A Royal Birthday... and a Missed Festival
I woke up around 8:00 AM today, July 15th. It's a massive day here—the Sultan of Brunei's birthday! I heard there was a huge celebration in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, so I was super hyped to check it out.
I walked about 4 to 5 kilometers, which took a good hour, only to arrive and realize... wait, is it already over? Yep. The festivities apparently started at the crack of dawn, and by the time I got there, things were practically wrapping up. What a bummer! (laughs)
Scouting the Roads for the Walk
Since this was my first real outing in Brunei, I decided to use the time to scout the road conditions for the upcoming walking leg of my journey.
The verdict? The roads are well-paved, but the shoulders are basically non-existent. There's a lot of traffic, but thankfully, drivers here aren't speeding like they do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I'm planning to officially start walking on the 18th and cross the Malaysian border, so keeping these road conditions in mind is crucial.
The Quiet Charm of Bandar Seri Begawan
Wandering around, I couldn't help but notice how incredibly refined and clean the city is. Even with all the national flags proudly flying for the Sultan's birthday, there's no chaotic energy.
There aren't many loud billboards or glaring ads, just a peaceful, almost majestic vibe. It was a bit surreal, actually. The shopping malls and restaurants were packed to the brim, but the streets and the former festival grounds felt completely deserted. It's a fascinating contrast.
Stepping into the Magnificent Mosque
Next up was the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. This place is absolutely massive!
I was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, so I had to put on a robe provided at the entrance. Non-Muslims can only step inside about 5 meters, but even from that distance, the atmosphere is just overwhelming. It's entirely different from the quiet serenity of a Japanese temple—it holds this powerful, awe-inspiring solemnity that just hits you the moment you walk in.
Local Eats & Travel Highs
Heading back, I quickly realized how few restaurants there are around here. I was starting to wonder where on earth I was going to eat. Finally, I stumbled upon a spot that looked like a cross between a street food stall and a local diner.
I was craving something nutritious, so I ordered a hearty plate of rice, veggies, and chicken. The total came to around 3 USD.
Tasting new local dishes and soaking in a different culture is honestly the best part of traveling. It feels like filling in the blank pages of my own world map. Such a fun and satisfying day!