Covering 570 sq km, Brunei-Muara may be the smallest of Brunei's four districts, but it is the site of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the seat of authority and commerce. The capital is named after His Majesty's late father, Sultan Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who in 1967 abdicated in favour of his son and assumed the tide Seri Begawan. Yet most locals refer to their capital simply as Bandar, the Malay word far a major seaport or city. Brunei-Muara offers unique and interesting places worth visiting.

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. With its soaring minarets and golden dome, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is on oasis of tranquility within the bustle of downtown Bandar. Completed in 1958, it is built of Italian marble, gold mosaic and English stained gloss, but with craftsmanship that reflects classical Islamic architecture. Sultan Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien is regarded as the architect of modern Brunei, It was he who steered the notion safely through the turbulent years following WWII, establishing the foundation for the nation's independence and sovereignty.

Beside the mosque and anchored in a lagoon is a replica of a 16th Century mahligai, or royal barge, where religious ceremonies such as Holy Qur'an readings were staged during the 1960s and early 1970s. Visitors may go inside the mosque but are asked to leave their shoes before entering and to exercise due consideration for people praying. Women are advised to cover their heads and dress conservatively. Visiting periods are Sunday through Wednesday from 8am to noon, 1pm. to 3:30pm and From 4:30pm to 5:30pm The mosque is closed to non-Muslims on Thursdays.

Kampong Ayer - For at least 600 years, Bruneians harvested the bounty of the seas, forging a way of life that is still strongly evident in the lives of the 30,000 inhabitants of Kampung Ayer, the capital's sprawling water village. Here, the village's centuries-old web of homes, markets, mosques, schools, medical clinics and police and fire stations hovers on stilts over the shallows of Brunei River Even today, water taxis are the most efficient and popular means of negotiating the Kampung's labyrinthine waterways. From their prows, one could see the mosque's glistening minarets rising above multi-hued, garden-draped homes.

Brunei has not been spared the encroachment of high technology and high-flying aspirations, but beyond the cold blinking faces of computer screens and beneath the hum of modems, Kampung Ayer's heart still dances to an ancient rhythm. Visitors may wander along the Kampung's pathways at appropriate hours.

Tamoi Tengah Cultural Village - Set among the picturesque Tamoi Tengah of Kampung Ayer, the centrepiece House of Mingai Zari showcases a lifestyle of a bygone era. The House is fashioned in 18th Century style and be­decked in traditional finery and antiques that go back 300 years. Cultural shows, traditional Fish­ing and bird watching are among the myriad of activities available at the Village.

The Royal Regalia Building - Situated in the heart of Bandar, the Royal Regalia Building and its unique collection of royal Bruneian artefacts was established to commemorate the 1992 Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's accession to the throne. The ceremonial regalia on display includes the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury the traditional jewel encrusted coronation crowns and a replica of the throne used by His Majesty on state occasions. An exhibition documenting the history of Brunei's constitution may also be inspected. The building is open to visitors from Monday till Thursday and Saturday between 9am to 5pm and Friday and Sunday between 8:30am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 5pm. Shoes are to be removed before entering.

Brunei History Centre - Beside the Royal Regalia Building, the Brunei History Centre was founded in 1982 to aid in the research and documentation of Brunei's history. Among the areas of research are the genealogy and origins of the Sultans of Brunei and the Royal Family. Visiting periods are from 7:45am to 12:15pm, and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm from Monday through Thursday, and on Saturday.