53|25|N|114|56|32|E|region:BN|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = [[Brunei]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Districts of Brunei|District]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Brunei–Muara District|Brunei–Muara]]
| established_title = Settled
| established_date = 1906
| established_title1 = [[Administrative centre]]
| established_date1 = 1909
| established_title2 = Municipality
| established_date2 = 1 January 1921
| established_title3 = Renamed Bandar Seri Begawan
| established_date3 = 4 October 1970
| governing_body = Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board
| area_total_km2 = 100.36
| population_density_km2 = 1,003.39
| population_est = 100,700
| pop_est_as_of = 2007
| area_code = +673 2
| website = [https://www.bandaran-bsb.gov.bn/Theme/Home.aspx bandaran-bsb.gov.bn]
| timezone = [[Brunei Darussalam Time|BNT]]
| utc_offset = +8
}}
'''Bandar Seri Begawan'''{{efn|{{respell|BAHN|dahr|_|SUH|ree|_|BUH|gah|wahn}};<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cohen |first=Saul Bernard |title=The Columbia Gazetteer of the World: A to G |date=2008 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-14554-1 |pages=299 |language=en}}</ref> [[Jawi alphabet|Jawi]]: {{Script/Arabic|بندر سري بڬاوان}}; {{IPA|ms|ˌbandar səˌri bəˈɡawan|lang|Bandar Seri Begawan-pronunciation-Malay.ogg}}}} ('''BSB''') is the capital and largest city of [[Brunei]]. It is officially a [[Municipalities of Brunei|municipal area]] ({{Lang|ms|kawasan bandaran}}) with an area of {{convert|100.36|km2|sqmi}} and an estimated population of 100,700 as of 2007.<ref name="pop_est">{{Cite web |url=http://www.municipal-bsb.gov.bn/SitePages/Maklumat%20Bandaran.aspx |title=Jabatan Bandaran Bandar Seri Begawan, Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri – Maklumat Bandaran |website=municipal-bsb.gov.bn |language=ms-BN |access-date=2 October 2017 |archive-date=2 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002115536/http://www.municipal-bsb.gov.bn/SitePages/Maklumat%20Bandaran.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{update needed|date=November 2024}} It is part of [[Brunei–Muara District]], the smallest yet most populous district which is home to over 70 percent of the country's population.<ref name="OBG">{{cite web |url=https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/built-environment-public-works-are-providing-stream-contracts-while-reforms-and-economic |title=Built environment: Public works are providing a stream of contracts, while reforms and economic diversification pave the way for further growth | Brunei Darussalam 2013 | Oxford Business Group |website=oxfordbusinessgroup.com |date=2 May 2013 |access-date=14 July 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714084304/https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/built-environment-public-works-are-providing-stream-contracts-while-reforms-and-economic |archive-date=14 July 2022}}</ref> It is the country's largest urban centre and nominally the country's only city. The capital is home to Brunei's seat of government, as well as a commercial and cultural centre. It was formerly known as '''Brunei Town''' until it was renamed in 1970 in honour of [[Omar Ali Saifuddien III]], the 28th [[Sultan of Brunei]] and the father of Sultan [[Hassanal Bolkiah]].
The history of Bandar Seri Begawan can be traced back to the establishment of a [[Bruneian Malay people|Malay]] stilt settlement on the waters of the [[Brunei River]] which became the predecessor of [[Kampong Ayer]] today. It became the capital of the [[Bruneian Sultanate (1368–1888)|Bruneian Sultanate]] from the 16th century onwards, as well as in the 19th century when it became a British protectorate. The establishment of a British Residency in the 20th century saw the establishment of modern-day administration on land, as well as the gradual resettlement of the riverine dwellers to the land. During [[World War II]], the capital was [[Japanese occupation of British Borneo|occupied by the Japanese forces]] from 1941 and bombed in 1945 upon liberation by Allied forces. Brunei's independence from the British was declared on 1 January 1984 on a square in the [[Pusat Bandar, Brunei|city centre]].
Bandar Seri Begawan is home to [[Istana Nurul Iman]], the largest residential palace in the world by the [[Guinness World Records]],<ref name="GWR">{{cite web |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-residential-palace |title=Largest residential palace | Guinness World Records |website=[[Guinness World Records]] |access-date=14 July 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318155429/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-residential-palace |archive-date=18 March 2022 }}</ref> and [[Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque]], Brunei's iconic landmark. It is also home to [[Kampong Ayer]], the largest 'water village' in the world and nicknamed [[Venice of the East]].<ref name="CNN 24.1.2018">{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/kampong-ayer-brunei-water-village/index.html |title=Brunei's Kampong Ayer: Largest settlement on stilts |first1=Maggie Hiufu |last1=Wong |first2=Dan |last2=Tham |date=24 January 2018 |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=14 July 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708131538/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/kampong-ayer-brunei-water-village/index.html |archive-date=8 July 2022 }}</ref> It was the host city of the [[1999 Southeast Asian Games|20th Southeast Asian Games]] in 1999 and 8th [[APEC]] Summit in 2000.
{{TOC limit|3}}
== Etymology ==
Bandar Seri Begawan was named after [[Omar Ali Saifuddien III]], the 28th [[Sultan of Brunei]].<ref name="Group2009">{{cite book |title=The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2009 |publisher=Oxford Business Group |year=2009 |isbn=9781907065095 |page=215}}</ref> Seri Begawan is part of the royal title bestowed on the late sultan upon his abdication in favor of his son, [[Hassanal Bolkiah]], in 1967.<ref name="Group2009" />{{Sfn|World and Its Peoples|2007|p=1206}} The city was renamed on 4 October 1970 to commemorate his contribution to the modernisation of the country during his reign in the 20th century.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/religious-ceremony-marks-bandar-brunei-renaming/ |title=Religious ceremony marks Bandar Brunei renaming |first=Hakim |last=Hayat |date=28 September 2017 |newspaper=Borneo Bulletin Online |access-date=19 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411112820/http://borneobulletin.com.bn/religious-ceremony-marks-bandar-brunei-renaming/ |archive-date=11 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=<!-- not stated --> |title=PERASMIAN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN |url=http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/1970/7%20oktober%201970.pdf |access-date=14 July 2021 |newspaper=Pelita Brunei |number=40 |date=7 October 1970 |pages=1, 8 |language=ms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Department of Government Printing, Prime Minister's Office, Brunei Darussalam |date=2013 |title=Brunei Darussalam In Brief |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Media%20Document%20Library/Brunei%20Today/brunei%20in%20brief_FINAL%202.pdf |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=www.information.gov.bn2 |page=45}}</ref> Prior to this, the city had been known as Brunei Town or {{lang|ms|Bandar Brunei}} in [[Malay language|Malay]] (literally "Brunei City").{{Sfn|Ring|Watson|Schellinger|2012|p=161}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://brudirect.com/news.php?id=12577 |title=Bandar Seri Begawan's Historical Development |date=27 August 2016 |website=brudirect.com |access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref>
==
=== Early history ===
The growth and development of Brunei's historic capital city unfolded in three main stages. The first stage began in the 17th century with the emergence of a water settlement near present-day [[Kota Batu, Brunei|Kota Batu]]. In the second stage the capital shifted to the area around what is now [[Kampong Ayer]]—a collection of water villages.{{Sfn|Sidhu|2009|p=32}} Today, Kampong Ayer, originally the ancient capital built over the [[Brunei River]], serves as a suburb of the modern capital on adjacent land,{{Sfn|Brown|1984|p=203}} having thrived particularly during Sultan [[Bolkiah]]'s reign.{{Sfn|Wright|1977|p=13}} This city was developed on land during the third phase, particularly after 1906.{{Sfn|Sidhu|2009|p=32}}
Over 300 years of intermittent conflict between the Malay Muslim tribes and Spanish conquistadors, known in Spanish chronicles as the [[Malay–Portuguese conflicts|Moro Wars]], began in 1578 when Catholic Spaniards attacked Kampong Ayer during the [[Castilian War]].{{Sfn|Wright|1977|p=13}} Pirates, many of whom were Muslim sailors from the southern Philippines and Borneo, including destitute princes from the royal families of [[Sultanate of Sulu|Sulu]] and Brunei, took advantage of the void left by Kampong Ayer's loss in authority throughout the 16th and 17th century. Along with other important sites like [[Endau]] and [[Jolo]], the capital became a major hub for piracy and the trade in stolen goods and slaves as the sultan attempted to regulate or tax these pirate towns.{{Sfn|Wright|1977|p=17–18}}[[File:Bandar Seri Begawan in 1844.jpg|thumb|An illustration of Kampong Ayer's stilt houses on the Brunei River in 1844]]Kampong Ayer was still humble and less affluent by the middle of the 19th century, and its look had not altered much since [[Antonio Pigafetta]]'s time. It was dubbed a "Venice of hovels" by [[Rajah James Brooke]] in 1841. Houses were constructed on [[mudflat]]s, encircled by mud at low tide and water at high tide, and a floating market was crowded with people peddling things from canoes. Despite its unattractive appearance, the town was renowned for its packed buildings and the spacious but uncomfortable palace, where Brooke was made to feel quite welcome by the sultan and his court despite the gloomy and basic lodgings.{{Sfn|Wright|1977|p=19–20}}
Known as the "Venice of Borneo," Kampong Ayer is distinguished by its position on a wide river that empties into a sizeable lake and by the fact that its homes are perched on piles that are around {{Convert|10|ft}} above the tide. The formerly thriving town has lost both size and significance, as seen by its dilapidated buildings and shortage of defences. Once enclosed by a sturdy brick wall and furnished with opulent furnishings, the sultan's palace looks like a cheap shed. The town's filthy state is exacerbated by offensive smells coming from uncovered mud, where waste builds up. In sharp contrast to the town's historical splendour, the majority of the population is made up of slaves and the Sultan's and nobility's dependents.{{Sfn|Wright|1977|p=20–22}}
=== Colonial era ===
Brunei Town's development unfolded in three major phases, with the third beginning in 1906 under [[Malcolm Stewart Hannibal McArthur|Malcolm McArthur]]'s guidance, focusing on transitioning the settlement to land.{{Sfn|Sidhu|2009|p=32}} His vision aimed to address the sanitation issues that were most severe in Kampong Ayer, a water village with 8,000–10,000 residents when the [[List of administrators of British Brunei|Residential system]] was introduced. McArthur prioritised constructing a land-based colony,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=[[Universiti Brunei Darussalam]] |title=Kampong Ayer Houses |url=http://dscapplications.com/ubdbruneiheritage/Information.php?id=10 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=dscapplications.com}}</ref> starting with his own residence, [[Bubungan Dua Belas]], even though the sultan's palace remained in Kampong Ayer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |title=Bubungan 12 |url=https://dscapplications.com/ubdbruneiheritage/Information.php?id=8 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=dscapplications.com}}</ref> By 1910, Chinese immigrants had opened shops, further establishing the colony on land.{{Sfn|Sidhu|2009|p=32}}
In 1911 the water village, largely populated by [[Islam in Brunei|Malay Muslim]] and a small [[Kedayan]] community in nearby areas, was home to many houses built over water.{{Sfn|Horton|1986|p=354}} The capital endured severe hardship after losing [[Limbang]], which had provided essential resources to river villagers; this loss also undermined Sultan [[Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin]]'s prestige and authority amid growing economic challenges.{{Sfn|Horton|1986|p=356}} In 1920, the area was officially designated as Brunei's capital and municipal territory.{{Sfn|Sidhu|2009|p=32}} Along the western riverbanks, government buildings and a mosque were constructed in the same year.{{Sfn|World and Its Peoples|2007|p=1206}} Later on 1 January 1921, the Brunei Town Sanitary Board (BTSB) was established to oversee its development.{{Sfn|Sidhu|2009|p=32}} In 1922, Sultan [[Muhammad Jamalul Alam II]]'s decision to relocate his palace from [[Kampong Sultan Lama|Kampung Sultan Lama]] to the interior of Brunei Town{{Efn|Istana Majlis, the new land-based palace of Jamalul Alam, was finished in 1921.{{Sfn|Pg. Haji Ibrahim|1996|p=91}}}} renewed interest in Resident McArthur's proposal for relocating the [[Kampong Ayer]] community. His involvement inspired Kampong Ayer residents to consider mainland resettlement, and relocation efforts in the 1920s began expanding beyond the [[Pusat Bandar, Brunei|city centre]] to areas like [[Tungkadeh]] and [[Kumbang Pasang]], marking a significant shift in Brunei's urban development.{{Sfn|Asbol|2014|p=63–64}}
[[File:128816 Fires burn in Brunei town after rocket attacks.jpg|left|thumb|Aerial photograph of Brunei Town under Allied bombing in 1945]]
[[File:80-G-259688 Brunei invasion, June 1945.jpg|thumb|[[Naval bombardment]] prior to the Allied landings at [[Muara Beach]]]]
After the Japanese launched an assault starting in [[Kuala Belait]], Brunei Town was overrun by them on 22 December 1941. To British officers they had seized, the Japanese declared their intention to free Asia from colonial rule.{{Sfn|Marles|Jukim|Dhont|2016|p=7}} Due to an [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] embargo that hampered the local economy, Brunei Town experienced extreme economic duress during the [[Japanese occupation of Brunei|Japanese occupation]]. On 22 December 1941, Sultan [[Ahmad Tajuddin]], who was based in [[Kampong Sumbiling Lama|Kampong Sumbiling]], surrendered to [[Kiyotake Kawaguchi|General Tawaguchi]]. By encouraging agriculture and requiring farmers to turn over a percentage of their harvests, Japan sought to integrate Brunei's culture and economy with its own, appointing [[Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar]] as head of administration under Governor Takamura.{{Sfn|Marles|Jukim|Dhont|2016|p=8–9}} The Japanese instituted stringent cultural initiatives, such as teaching Japanese language and values and establishing youth groups like the Brunei Malay Organisation, in an effort to exploit the oil riches. The town was brutally bombarded by Allied forces beginning in November 1944 and subjected to extreme brutality by the Japanese military police, the ''[[Kempeitai]]''.{{Sfn|Marles|Jukim|Dhont|2016|p=8}}
