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Brunei Darussalam

The Sultanate of Brunei is a small oil rich Islamic state sandwiched between Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Recognised as the country with one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, it is still relatively undiscovered and has some of the best preserved and pristine rainforests anywhere, as well as the world's largest water village of more than 30,000 people. I spent a few days here staying at the luxurious Empire Hotel & Country Club in Bandar Seri Begawan during October 2004.
 
Our room @ the Empire Hotel & Country Club - private balcony on the right.
 
From the other direction showing entrance & mini-bar. Bathroom is on the left.
The bathroom - Italian marble surrounds - this was our bath...
 
Shower on the left, dunny & bidet on the right
Jame Asr' Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
 
Fountain @ the Jame Asr' Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Made of Italian marble, gold mosaic and English stained glass.
 
Jame Asr' Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
The Golden Gates
 
Jame Asr' Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Just incase you didn't believe me :-)
 
The golden domes of the Jame Asr' Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
the Brunei History Museum
 
Kampung Ayer, the "Venice of the East" is the world's largest water village.
View of Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque from Kampung Ayer
 
Kampung Ayer is a bustling community of around 25,000 buildings including several schools, a fire brigade, a police station & a number of shops.
Kampung Ayer
 
Kampung Ayer is accessible only by boat & wooden walkways.
Water Taxi anyone?
 
30,000 people live in houses built along the banks of the Brunei River.

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Brunei Darussalam

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Superstar Virgo

 © 2005 F. Forsyth