Disclaimer

Lakwatserang Ligaw is a personal blog. Reading of all information provided on this blog is at your own free will. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the blog owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal manner, unless otherwise stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, country, organization, company, or individual.

Where to Stay in Brunei?

Hotels in Brunei vary from cheap ones to a very expensive ones. But whatever your preference, you might want to check these hotels.

Jubilee Hotel

I will give Jubilee Hotel a five star for letting us checked-in even before the check-in time. Aside from that, they upgraded our room from Standard Suite to Family Room, with a kitchen, a big living room and 2 bedrooms, though we only used 1 room since we are only 3 and all girls...read more>>

Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay

Is a bed & breakfast located at the Water Village or Kampong Ayer. It's a just a chance that we found this home stay when we walked from the gallery to explore the village...read more>>

Radisson Hotel

Is conveniently located alog the road to BSB central. It's also near almost to all attractions, such as the Royal Regalia, Brunei History Centre, Tasek Lama Recreational Park and the local restaurants...read more>>

The Empire Hotel & Country Club

This hotel is rated 6-star and one of the finest beach resorts in Asia Pacific. Since its opening on October 16, 2000, it has become synonymous with Brunei's majestic and cultural heritage...read more>>

For list of hotels in Brunei, please click here. 

For list of other accommodations, such as rain forests, guesthouses, and apartments, please click here.

For accommodations outside Bandar Seri Begawan, click here. 

List of Apartments/Guesthouses in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Youth Centre (Pusat Belia)

ABDUL RAZAK HOTEL APARTMENTS

Address: Jalan Laksamana Abdul Razak , Km 2 Jalan Tutong BA171
Phone#: (673)224-1536
Email: info@abdulrazakhotelapts.com

Website: www.abdulrazakhotelapts.com

D’ANGGEREK SERVICE APARTMENT

Address: D'Anggerek, Kg. Anggerek Desa, , Mukim Berakas, BB4313

Phone#: (673)234-5222
Email: sales@danggerek.com

Website: www.danggerek.com

KOMPLEKS MOHD. YUSSOF SERVICE APARTMENT

Address: KM 2 Jalan Tutong/Jalan Laksaman Abdul Razak, Bandar Seri Begawan

Phone#: (673)223-5532
Email: kmyhotelapartments@gmail.com

Website: http://kompleks-mohd-yussof-hotel-apartments.blogspot.com/

LE GALLERY SUITES & HOTEL

Address: KM 2.5 Jalan Tutong, Crown Princess Complex, Seri Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan, BA1779

Phone#: (673)222-1228
Email: rooms@legallysuiteshotel.com/manager@legallysuiteshotel.com

Website: www.legallerysuiteshotel.com

DAR TAKAFUL IBB 2 SERVICE APARTMENTS

Address: Lorong Gerai Timor, Jalan Pemancha, Bandar Seri BEgawan, BS8511

Phone#: (673)223-8900
Email: Dar2.Apartment@takafulbrunei.com.bn

Website: http://www.takafulbrunei.com.bn/service-apartments.html

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN INTREPID UNITS

Phone: (673)222-1686
Email: tours@bruneibay.net
Website: http://www.bruneibay.net/bruneibudget/budgetIntrepidbunit.htm

KH SOON SERVICES & RESTHOUSE

Address: 2nd fl, 140 Jln Pemancha Bandar Seri Begawan

Phone#: (673)222-2052
Email: khsoon_resthouse_brunei@hotmail.com
Website: http://khsoon-resthouse.tripod.com/

MOTEL ARSAHRIN

Address: Kampung Sengkurong A, Jalan Tutong

Phone#: (673)861-6728 | (673)266-0589

YOUTH CENTRE (PUSAT BELIA)

Address: Jabatan Belia dan Sukan, Kementerian Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Simpang 336-17, Jalan Kebangsaan, Berakas BC4415

Phone#: (673)222-3936 | (673)222-2900
Email: jbsbeliabrunet.bn
Website: http://www.bruneiyouth.org.bn/

How to add Facebook Like Popup Box Widget on Blogger

Have you tried adding a Facebook Like Popup Widget on your blog, but it stops your slides from working?

I found a way to add the widget and at the same time the slider to keep on working. Follow these steps in order for it to work:

Log-in to your account and go to "Layout".