After three days of warfare, American and Australian forces captured Brunei on 10 June 1945, but Brunei Town suffered significant damage. Brunei Malays had a stronger sense of national identity at this time, and local partners went on to play important roles in the burgeoning nationalist movement.{{Sfn|Marles|Jukim|Dhont|2016|p=8}} The town's wartime population of 16,000 was reduced to a small number of people who remained when the war came to a close due to Allied bombs and food shortages. Residents were forced to observe from neighboring hills or take cover in the bush after the bombers destroyed almost all of the town's homes and businesses. Bruneians started reconstructing their homes out of the debris left by the bombs after the Japanese withdrew into the forest in June 1945.{{Sfn|Marles|Jukim|Dhont|2016|p=25}}
[[File:Bandar Brunei (1947).jpg|left|thumb|Brunei Town (right) in 1947]]
The town became a focal point for important institutional and religious transformation following the war. To further Islamic matters, a board of 19 notable individuals and not all of them were religious experts, was formed in 1948. To increase the sultan's legitimacy in the face of British scrutiny, this reform sought to standardise religious courts, codify [[Islamic law]], and enhance the management of Islamic services under his direct control. Despite having little contact with Brunei's western regions, new groups like the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] contributed to the region's religious life in the 1950s, which witnessed a considerable increase in religious activity in the town. Despite the oil industry's fast growth in urban areas like [[Seria]] and [[Kuala Belait]], no clear regional religious identity was able to emerge because of the close institutional ties between Brunei Town's religious establishment and the surrounding districts.{{Sfn|Mansurnoor|1996|p=50}}[[File:Brunei Town in 1950.jpg|thumb|right|Brunei Town's city centre in 1950]]In the post-war period, particularly throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Brunei focused on social and religious growth as well as urban reconstruction. Years of occupation during the [[Pacific War]] had left the city's infrastructure severely damaged, necessitating quick solutions like the rapid reconstruction of Brunei Town's stores and the temporary thatched-roof rebuild of Masjid Kajang.{{Sfn|Mansurnoor|1996|p=49}} In 1953, the town saw significant investment through a five-year [[National Development Plan (Brunei)|National Development Plan]] funded with [[Malayan dollar|M$]]100 million, primarily for infrastructure, following Sultan [[Omar Ali Saifuddien III]]'s successful negotiation with the British for increased corporate taxes and expanded war reparations.{{Sfn|Marie-Sybille de Vienne|2015|p=105–108}} In 1953, a major development plan was introduced, dedicating $100 million to the city's growth—a significant investment for a community of just 54,000.{{Sfn|Mansurnoor|1996|p=49}} That same year on 1 August,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Brunei '78 – 81 |date=1978 |publisher=Information Section, Department of State Secretariat |___location=Bandar Seri Begawan |pages=37 |language=en}}</ref> the BTSB was renamed the Brunei Town Municipal Board (BTMB) and administered by the British Resident until 1959. From then on, the Brunei–Muara District Officer took on dual roles as head and chairman of the BTMB.{{Sfn|Sidhu|2009|p=32}}
Brunei's population tripled to 83,877 by 1960 as a result of immigration brought on by oilfield finds in Belait.{{Sfn|Horton|1986|p=354}} The capital was now competing economically with the burgeoning cities of Seria and Kuala Belait. Although the majority did not hold Bruneian citizenship, the Chinese community, who were extensively involved in local commerce, increased to a quarter of the population by 1960.{{Sfn|Horton|1986|p=355}} The [[Brunei revolt]] began on 8 December 1962, when the [[North Kalimantan National Army]] quickly captured Brunei Town, the [[Seria oil field|oilfields at Seria]], and portions of [[Sarawak]] and [[Sabah|North Borneo]]. In response, British forces, including [[Royal Gurkha Rifles|Gurkhas]] and [[Royal Marines]], regained control of most key centres by 11 December, resulting in the capture or surrender of around 2,700.{{Sfn|Stockwell|2004|p=798}}
=== Independence era ===
Together with the expansion of the oil and gas industry, commercialisation began to transform Brunei's capital and a large number of public buildings were constructed, along with the development of a central business district in the 1970s and 1980s.{{Sfn|World and Its Peoples|2007|p=1206}}{{Sfn|Ring|Watson|Schellinger|2012|p=161}} Brunei Town was formally renamed Bandar Seri Begawan on 4 October 1970, in honour of the retired Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, with the renaming ceremony held at the capital.{{Sfn|Great Britain Colonial Office|1971|p=363}} On 1 January 1984, at midnight, Sultan [[Hassanal Bolkiah]] declared Brunei's [[National Day (Brunei)|independence]] at the [[Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brunei Darussalam National Day |url=https://aipasecretariat.org/brunei-darussalam-national-day/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=aipasecretariat.org |language=en-US |archive-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305103546/https://aipasecretariat.org/brunei-darussalam-national-day/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] has been in charge of the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board since the country's independence in 1984. The new town has grown along Jalan Berakas and Jalan Muara in the north and Jalan Tutong and Jalan Gadong in the west.{{Sfn|Sidhu|2009|p=32}} A 1998 ''[[Asia Week]]'' study ranked Bandar Seri Begawan among Asia's top capital cities for 1999 and 2000, highlighting its cleanliness and security as key factors in its recognition.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dk. Hajah Fatimah Pg. Haji Md. Noor |date=2006-10-04 |title=36 tahun penukaran Bandar Brunei menjadi Bandar Seri Begawan hari ini |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2006/04%20OKTOBER%202006.pdf |access-date=2025-01-31 |work=www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn |publisher=Pelita Brunei |pages=5 |language=ms}}</ref>
On 1 August 2007, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah gave consent for the expansion of the city from {{convert|12.87|km2|abbr=on}} to {{convert|100.36|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Cambridge2014">{{cite book |author=Shirleen Cambridge |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TIjFBAAAQBAJ&pg=PP8 |title=Ultimate Handbook Guide to Bandar Seri Begawan : (Brunei) Travel Guide |publisher=MicJames |year=2014 |page=8 |id=GGKEY:16PGAE1LKCQ}}</ref>
==Government==
