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Introducing Mystery Class # 6
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, Darussalam 04.91 N, 114.91 E
7I: The International School Brunei
Teacher: Neil McBurney
Selamat tengah hari!!
The International School Brunei
is honoured to have the 24 students who form one of three year 7 groups, 7I. We are
a multi-cultural mob, with people from all around the globe. Our school has expanded
over the last 5 years to include a secondary program up to year 11.
Brunei is a very wealthy country,
possessing rich petroleum reserves. In 1998, the Sultan of Brunei was considered
the richest man in the world. Oil rigs are dotted off the northern coast in the South
China Sea. Apparently, there have been new reserves discovered which will extend
the flow of oil from Bruneiís shores well into the 2000's. The Sultan has recently
built a new palace, of enormous proportions, which sits on a hill overlooking the
Brunei River. Each year, during Hari Raya, all the people of Brunei are welcome to
visit the palace and meet the Royal family. People queue for hours, the men shake
hands with the male members of the family and the women are greeted by the female
members of the family. All visitors receive a gift as they depart.
Over 60% of the 300,000 people
are Muslim. Mosques are found in all corners of Brunei. Some are small and simple,
while others are grand, elaborately decorated and spectacular, particularly at night
when they are tastefully lit. At regular intervals, the mosques are heard calling
their followers to prayer, which can be a moving experience especially if it's not
at 4.00am in the morning. The native language is Bahasa Malay, but English is spoken
by most people as well.
Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital city of Brunei and is situated on the Brunei River.
An international magazine rated this city in the "Top 10 Most Liveable Cities
in S.E.Asia" for 1998. One of the special features of this city is the water
village, Kampong Ayer, located on the banks of the river. This village has schools,
mosques, shops and many, many houses. People are able to navigate the river by taxi
boats which "fly" around the river at great speeds. People have been known
to take an unexpected "dipí while travelling in these taxis.
The climate of Brunei is described as tropical, that is, hot, humid and rainy. People
have been known to describe it as having two seasons, wet and wetter. While we do
receive plenty of rain, it certainly doesnít hinder our ability to get outdoors.
Recreational facilities, including a swimming centre, tennis facilities, golf courses
and athletics tracks, available to the public are of a very high standard. We are
lucky to be surrounded by some of the worldís last remaining rainforest to the west
in Sarawak, to the east in Sabah and to the south in Kalimantan. Unfortunately, we
lost 100,000ís of hectares with the forest fires last year.
Brunei also has some more unusual
features when compared to other parts of the world. Alcohol cannot be sold here.
A limited quantity can be brought into the country only. We could well be the only
country that has a McDonalds that does not sell hamburgers. These were removed from
sale during the year because there was concern that the beef was not halal, that
is, it's production does not conform to Muslim religious practices. We also have
the only "free" amusement park. Jerudong Park, an enormous, beautifully
manicured park, is a gift from the Sultan. The rides are the latest around, and you
rarely have to queue. People from all around Brunei come here just to go to the park.
I hope this helps create a picture of Brunei.
Sampai jumpa lagi, from the Class of 7I.
Copyright 1999 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form
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