During the festive holidays, some people choose to fly abroad, ticking off a country of their travel list while others stay and enjoy the many treasures the Abode of Peace has to offer.
“My family and I decided to check out the Brunei river cruise and the end-of-year festivals,” said Faizal Rosli, a father of two.
He added that it was nice to spend time and enjoy things locally, thanking the government for organising events such as the Brunei December Festival and Brunei Salebration.
“We get to check out things that we normally don’t get to here in Brunei, such as going on a short river cruise and other local attractions. It’s fun for the whole family and also light on the wallet,” he said.
Apart from visits to Jerudong Park or enjoying pop-ups and local events, some families have gone on their own little adventures such as camping.
“Last weekend we finally decided to go for it and try our hands at camping,” said Effy.
She said that her family on her father’s side ‘Family 349’ set up camp at Seri Kenangan Beach in Tutong District.
“It was surprisingly cosy. The uncles, including my father, made sure tents were all properly set up and we were also able to cook food and play music during the night, with fairy lights keeping the camp bright,” she said.
“It was a fun and wholesome experience for everyone, creating memories right at the end of the year,” she added.
Muhd Wa’iz from local group Urban Campers, established in 2022, shed more light on the local camping phenomenon. He said that traditional camping includes only a basic setup for about a day of camping. Meanwhile, the increasing trend in camping is driven by ‘glamping’, which includes decorations and luxurious yet practical setups such as lighting and even tables and chairs, with the outing extended to two or more days.
“The best camping sites are in mountainous areas due to the cool air and amazing views.
Beaches also make fun camping sites. The sound of the waves during the night helps with relaxation and a form of stress release.”
He added that the Sultanate has a lot of potential for camping which can be enjoyed not only locals but also attract tourists to the country.
“It would be great if the government could develop proper camping sites, even if it requires paid admission,” Muhd Wa’iz said. – Adib Noor