The city is administered by the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board within Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, a government department within the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Municipal Board was established in 1921, originally as a Sanitary Board (''{{lang|ms|Lembaga Kebersihan}}'') which was, and is still, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness to the then Brunei Town.<ref name="bandaran19may19">{{cite web |title=Mengenai Bandaran |url=http://bandaran-bsb.gov.bn/SitePages/Mengenai%20Bandaran.aspx |access-date=19 May 2019 |website=Jabatan Bandaran Bandar Seri Begawan |language=ms}}</ref> It achieved the status of ''{{lang|ms|bandaran}}'' (municipality) in 1935 with the conversion of the Sanitary Board into the current Municipal Board (''{{lang|ms|Lembaga Bandaran}}'').<ref name="bandaran19may19" />
The city is in the [[Brunei–Muara District]], the smallest yet the most populous [[districts of Brunei|district]] in the country,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statoids.com/ubn.html|title=Districts of Brunei Darussalam|author=Gwillim Law|publisher=Statoids|date=30 October 2013|access-date=11 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511120011/http://www.statoids.com/ubn.html|archive-date=11 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and as of 1 August 2007, the municipal area has been expanded from {{convert|12.87|km2|sqmi}} to {{convert|100.36|km2|sqmi}}. The Bandar Seri Begawan area encompasses several [[mukims of Brunei|mukims]] and [[villages of Brunei|villages]] within the district, including [[Mukim Berakas 'A']], [[Mukim Berakas 'B']], [[Mukim Burong Pingai Ayer]], [[Mukim Gadong 'A']], [[Mukim Gadong 'B']], [[Mukim Kianggeh]], [[Mukim Kilanas]], [[Mukim Kota Batu]], [[Mukim Peramu]], [[Mukim Saba]], [[Mukim Sungai Kebun]], [[Mukim Sungai Kedayan]], and [[Mukim Tamoi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/cebn/eng/wlxw/t343648.htm|title=Brunei capital to become nearly ten times bigger|author1=Za'im Zaini|author2=Sonia K|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bandar Seri Begawan|date=23 July 2007|access-date=1 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501110340/http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/cebn/eng/wlxw/t343648.htm|archive-date=1 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://agc.gov.bn/AGC%20Images/LAWS/Gazette_PDF/2008/EN/S050.pdf |title=BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN MUNICIPAL BOARD (BOUNDARIES OF MUNICIPAL BOARD AREA) DECLARATION, 2008 |website=agc.gov.bn |access-date=2 September 2021}}</ref>
==Geography==
The Brunei–Muara District, encompassing {{Convert|563|km2}}, is the smallest of Brunei's western districts and is home to Bandar Seri Begawan. The area contrasts sharply with the mountainous Temburong District to the east, featuring low hills, marshy coastal plains, and narrow alluvial valleys along key rivers.{{Sfn|Chua|Chou|Sadorra|1987|p=5}} Between [[Tutong District|Tutong]] and the capital, hills approach the coast, while the coastal plains around Bandar Seri Begawan remain low and marshy, particularly to the south. Brunei's territory is divided by the [[Limbang]] region of [[Sarawak]], which historically served as the capital's natural [[hinterland]] until its cession to Sarawak in 1890.{{Sfn|Saunders|2013|p=xvi}} The city is easily accessible from Bukit Kota, a 133-meter (436 ft) hill near the eastern boundary of Brunei's western area,<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Brunei Museum Journal |date=1985 |publisher=[[Brunei Museum]] |pages=135 |language=en}}</ref> while TV broadcasts were transmitted from nearby [[Kampong Subok|Subok Hill]].{{Sfn|Gunaratne|2000|p=229}}
The [[Brunei River]], which flows into [[Brunei Bay]], is one of several waterways converging near Bandar Seri Begawan. Key subcatchments—[[Kedayan River]], Sungai Damuan, and Sungai Imang—enter the low-lying, swampy Brunei River basin at various points, with Kedayan River joining close to the city. The area is bordered by ridges and estuarine plains, experiencing significant urban development. The neighboring [[Tutong River|Tutong]] and [[Belait River|Belait]] rivers add to the region's complex estuarine and floodplain systems.{{Sfn|Chua|Chou|Sadorra|1987|p=10}} A strip of thick coal seams runs along the coastline between Bandar Seri Begawan and Muara.{{Sfn|Chua|Chou|Sadorra|1987|p=65}}
===Climate===
Brunei has an equatorial, [[tropical rainforest climate]] more subject to the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] than to the [[trade wind]]s and rare [[cyclone]]s. The climate is hot and wet.<ref>{{citation|encyclopedia=Britannica Student Encyclopedia|title=Brunei|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6IOKAwAAQBAJ&pg=RA1-PA137|year=2014|isbn=978-1-62513-172-0|page=1}}</ref> The city sees heavy precipitation throughout the year, with the northeast [[monsoon]] blowing from December to March and the southeast monsoon from around June to October.<ref name="Nations1999">{{cite book|author=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations|title=Irrigation in Asia in Figures|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb__pXx0GpVWoUC|year=1999|publisher=Food & Agriculture Org.|isbn=978-92-5-104259-5|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb__pXx0GpVWoUC/page/n68 65]–}}</ref> The wettest day on record is 9 July 2020, when {{Convert|662.0|mm}} of rainfall was reported at the airport.
{{Weather box
|___location = Bandar Seri Begawan ([[Brunei Airport]]) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1972–2020)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|collapsed =
| Jan record high C = 35.5
| Feb record high C = 36.7
| Mar record high C = 38.3
| Apr record high C = 37.6
| May record high C = 36.7
| Jun record high C = 36.2
| Jul record high C = 36.2
| Aug record high C = 37.6
| Sep record high C = 36.9
| Oct record high C = 35.4
| Nov record high C = 34.9
| Dec record high C = 36.2
| year record high C =
| Jan high C = 33.0
| Feb high C = 33.4
| Mar high C = 34.3
| Apr high C = 34.5
| May high C = 34.8
| Jun high C = 34.5
| Jul high C = 34.7
| Aug high C = 35.1
| Sep high C = 34.6
| Oct high C = 33.9
| Nov high C = 33.6
| Dec high C = 33.5
| year high C =
| Jan mean C = 27.0
| Feb mean C = 27.2
| Mar mean C = 27.6
| Apr mean C = 28.0
| May mean C = 28.1
| Jun mean C = 27.9
| Jul mean C = 27.7
| Aug mean C = 27.8
| Sep mean C = 27.6
| Oct mean C = 27.2
| Nov mean C = 27.2
| Dec mean C = 27.2
| year mean C =
| Jan low C = 22.1
| Feb low C = 22.4
| Mar low C = 22.7
| Apr low C = 22.8
| May low C = 22.8
| Jun low C = 22.6
| Jul low C = 22.4
| Aug low C = 22.4
| Sep low C = 22.3
| Oct low C = 22.3
| Nov low C = 22.6
| Dec low C = 22.5
| year low C =
|Jan record low C = 18.4
|Feb record low C = 18.9
|Mar record low C = 19.4
|Apr record low C = 20.5
|May record low C = 20.3
|Jun record low C = 19.2
|Jul record low C = 19.1
|Aug record low C = 19.4
|Sep record low C = 19.6
|Oct record low C = 20.5
|Nov record low C = 18.8
|Dec record low C = 19.5
|year record low C =
|rain colour = green
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 320.6
| Feb precipitation mm = 162.9
| Mar precipitation mm = 143.4
| Apr precipitation mm = 241.8
| May precipitation mm = 260.3
| Jun precipitation mm = 237.7
| Jul precipitation mm = 241.8
| Aug precipitation mm = 231.5
| Sep precipitation mm = 235.1
| Oct precipitation mm = 313.6
| Nov precipitation mm = 322.9
| Dec precipitation mm = 358.9
| year precipitation mm =
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 18.0
| Feb precipitation days = 12.0
| Mar precipitation days = 13.0
| Apr precipitation days = 16.0
| May precipitation days = 18.0
| Jun precipitation days = 17.0
| Jul precipitation days = 17.0
| Aug precipitation days = 17.0
| Sep precipitation days = 18.0
| Oct precipitation days = 21.0
| Nov precipitation days = 22.0
| Dec precipitation days = 22.0
| year precipitation days =
|Jan humidity = 86
|Feb humidity = 85
|Mar humidity = 84
|Apr humidity = 84
|May humidity = 85
|Jun humidity = 84
|Jul humidity = 84
|Aug humidity = 83
|Sep humidity = 84
|Oct humidity = 85
|Nov humidity = 86
|Dec humidity = 86
|year humidity =
| Jan sun = 214.3
| Feb sun = 209.1
| Mar sun = 230.0
| Apr sun = 239.2
| May sun = 239.1
| Jun sun = 216.5
| Jul sun = 223.8
| Aug sun = 225.4
| Sep sun = 197.2
| Oct sun = 211.1
| Nov sun = 216.6
| Dec sun = 204.2
| year sun =
|source 1 = [[World Meteorological Organisation]],<ref name="WMONormals">{{cite web
|url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-5-WMO-Normals-9120/BruneiDarussalam/CSV/BRUNEI_96315.csv
|title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991–2020 — Brunei
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|access-date = 3 January 2024}}</ref>
|source 2 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (extremes, 1971–2012 and humidity, 1972–1990)<ref name = DWD>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_963150_kt.pdf
| title = Klimatafel von Bandar Seri Begawan (Int. Flugh.) / Brunei
| work = Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| language = de
| access-date = 22 November 2016}}</ref>
|date = August 2010
}}
==Demographics==
The Bruneian Census 2011 Report estimated the population of Bandar Seri Begawan to be approximately 20,000, while the metropolitan area has around 279,924.<ref name="statistics">{{cite web|url=http://www.depd.gov.bn/SI/BDSYB2011/BDSYB_2011.pdf|title=Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook (Brunei Darussalam – An Introduction)|year=2011|work=Department of Statistics, Brunei|publisher=Department of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister's Office|pages=28/2 and 39/9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504121133/http://www.depd.gov.bn/SI/BDSYB2011/BDSYB_2011.pdf|archive-date=4 May 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="demographic">{{cite web|url=http://www.depd.gov.bn/projects/BPP/Report%20on%20BPP%202011%20-%20Demographic%20Characteristics.pdf|title=Population and Housing Census Report (Demographic Characteristics)|publisher=Department of Economic Planning and Development|year=2011|access-date=4 May 2015|pages=4/10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504120908/http://www.depd.gov.bn/projects/BPP/Report%20on%20BPP%202011%20-%20Demographic%20Characteristics.pdf|archive-date=4 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The majority of Bruneians are [[Bruneian Malay people|Malays]], with [[Chinese Bruneian|Chinese]] being the most significant minority group.<ref name="demographic"/> Aboriginal groups such as the [[Bisaya (Borneo)|Bisaya]], [[Belait people|Belait]], [[Dusun people|Dusun]], [[Kedayan]], [[Lun Bawang]], [[Murut people|Murut]], and [[Tutong people|Tutong]] also exist. They are classified as part of the Malay ethnic groups and have been given the [[Bumiputera (Brunei)|Bumiputera]] privileges.<ref name="statistics"/> Large numbers of foreign workers are also found within Brunei and the capital city, with the majority being from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia (mostly Betawi, Batak, Ambon, Minahasa, Aceh, Malay and Minangkabau), and the [[South Asia|Indian subcontinent]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bruneiresources.com/foreignworkers.html|title=Foreign Workers Information|publisher=Brunei Resources|year=2005|access-date=11 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511120849/http://www.bruneiresources.com/foreignworkers.html|archive-date=11 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bedb.com.bn/doing_guides_immigration.html|title=Business Guide – Employment and Immigration|publisher=Brunei Economic Development Board|access-date=11 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511120930/http://www.bedb.com.bn/doing_guides_immigration.html|archive-date=11 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Main sights and tourism ==
[[File:Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque 02.jpg|thumb|Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque ]]
Numerous important historical and religious sites may be found in Bandar Seri Begawan. The [[Ash-Shaliheen Mosque]], [[Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque]], and [[Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque]] are notable mosques. Another noteworthy house of worship is the [[Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (Brunei)|Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption]]. The tombs of Bolkiah and [[Sharif Ali]] in Kota Batu are key historical attractions, symbolising Brunei's rich legacy. The [[Lapau]], traditionally used for royal ceremonies, and the [[Old Lapau]], now a gallery in the [[Brunei History Centre]], add to the city's cultural significance. The city also hosts several museums. The [[Brunei Museum]], situated in the [[Kota Batu Archaeological Park]], is the country's largest archaeological site. Other notable museums include the [[Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum]], [[Brunei Energy Hub]], [[Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery]], [[Malay Technology Museum]], [[Royal Regalia Museum]], and [[Bubungan Dua Belas]].[[File:Istana Darussalam 02.jpg|thumb|Istana Darussalam]] [[Istana Darussalam]]<ref name="Mahani 13.5.2013">{{cite conference |author=Pengiran Hajah Mahani binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad |date=13 May 2013 |title=MELESTARIKAN SEJARAH MELALUI PENAMAAN JALAN |url=https://www.jupem.gov.my/v1/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Pg-Mahani-Melestarikan-sejarah-melalui-penamaan-jalan.pdf |conference=Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) Asia, South-East Division |language=ms |___location=The Empire Hotel & Country Club, [[Jerudong]] |access-date=8 November 2021 |website=jupem.gov.my}}</ref> and [[Istana Darul Hana]] are former royal residences of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, while the [[Istana Nurul Iman]] palace currently serves as the residence of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mengimbas kembali sejarah lama Makam di Luba |url=https://mediapermata.com.bn/mengimbas-kembali-sejarah-lama-makam-di-luba/ |access-date=27 October 2020 |website=Media Permata}}</ref> The [[Secretariat Building, Brunei|Secretariat Building]], the oldest government structure, holds the seat of government known as "[[State Secretary of Brunei|State Secretary]]."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Secretariat Building |url=https://www.bruneitourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/BSB-Walking-Tour.pdf |website=Brunei Tourism}}</ref> The [[Raja Ayang Mausoleum]], dating back to the 15th century, is believed to honor a royal who was punished for incest, and it has since become a cultural site where visitors often seek blessings, despite some damage caused by offerings. [[Royal Mausoleum (Brunei)|Royal Mausoleum]] is the main burial ground for several sultans and royal family members of Brunei, adding to the country's historical significance.
