Pusat Bandar (English: City Centre) is the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is home to a number of national landmarks, important government offices, and commercial and financial establishments.
Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, a landmark commercial centre which overlooks Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Tamu Kianggeh (Kianggeh Market) offers a selection of regional produce, including edible ferns and healing plants. Also available are prepared local delicacies and the day's catch from the fisherman.[4]
Places of interest
The city centre is home to several sites with historical and cultural significance, including:[5]
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of the two state mosques of Brunei. In the 1960s and early 1970s, religious activities including Holy Qur'an readings were held in the lagoon, a replica of a 16th century mahligai or royal barge. The mosque has been hailed as Brunei's architectural triumph and has evolved into the nation's most identifiable landmark throughout time.
1968 Coronation Arch, to remember Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Coronation on 1 August 1968. The gate was once built in Kampong Sultan Lama, but in October 1993 it was moved to its current site.
Cendera Lambang Kenangan, is an arch that stands 10 meters tall for the silver jubilee celebration of Bandar Seri Begawan's 25-year name conversion from Bandar Brunei. The Brunei Shell Company provided the Commemorative Emblem, whose construction cost more than B$60,000.[6]
Brunei Energy Hub, a museum and former Royal Customs and Excise Building.
Raja Ayang Mausoleum, a mausoleum or an old Muslimcemetery may be seen right next to the General Post Office. It is the grave of a member of the Royal Family who was punished for disobeying Islamic traditions, according to elders' tales.
Teng Yun Temple is the oldest still-standing Chinese temple in the country and has served as a shelter for devotees in the Chinese community ever since it was founded in the 1960s.[7]
Timepiece Monument, to honor the visit of Tuanku Abdul Rahman, was constructed on 11 July 1959. This monument serves as a "Zero-Mile-Clock," marking the beginning of distances between Bandar Seri Begawan and other locations in Brunei. It is situated in the center of the city.
Mercu Dirgahayu 60 (60th Year Monument), a landmark worth B$1.5 million was sponsored and contributed by the private sector and the people and residents of the country. It symbolises the nation's devotion to the occasion, which coincides with the 60th birthday anniversary of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.[11]
Government
There are several government institutions which have their headquarters in the city centre, including: