🎨 Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre – Preserving the Golden Threads of Heritage

One of the most fascinating places I visited in Brunei was the Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre. Even though it was under renovation during our visit, it remained open to the public—and I'm so glad we stopped by.

This is more than just a museum or gallery. It's Brunei's cultural heartbeat, where centuries-old traditional crafts are revived, preserved, and passed on to the younger generation.

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🏛️ About the Centre

Originally established in 1975, the center was moved to its current location in 1984 in conjunction with Brunei's independence. It is managed by the Brunei Museums Department, with one key mission: to protect and promote traditional Bruneian craftsmanship.

Here, you’ll find a stunning collection of:

• 🧵 Handwoven textiles, including the prestigious Kain Tenunan
• 🪙 Silverworks and brass pieces
• 🗡️ Kris making, the traditional Malay weapon
• 🧢 Songkok (Bruneian ceremonial headgear) production
• 🪵 Woodcarving and basketry

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👀 My Visit & Window Shopping Dilemma

Although I was eager to explore the pieces, everything felt too precious to even touch! One of the friendly staff members shared that many of the fabrics were handwoven with silver and gold threads. Yes, real silver and gold!

One standout is the Kain Tenunan, or “Cloth of Gold Brocade” —a royal piece woven row by row using golden thread, typically worn as a sarong during ceremonial occasions. It can take 10–15 days (or even months) to complete one 2.2m x 0.8m fabric, depending on the complexity of the design. That’s true craftsmanship in every thread.

💭 Someday, I dream of owning a sarong made of silver or gold thread. Not for the price—but for the cultural honor it holds.

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⚒️ Courses Offered

The center is also a training facility that offers five traditional arts courses to Bruneian youth under 35 who’ve completed secondary school:

• 🧶 Weaving
• 🪙 Silver smithing
• 🔨 Woodcarving
• 🛠️ Brass smithing
• 🧢 Songkok making

Each craft symbolizes a part of Brunei’s identity—from the kris-inspired roof design to the symbolic use of silver and brass in ceremonial items.

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🚫 No Cameras Allowed

📸 Photo Policy: Only photos at the entrance are allowed. Once inside, you’ll need to turn off your camera—a respectful reminder that this place honors sacred traditions.

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🛍️ Where to Find Their Showrooms

1. Main Showroom: Inside the Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre
2. Airport Showroom: Departure Hall, Brunei International Airport

🛍️ Prices? From B$400 and up—so yes, I did a lot of window shopping instead!

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📌 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan
📞 Phone: +673-224-0676
🕒 Opening Hours:

• Sat–Thu: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00–11:30 AM & 2:00–5:00 PM

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🚍 How to Get There

• 🚌 Take Bus 39 from Central Bus Terminal
• 🛑 Ask the driver to drop you at the stop in front of the centre
• 🚶‍♀️ Cross the street and walk a few minutes to the entrance

📌 It's also near other attractions like the House of Twelve Roofs and Brunei Museum—perfect for a cultural day tour!

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📣 Want to witness the living soul of Bruneian craftsmanship? Visit the Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre and experience the legacy woven in every thread, hammered into every kris, and molded into ceremonial art. Even if you're just window shopping—it's worth every minute.