The city's suburb incorporates nearby Kampong Ayer, in which houses were built on [[Stilts (architecture)|stilts]]. It stretches about {{convert|8|km|abbr=on}} along the Brunei River. Founded 1,000 years ago,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Yunos|first1=Rozan|title=Tracing the history of today's Kampong Ayer|url=http://www.bt.com.bn/golden-legacy/2011/04/25/tracing-history-todays-kampong-ayer|access-date=8 June 2015|newspaper=The Brunei Times|date=25 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602053359/http://www.bt.com.bn/golden-legacy/2011/04/25/tracing-history-todays-kampong-ayer|archive-date=2 June 2013}}</ref> the village is considered the largest stilt settlement in the world, with approximately 30,000 residents and 2,000 houses.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Piri|first1=Sally|title=Kampong Ayer in Brunei and Borneo|url=http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2011/10/22/kampong-ayer-brunei-and-borneo|access-date=8 June 2015|newspaper=The Brunei Times|date=22 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608144952/http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2011/10/22/kampong-ayer-brunei-and-borneo|archive-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> The term "Venice of the East" was coined by Pigafetta in honour of the water village that he encountered at Kota Batu. Pigafetta was on [[Ferdinand Magellan]]'s last voyages when he visited Brunei in 1521.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kampung Ayer|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/brunei-darussalam/bandar-seri-begawan/sights/lakes-rivers-waterfalls/kampung-ayer|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=8 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607034834/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/brunei-darussalam/bandar-seri-begawan/sights/lakes-rivers-waterfalls/kampung-ayer|archive-date=7 June 2014 }}</ref>
Several parks and trails in the city serve as landmarks of historical and cultural significance. [[Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien]], for example, was where Brunei's [[declaration of independence]] was read on 1 January 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brunei History Centre |date=2018-11-10 |title=Tahukah Awda – Ruj. Tahukah Awda? |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Tahukah%20Awda/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=81&ContentTypeId=0x0100D879FA3300736948AC4D6B1457743748 |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=Pelita Brunei |language=ms}}</ref> [[Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas]], inaugurated on 22 October 2017, commemorates the [[Golden Jubilee of Hassanal Bolkiah|Golden Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah]]'s rule,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2017-10-19 |title=Sungai Kedayan Eco-Corridor: A piece of the BSB Masterplan comes to life – The Scoop |url=https://thescoop.co/2017/10/19/sungai-kedayan-eco-corridor-piece-bsb-masterplan-comes-life/ |access-date=2017-10-22 |work=The Scoop |language=en-GB}}</ref> while the [[Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Park]], opened in 2004, celebrates the [[Silver Jubilee]] of his reign. [[Tasek Lama Recreational Park]] is one of the oldest recognised parks in the country.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Explore Brunei: A Visitor's Guide |date=2000 |publisher=Publications Unit, Royal Brunei Airlines |pages=25 |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, Pusat Belia, Brunei's [[Youth center|youth centre]], was established on 20 December 1969 after being commissioned by then-Crown Prince Hassanal Bolkiah in 1967.<ref name="Pelita 6.9.1967">{{cite news |author=<!-- not stated --> |title=AMANAT Y.T.M. DULI PENGIRAN MUDA MAHKOTA KAPADA BELIA2 TANAH AYER |date=6 September 1967 |newspaper=Pelita Brunei |issue=12 No. 36 |page=4 |language=ms |agency=Jabatan Penyiaran dan Penerangan Kerajaan Brunei |url=http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/1967/PB%206%20Sept%201967.pdf |access-date=15 October 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Pelita 3.3.2018">{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |title=Ruj. Tahukah Awda? 030318 |date=3 March 2018 |work=Pelita Brunei |language=ms |url=http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Tahukah%20Awda/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=60&ContentTypeId=0x0100D879FA3300736948AC4D6B1457743748 |access-date=15 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428061842/http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Tahukah%20Awda/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=60&ContentTypeId=0x0100D879FA3300736948AC4D6B1457743748 |archive-date=28 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Brudirect 6.2.2020" /> The centre, costing B$2 million,<ref name="Pelita 25.10.1967" /> includes extensive facilities such as a hall for 1,000 people, a gymnastics hall, an Olympic-sized pool, and a gender-separated hostel,<ref name="Pelita 25.10.1967">{{cite news |author=<!-- not stated --> |title=Jabatan Kebajikan bantu Persatuan2 Belia Pusat Belia dalam kerja2 pembenaan |date=25 October 1967 |newspaper=Pelita Brunei |issue=12 No. 43 |page=3 |language=ms |agency=Jabatan Penyiaran dan Penerangan Kerajaan Brunei |url=http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/1967/PB%2025%20Okt%201967.pdf |access-date=15 October 2021 }}</ref> and it celebrated its golden jubilee in 2020.<ref name="Brudirect 6.2.2020">{{cite news |author=<!-- not stated --> |title=Festival Sempena Jubli Emas Penubuhan Pusat Belia |date=6 February 2020 |work=Brudirect.com |language=ms |url=https://brudirect.com/news.php?id=86569 |access-date=15 October 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015055214/https://brudirect.com/news.php?id=86569 |archive-date=15 October 2021 }}</ref>
==Transportation==
[[File:Bus station BSB.JPG|thumb|The main bus station in 2009]]
[[File:Boats Beside the Brunei river.jpg|thumb|[[Water taxi]]s awaiting passengers]]
===Land===
The capital is accessible by bus from Bandar Seri Begawan to the western regions of the country via road. Connectivity to the exclave of [[Temburong District|Temburong]] is provided by the [[Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge]], which opened in 2020—before its construction, travellers had to pass through [[Sarawak]], Malaysia, via the town of [[Limbang]]. Additionally, [[Edinburgh Bridge]] links the city centre to the rest of the capital by spanning the Kedayan River.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Haji Adanan Haji Abd. Latiff |title=Kenali Negara Kitani: Tempat-Tempat Eksotik |publisher=[[Language and Literature Bureau|Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka]] |year=2012 |isbn=978-99917-0-855-3 |___location=Bandar Seri Begawan |pages=143–144 |language=ms}}</ref>
The main bus station in the capital is located in Jalan Cator underneath a multi-story car park. There are six bus routes servicing Bandar Seri Begawan area; the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. Buses operate from 6.30 am until 6.00 pm except for bus No. 1 and 20 for which services extend into the night. All bus routes begin and terminate their journey at the main bus terminal. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Seria and Kuala Belait also depart from the main bus terminal and [[taxicab]].
===Air===
[[Brunei International Airport]] serves the whole country. It is located {{convert|11|km|abbr=on}} from the town centre and can be reached in 10 minutes via the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway. [[Royal Brunei Airlines]], the national airline, has its head office in the RBA Plaza in the city.<ref>"[http://www.bruneiair.com/contact/?country= Contact Us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209214731/http://www.bruneiair.com/contact/?country= |date=9 February 2010 }}." [[Royal Brunei Airlines]]. Retrieved on 10 November 2010.</ref><ref>"[http://www.bruneiair.com/station/index.asp?countryID=1&Submit22=Go World Wide Offices Brunei]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}." [[Royal Brunei Airlines]]. Retrieved on 10 November 2010. "Bandar Seri Begawan Details: RBA Address: Royal Brunei Airlines. RBA Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan BS 8811, Brunei Darussalam."</ref>
===Water===
Ships up to {{Convert|280|ft}} long may dock in the former port of [[Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan]], which is located 17 miles upstream from the mouth of the Brunei River. A 124-foot passenger pier, a 730-foot reinforced concrete wharf, and an electrically powered ramp are among the port's amenities.{{Sfn|Great Britain Colonial Office|1972|p=338}} Ships may purchase purified fresh water in the capital for $2.00 per 1,000 gallons. The Marine Department keeps track of use and bills the ship's agent. The Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board is credited with the money received from these water sales.{{Sfn|Great Britain Colonial Office|1972|p=342}} Between the city and [[Labuan|Victoria Harbour]], a passenger boat that also transports mail runs every day (except for Sundays). On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, an outboard motorboat service also carries mail and people between Bandar Seri Begawan to [[Bangar, Brunei|Bangar]] in [[Temburong District]].{{Sfn|Great Britain Colonial Office|1972|p=343}}
A [[water taxi]] service known as 'penambang' is used for transportation between downtown Bandar Seri Begawan and [[Kampong Ayer]]. Water taxis are the most common means of negotiating the waterways of Kampong Ayer. They can be hailed from the numerous "docking parts" along the banks of the [[Brunei River]]. Fares are negotiable. Regular water taxi and boat services depart for [[Temburong District|Temburong]] between 7:45 am and 4 pm daily, and also serve the Malaysian towns of [[Limbang]], [[Lawas]], [[Sundar, Malaysia|Sundar]] and [[Labuan Territory|Labuan]]. A [[speedboat]] is used for passengers travelling to Penambang from [[Bangar, Brunei|Bangar]] and Limbang.
