Brunei Museum, a showcase on Brunei and its history

On my last vacation, I did not go abroad but was rather content on being a domestic tourist. So I thought, I might as well share it with you :)

Two of the places that you should go to are the Brunei Museum and Malay Technology Museum. I know, museums sound a bit draggy, stuffy and old, but it is undoubtedly the best place to get a feel on how Brunei was back in the old days, how much she has developed, how much she has progressed to be what she is today.

So on to the Brunei Museum. Located along Jalan Kota Batu, it was officially opened in 1972 where today, the exhibitions are divided into a few segments. Recently renovated, you will be welcomed with a huge foyer, greeted by friendly receptionists.

A prior warning - no photos are allowed. But rest assured, there are lockers provided where you can keep your belongings.

On the right from the main entrance - you will be able to take a closer look at the natural history. The species, flora and fauna found in Brunei Darussalam. Brunei definitely has a number of collection, guaranteed to amaze natural enthusiasts.

Right in front of you (from the main entrance), another room exhibiting the current leading source of income for this nation - oil. It depicts the history and industry of the oil and gas. While on the right side of the main entrance, you will be able to view a collection of elaborately gilded Holy Qurans.

Let's move to the second floor, on your right is where the sunkened treasures are located. These caused such a big roar a few years back as the treasures dates back as far as 500 years ago. You will be able to see personally some of the artifacts found, which are amazingly still well intact.

The next room will show Brunei's archeology and history. It is like walking through a time machine as where among others, it will take you to the origins of Brunei. You will notice a big engraved stone, the batu bersurat which tells you the line of the throne and so many more.

While the last stop is Brunei's traditional culture. It portrays the culture in many forms - from the attires, traditional food or kuih, the cultural practices such as papat jambul (the cutting of a baby's hair held after the birth her/his birth), portrayal of the iqamat being read after the birth of a baby and a showcase on Malay wedding.

I hope that brief description is enough to entice you to visit the Brunei Museum. It is opened on Thursdays (9am to 4pm), Fridays (9am to 11.30 am - 2.30pm to 5pm) and Saturdays (9.45am to 5pm).

It will be closed 30 minutes before the visiting hours end.

So if you have not planned what to do next week, give the museum a try. It is one of the best ways to have a quality time with your kids too :)

And next entry? Malay Technology Museum :)