 |
 
 Brunei Darussalam's vision is
to promote the country as a unique tourist destination and gateway to tourism excellence
in South East Asia. The objectives are to create international awareness of Brunei
Darussalam as a holiday destination; to maximise earings of foreign exchange and make
tourism as one of the main contributor to GDP. In addition, it will create employment
opportunities.
The country offers a wide variety of attractive places to be visited and experienced. The
rainforest and National Parks are rich in flora and fauna. Its most magnificent mosques,
water village (traditional and historic houses on stilts), rich culture and Jerudong Theme
Park are among the uniqueness of Brunei Darussalam.
The government is now actively promoting tourism as an important part of its economic
diversification. It would like to see a target of 1 million-visitor arrival by the year
2000. From January to August 1999, the statistic recorded 405,532 visitors visited Brunei
Darussalam.
National Day Celebration
 The nation celebrates this
joyous occasion on the 23rd of February and the people usually prepare themselves two
months beforehand. Schoolchildren, private sector representatives and civil servants work
hand-in-hand rehearsing their part in flash card displays and other colourful crowd
formations. In addition mass prayers and reading of Surah Yaasin are held at mosques
throughout the country.
Fasting Month (Ramadhan)
Ramadhan is a holy month for all Muslims. This marks the beginning of the period of
fasting - abstinence from food, drink and other material comforts from dawn to dusk.
During this month, religious activities are held at mosques and suraus throughout
the country
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hari Raya is a time for celebration after the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan. In
the early part of the first day, prayers are held at every mosque in the country. Families
get together to seek forgiveness from the elders and loved ones. You will see Bruneians
decked-out in their traditional garb visiting relatives and friends.
Special festive dishes are made especially for Hari Raya including satay (beef, chicken or
mutton kebabs), ketupat or lontong (rice cakes in coconut or banana leaves), rendang
(spicy marinated beef) and other tantalizing cuisines. In these auspicious occassion
Istana Nurul Iman was open to the public as well as to visitors for 3 days. This provides
the nation and other visitors the opportunity to meet His Majesty and other members of the
Royal Family, in order to wish them a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day
31st of May marks the commemoration of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces formation day.
The occassion is celebrated with military parades, artillery displays, parachuting and
exhibitions.
Hari Raya Aidiladha
This is also known as Hari Raya Korban. Sacrifices of goats and cows are practiced to
commemorate the Islamic historical event of Prophet Ibrahim S.A.W. The meat is then
distributed among relatives, friends and the less fortunates.
His Majesty the Sultan's Birthday
This is one of the most important events in the national calendar with activities and
festivities taking place nationwide. Celebrated on 15th July, this event begins with mass
prayer throughout the country. On this occassion, His Majesty the Sultan delivers a
'titah' or royal address followed by investiture ceremony held at the Istana Nurul Iman.
The event is also marked with gatherings at the four districts where His Majesty meets and
gets together with his subjects.
Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
In Brunei Darussalam, this occasion is known as the Mauludin Nabi S.A.W. Muslims
throughout the country honour this event. Readings from the Holy Koran - the Muslim Holy
Book, and an address on Islam from officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs marks
the beginning of this auspicious occasion. His Majesty the Sultan also gives a royal
address and with other members of the Royal family, leads a procession on foot through the
main streets of Bandar Seri Begawan. Religious functions, lectures and other activities
are also held to celebrate this important occasion nationwide.
Chinese New Year
Celebrated by the Chinese community, this festival lasts for two weeks. It begins with
a reunion dinner on the eve of the Lunar New Year to encourage closer rapport between
family members. For the next two week, families visit one another bringing with them
oranges to symbolize longevity and good fortune. Traditional cookies and food are aplenty
during this festivity. Unmarried young people and children will receive 'angpow' or little
red packets with money inside, a symbolic gesture of good luck, wealth and health.
Christmas Day
Throughout the world, 25th of December marks Christmas day, a significant day for all
Christians. Christmas is nevertheless a joyous and colourful celebration enjoyed by
Christians throughout the country.
Teachers' Day
Teachers' Day is celebrated on every 23rd September in recognition of the good deeds of
the teachers to the community, religion and the country. It is celebrated in commemoration
of the birthday of the late Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Saadul Khairi Waddien, the
28th Sultan of Brunei for his contribution in the field of education including religious
education. On this occassion, three awards are given away namely, Meritorious Teacher's
Award, Outstanding Teacher's Award and "Guru Tua" Award.
Public Service Day
The date 29th September is observed as the Public Service Day with the objective to
uphold the aspiration of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam towards creating an efficient, clean, sincere and honest public service.
The Public Service Day commemorates the promulgation of the first written Constitution in
Brunei Darussalam. The Public Service Day is celebrated with the presentation of the
meritorious service award to Ministries and Government Departments.
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2
January
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New
Year's Day
(Monday, in substitution Sunday 1 Zulhijjah 1426 )
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10
January
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*
Hari Raya Aidiladha
(Wednesday, 10 Zulhijjah 1426)
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29 January |
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Chinese
New Year
(Monday,
in substitution Sunday 29 Zulhijah 1426) |
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31 January
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Muslim
Holy Month of Hijiriah 1425
(Tuesday, 1 Muharram 1427)
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23
February
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National Day
(Thursday, 24 Muharram 1427)
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11 April
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The
Birthday of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.
(Tuesday, 12 Rabiulawal 1427)
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31 May
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Royal
Brunei Armed Forces Day
(Wednesday, 3 Jamadilawal 1427)
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15 July |
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The
Birthday of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
(Saturday, 19 Jamadilakhir 1427)
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21
Ogos
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Isra' Me'raj Monday, 27 Rejab 1427 |
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25 September
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*
First Day of Ramadhan (Muslim fasting month)
(Monday in substitution Sunday 1 Ramadhan 1427 )
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10 October
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*
Anniversary of The Revelation of the Quran
(Tuesday, 17 Ramadhan 1427)
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24 October &
25 October
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* Hari
Raya Aidilfitri
(Tuesday,
1 Syawal 1427 and Wednesday, 2 Syawal 1427)
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25
December
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Christmas
(Monday, 4 Zulhijjah 1427)
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* Subject to change
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