==Economy==
The economy of Bandar Seri Begawan includes the production of furniture,<ref>{{cite web |title=Furniture Manufacturers in Bandar Seri Begawan, BN |url=http://www.yp.com.bn/business/BN/bandar-seri-begawan/furniture-manufacturers/39-22-A00351.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102133312/http://www.yp.com.bn/business/BN/bandar-seri-begawan/furniture-manufacturers/39-22-A00351.html |archive-date=2 November 2012 |access-date=2 June 2015 |publisher=Yellow Pages}}</ref> textiles, [[handicraft]]s, and timber.<ref>{{cite web |title=Timber Retail in Bandar Seri Begawan, BN |url=http://www.yp.com.bn/business/BN/bandar-seri-begawan/timber-retail/39-22-A00812.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101194347/http://www.yp.com.bn/business/BN/bandar-seri-begawan/timber-retail/39-22-A00812.html |archive-date=1 November 2012 |access-date=2 June 2015 |publisher=Yellow Pages}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The 4th China-ASEAN Expo Review |url=http://eng.caexpo.org/gonggao/huigu/4theng/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319012516/http://eng.caexpo.org/gonggao/huigu/4theng/ |archive-date=19 March 2014 |access-date=30 May 2015 |publisher=China-ASEAN EXPO Secretariat}}</ref> For shopping, the [[Gadong, Brunei|Gadong]] commercial area is popular, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The traditional [[Kianggeh Market]], believed to be Brunei's oldest market, mainly sells local cuisine, seafood, and fruit.<ref name="Ak Jefferi 2017">{{cite news |author=Ak. Jefferi Pg. Durahman |date=26 August 2017 |title=Tamu Kianggeh kekal sebagai 'tamu' warisan |url=http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2017/Ogos/pelitabrunei_260817.pdf |access-date=28 July 2021 |newspaper=Pelita Brunei |page=17 |language=ms |number=102 |agency=Jabatan Penerangan}}</ref> [[Kampong Kiarong|Gadong Night Market]] is known for its diverse food offerings, from local specialties like roti john, ambuyat, and satay to exotic fruits such as durian and jackfruit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gadong Night Market |url=https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/top-sights/gadong-night-market/ |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=Southeast Asia Travel |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Education==
Bandar Seri Begawan is home to several notable schools across various educational levels. Primary and secondary institutions include the historic [[Raja Isteri Girls High School]], established in 1957 as the country's first all-girls secondary school,<ref>{{cite journal |author=Lilly Suzana Shamsu |title=HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT ON MUSLIM WOMEN'S EDUCATION EMPOWERMENT THROUGH WASATIYYAH CONCEPT IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |journal=Jurnal Pendidikan Islam |volume=4 |number=2 |date=December 2018 |url=https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/277121-history-of-development-on-muslim-womens-98853fca.pdf |access-date=25 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Hajah Siti Zuraihah Haji Awang Sulaiman |date=24 January 2015 |title=Tinjau perkembangan sekolah menengah dan rendah |url=https://issuu.com/pacisasak/docs/pelita_brunei_-_isnin_26_jan_2015 |access-date=25 July 2021 |newspaper=Pelita Brunei |page=4 |language=ms |publication-date=26 January 2015 |number=11 |agency=Information Department }}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> along with private schools such as [[Jerudong International School]] and [[International School Brunei]]. The city also has government sixth form centers: [[Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College]] for general studies and [[Hassanal Bolkiah Boys' Arabic Secondary School]] for students from Arabic secondary religious schools.
In higher education, Bandar Seri Begawan hosts two national universities: [[Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University]], focused on Islamic studies,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unissa.edu.bn/about-us/|title=About Us – Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA)|website=unissa.edu.bn|access-date=2017-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221095319/http://www.unissa.edu.bn/about-us/|archive-date=21 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College]], which specialises in training teachers for religious education. Technical and vocational education is available at two campuses of the [[Institute of Brunei Technical Education]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ibte.edu.bn/network-of-schools/|title=IBTE : Institute of Brunei Technical Education – Inspiring Bruneians Towards Excellence|last=IBTE|website=ibte.edu.bn|access-date=2017-10-02|archive-date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002165418/https://ibte.edu.bn/network-of-schools/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[Brunei Polytechnic]]. Additionally, two private colleges, [[Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology]] and [[Laksamana College of Business]], offer bachelor programs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kolejigs.edu.bn/college.php|title=The College|website=kolejigs.edu.bn|access-date=2017-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lcb.edu.bn/undergraduate|title=Home {{!}} Laksamana College of Business|website=Home {{!}} Laksamana College of Business|access-date=2017-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002120214/http://www.lcb.edu.bn/undergraduate|archive-date=2 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==International relations==
Several countries have set up their embassies, commissions or consulates in Bandar Seri Begawan, including Australia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bruneidarussalam.highcommission.gov.au/bnei/home.html|title=Australian High Commission Bandar Seri Begawan|publisher=Australian High Commission|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> [[Bangladesh]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hcbangladesh.org.bn/|title=Bangladesh High Commission Brunei Darussalam|publisher=Bangladesh High Commission|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-date=26 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426033650/http://www.hcbangladesh.org.bn/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Belgium, [[Benin]], [[Burkina Faso]], [[Myanmar|Burma (Myanmar)]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mebandarseribegawan.org/|title=Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Bandar Seri Begawan|publisher=Myanmar Embassy|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150426224841/http://www.mebandarseribegawan.org/|archive-date=26 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Cambodia]], Canada,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/brunei_darussalam/index.aspx?lang=eng|title=High Commission of Canada in Brunei Darussalam|date=9 September 2013|publisher=Canada International|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> Chile, China,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bn.chineseembassy.org/eng/|title=Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Negara Brunei Darussalam|publisher=China Embassy|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> Finland,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://formin.finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=53144&contentlan=2&culture=en-US|title=Contact information: Finland´s Honorary Consulate, Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam)|publisher=[[Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland)]]|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-date=11 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411144419/http://formin.finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=53144&contentlan=2&culture=en-US|url-status=dead}}</ref> France,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ambafrance-bn.org/-English-|title=Embassy of France in Brunei Darussalam|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development (France)]]|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-date=14 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614050002/http://www.ambafrance-bn.org/-English-|url-status=dead}}</ref> Germany,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bandar-seri-begawan.diplo.de/|title=German Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan|publisher=German Embassy|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> India,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hcindiabrunei.org.bn/|title=The High Commission of India Brunei Darussalam|publisher=India Embassy|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420060005/http://www.hcindiabrunei.org.bn/|archive-date=20 