Islamic tours take flight

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The Tourism Development Department, in collaboration with the national airline, travel agents and hotels, are hosting a familiarisation trip for travel agents, specialising in tours to further promote Islamic tourism.

Sixteen travel agents from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand arrived in the Sultanate last weekend and took part in the Maulidur Rasul celebration and experienced the country’s rich Islamic heritage firsthand.

The initiative allows agents to craft unique and spiritually enriching travel packages for their clients, further enhancing Brunei’s appeal to Muslim travellers. The department is collaborating closely with local and international travel agents to offer exclusive Islamic tourism packages, such as the Maulidur Rasul package, the Ramadhan package, and other curated Islamic tours that highlight Brunei’s religious heritage.

Visitors can engage in spiritually fulfilling activities, such as participating in Ramadhan observances including Sunnat Tarawih prayers, fasting and Qiamullail, as well as visiting notable Islamic landmarks.

One of the packages currently being promoted in Singapore is the Ramadhan soul healing, a celebrity-led tour featuring renowned influencers from the region. These tours will provide visitors with a unique perspective on Brunei’s serene Islamic practices and its vibrant religious culture.

Brunei has seen a notable increase in tourists from key markets for Islamic tours.

With the continued efforts, the department is confident that these numbers will continue to grow, further establishing Brunei as a premier destination for Muslim tourists.

The Sultanate, renowned for its rich Islamic heritage and peaceful environment, welcomed travellers from around the world as it celebrates the Maulidur Rasul, according to the department. Brunei features a wealth of Islamic landmarks that are must-see destinations for travellers during the Maulidur Rasul celebration. The Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of Southeast Asia’s most stunning architectural masterpieces, and the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, known for its grandeur and serene atmosphere, offer visitors a chance to reflect and pray in an environment that embodies the spiritual heart of the nation.

The Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB), on the other hand, is a renowned Islamic museum and serves as a cultural and spiritual hub, showcasing His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s remarkable collection of Islamic artefacts, manuscripts, and art from all over the world. Among its most revered exhibits are a strand of the hair of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and replicas of items belonging to prominent figures from His era, offering visitors a meaningful connection to the esteemed companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and to their faith.

The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, through the Tourism Development Department, is dedicated to enhancing Brunei’s profile as a leading Islamic tourism destination, ensuring that every traveller leaves with a deeper connection to their faith and a greater appreciating for Brunei’s Islamic traditions. – James Kon

ABOVE & BELOW: Travel agents in a group photo at Lamin Warisan; and at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT