MANILA, Philippines - Brunei Darussalam offers tourists an indulgent experience to remember with its alluring mix of cultures, beliefs and traditions. It may be a small country, but with its booming oil industry and rich cultural heritage, both residents and tourists alike get to enjoy many lavish experiences that they can find nowhere else in the world.
Located in the northern part of Borneo in Southeast Asia and sharing the island with Malaysia and Indonesia, Brunei is a feast for the senses as it gives travelers a meeting of old and new worlds because its traditional communities continue to thrive alongside the country’s rapid modernization.
Tourists will have an easy time navigating the country’s capital and largest city — Bandar Seri Begawan. It boasts accommodating establishments from friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels where the English language is widely spoken.
The heart of Brunei’s economy also serves as home to many places of interest. Among the many city spectacles are the towering beautiful mosques that dazzle with their golden domes and majestic marble walls.
One can also find a magnificent view of Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan’s official residence. Built in 1984, the largest residential palace in the world is also used for state functions and is only open to the public during the annual Islamic celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. During this three-day festivity, locals and visitors are invited to receive food and celebrate the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Another must-visit attraction is the quaint Kampong Ayer, a well-preserved water village over 1,000 years old. The largest of its kind present in the world today, the community over the Brunei River is made up of houses on stilts built over water. It also boasts its own schools, mosques and shops among many other waterborne establishments.
Tourists who want to experience the sultanate’s magnificent natural and man-made wonders will find the Islamic state more accessible for travel with Cebu Pacific’s new twice-weekly Manila-Bandar Seri Begawan service.
“By introducing budget ‘Go Lite’fares to Brunei for as low P2,899 per way, we encourage tourists to avail of Cebu Pacific’s quality service without hurting their pockets,” says Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and distribution. “With this added expansion, we want more Filipinos to experience the beauty of our neighboring countries and understand more about their unique cultural heritage and diverse lifestyle.”
The country leader in providing the lowest year-round fares, Cebu Pacific departs from Manila for Brunei at 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday and Saturday. It leaves Bandar Seri Begawan at 2:25 a.m. every Wednesday and Sunday and lands in Manila at 4:14 a.m.
For more details on availing budget travel opportunities to Brunei, visit www.cebupacificair.com, call the 24-hour reservation hotlines at 702-0888, or visit the airline’s ticketing offices and accredited travel agents.