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Indonesia]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kemlu.go.id/bandarseribegawan/Pages/default.aspx?l=en |title=Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam |publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Indonesia)]] |access-date=27 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519204341/http://www.kemlu.go.id/bandarseribegawan/Pages/default.aspx?l=en |archive-date=19 May 2014 }}</ref> Japan,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bn.emb-japan.go.jp/|title=Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam|publisher=Japan Embassy|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-date=6 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406021452/http://www.bn.emb-japan.go.jp/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Laos]], [[Malaysia]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kln.gov.my/web/brn_begawan/home|title=Official Website of the High Commission of Malaysia, Bandar Seri Begawan|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Malaysia)]]|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> Netherlands, New Zealand, [[North Korea]], [[Oman]], Pakistan, [[Embassy of the Philippines, Bandar Seri Begawan|Philippines]], Poland, Russia, [[Saudi Arabia]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.gov.sa/sites/mofaen/SaudiMissionsAbroad/SaudiEmbassiesAbroad/Asia/Pages/EmbassyID40935.aspx|title=Embassy of Saudi Arabia – Bandar Seri Begawan|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Saudi Arabia)]]|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> Singapore,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/brunei.html|title=High Commission of the Republic of Singapore Bandar Seri Begawan|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)]]|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403082239/http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/brunei.html|archive-date=3 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[South Korea]], Sweden, Switzerland, [[Taiwan]], [[Thailand]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaiembassy.org/bsb/en/|title=Royal Thai Embassy, Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam|publisher=Thailand Embassy|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-high-commission-bandar-seri-begawan|title=British High Commission Bandar Seri Begawan|publisher=[[Government of the United Kingdom]]|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> United States<ref>{{cite web|url=http://brunei.usembassy.gov/|title=Embassy of the United States in Bandar Seri Begawan|publisher=US Embassy|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415115443/http://brunei.usembassy.gov/|archive-date=15 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Vietnam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vietnamembassy-brunei.org/en|title=Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Brunei Darussalam|publisher=Vietnam Embassy|access-date=27 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428032857/http://www.vietnamembassy-brunei.org/en|archive-date=28 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/brunei|title=Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Brunei (36 Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Brunei)|publisher=GoAbroad.com|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426210827/http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/brunei|archive-date=26 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Sister cities==
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Nanjing]], PR China<ref>{{cite book|author1=Daljit Singh|author2=Pushpa Thambipillai|title=Southeast Asian Affairs 2012|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aP6wyk43h3gC&pg=PA98|year=2012|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=978-981-4380-23-2|page=98}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sister Cities: Bandar Seri Begawan |url=https://wb.nanjing.gov.cn/english_67934/sistercitiesn/202101/t20210128_2808213.html#:~:text=In%20November%202011,%20under%20the,Begawan%20established%20sister-city%20relationship. |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=Nanjing Foreign Affairs Office}}</ref>
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="150" mode="packed" heights="120">
File:Water taxi 001, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.JPG|Water taxis on the Brunei River
File:BSB Library.JPG|[[Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Library]]
File:Royal Regalie (1).JPG|Royal Regalia Museum
File:Pusat Bandar 19 February 2023 10.jpg|Secretariat Building
File:RIPAS Bridge 21 December 2023 02.jpg|[[Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge]]
File:Bandar Seri Begawan 31 December 2023 04.jpg|[[Prime Minister's Office (Brunei)|Prime Minister's Office]]
File:Brunei Fireworks & Drone Light Show 2024 33.jpg|Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas
File:MMN7.JPG|[[Legislative Council of Brunei|Dewan Majlis]]
File:Wedding Procession of Abdul Mateen and Anisha Rosnah 142.jpg|Istana Nurul Iman
File:Gadong Night Market 4 October 2024 24.jpg|Gadong Night Market
File:Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque 02.jpg|Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque
File:Bangunan Hal Ehwal Ugama (18565770466).jpg|Department of Syariah Affairs building
File:Brunei History Centre.jpg|Brunei History Centre
File:Bandar Seri Begawan 17 December 2023 22.jpg|Time Piece Monument
File:Jalan Pehin Dato Haji Awang Mohd Noor 03.jpg|Gadong commercial area
File:Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah in Kota Batu.jpg|Tomb of Sultan Bolkiah
</gallery>
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
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* {{Cite journal |last=Horton |first=A. V. M. |date=1986 |title=British Administration in Brunei 1906-1959 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/312580 |journal=Modern Asian Studies |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=353–374 |doi=10.1017/S0026749X00000871 |jstor=312580 |issn=0026-749X|url-access=subscription }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Brown |first=D. E. |date=1984 |title=Brunei on the Morrow of Independence |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2644439 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=24 |issue=2 |pages=201–208 |doi=10.2307/2644439 |jstor=2644439 |issn=0004-4687|url-access=subscription }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Wright |first=Leigh |date=1977 |title=Brunei: An Historical Relic |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23889576 |journal=Journal of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society |volume=17 |pages=12–29 |jstor=23889576 |issn=0085-5774}}
* {{Cite book |last=Great Britain Colonial Office |author-link=Colonial Office |title=State of Brunei Annual Report 1970 |date=1972 |publisher=[[Her Majesty's Stationery Office]] |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=Great Britain Colonial Office |title=State of Brunei Annual Report 1971 |date=1971 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |language=en}}
* {{Cite journal |url=http://www.pusat-sejarah.gov.bn/SiteAssets/Info%20Sejarah/INFO%20SEJARAH/Kampong%20Ayer.pdf |title=Seni Bina Rumah Melayu Brunei Satu Tinjauan Ringkas |last=Pg. Haji Ibrahim |first=Pg. Haji Ismail |date=1996 |publisher=Academy of Brunei Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam |pages=75–108 |editor-last=Haji Ibrahim |editor-first=Haji Abdul Latif |___location=Bandar Seri Begawan |journal=Kampong Ayer: Warisan, Cabaran Dan Masa Depan |language=ms}}
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
* [http://www.municipal-bsb.gov.bn Municipal Department of Bandar Seri Begawan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103112000/http://www.municipal-bsb.gov.bn/ |date=3 November 2016 }}
* [http://ontheworldmap.com/brunei/city/bandar-seri-begawan/bandar-seri-begawan-tourist-map.jpg Tourist Map of Bandar Seri Begawan]
* [https://weather.com/weather/today/l/cd3ed42923a5eb57ecbca38d8b7fcd9b5d5229e278cbf6320db3111e7eea9460 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei – Weather.com]
{{Bandar Seri Begawan landmarks}}
{{Neighbourhoods of Bandar Seri Begawan}}
{{List of Asian capitals by region|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Bandar Seri Begawan| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Brunei]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Brunei]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1906]]
[[Category:Capitals in Asia]]
[[Category:1906 establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:1906 establishments in the British Empire]]
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