From your sidebar or footer, click "Add Gadget" and add "HTML/JavaScript".

 

In the content, copy and paste these HTML codes:

<style>
#fbox-background {
    display: none;
    background: rgba(0,0,0,0.8);
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    position: fixed;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    z-index: 99999;}

#fbox-close {
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;}

#fbox-display {
    background: #eaeaea;
    border: 5px solid #828282;
    width: 340px;
    height: 230px;
    position: absolute;
    top: 32%;
    left: 37%;
    -webkit-border-radius: 5px;
    -moz-border-radius: 5px;
    border-radius: 5px;}

#fbox-button {
    float: right;
    cursor: pointer;
    position: absolute;
    right: 0px;
    top: 0px;}

#fbox-button:before {
    content: "CLOSE";
    padding: 5px 8px;
    background: #828282;
    color: #eaeaea;
    font-weight: bold;
    font-size: 10px;
    font-family: Tahoma;}

#fbox-link,#fbox-link a.visited,#fbox-link a,#fbox-link a:hover {
    color: #aaaaaa;
    font-size: 9px;
    text-decoration: none;
    text-align: center;
    padding: 5px;}

</style>
<script type='text/javascript'>
//<![CDATA[
jQuery.cookie = function (key, value, options) {
// key and at least value given, set cookie...
if (arguments.length > 1 && String(value) !== "[object Object]") {
options = jQuery.extend({}, options);
if (value === null || value === undefined) {
options.expires = -1;}
if (typeof options.expires === 'number') {
var days = options.expires, t = options.expires = new Date();
t.setDate(t.getDate() + days);}
value = String(value);
return (document.cookie = [
encodeURIComponent(key), '=',
options.raw ? value : encodeURIComponent(value),
options.expires ? '; expires=' + options.expires.toUTCString() : '', // use expires attribute, max-age is not supported by IE
options.path ? '; path=' + options.path : '',
options.domain ? '; domain=' + options.domain : '',
options.secure ? '; secure' : ''
].join(''));}
// key and possibly options given, get cookie...
options = value || {};
var result, decode = options.raw ? function (s) { return s; } : decodeURIComponent;
return (result = new RegExp('(?:^|; )' + encodeURIComponent(key) + '=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie)) ? decode(result[1]) : null;};
//]]>
</script>
<script type='text/javascript'>
jQuery(document).ready(function($){
if($.cookie('popup_facebook_box') != 'yes'){
$('#fbox-background').delay(5000).fadeIn('medium');
$('#fbox-button, #fbox-close').click(function(){
$('#fbox-background').stop().fadeOut('medium');
});}
$.cookie('popup_facebook_box', 'yes', { path: '/', expires: 7 });});

</script>
<div id='fbox-background'>
<div id='fbox-close'>
</div>
<div id='fbox-display'>
<div id='fbox-button'>
</div>
<iframe allowtransparency='true' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' src='//www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?
href=https://www.facebook.com/lakwatserangligaw/&width=402&height=255&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&show_border=false&stream=false&header=false'
style='border: none; overflow: hidden; background: #fff; width: 339px; height: 200px;'></iframe>
<div id="fbox-link">Powered by <a style="padding-left: 0px;" href="http://www.lakwatserangligaw.com/" rel="nofollow">LakwatserangLigaw</a></div>
</div>
</div>

How to customize?
After adding the code, replace this https://www.facebook.com/lakwatserangligaw/ with your own Facebook page link.

By default, the Popup only shows the first time the user visit your page. So if you want them to see the Popup everytime they visit your site, then delete this code:

$.cookie('popup_facebook_box', 'yes', { path: '/', expires: 7 });

If you want to change the width, height, background, and border of the box, then edit these however you like:

background: #eaeaea;
border: 5px solid #828282;
width: 340px;
height: 230px;

To change how the long the box will appear after the page loads, then edit this code:

.delay(5000)

5000 is equivalent to 5 seconds, 3000 to 3 seconds, 2000 to 2 second and so on.

Important Note: If you find other instructions on how to add the Facebook Like Popup in your blogger and your slider suddenly stopped working after, then just delete these codes from the HTML. 

<script src='http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.7.2/jquery.min.js' type='text/javascript'></script>

Disclaimer: I'm not a professional programmer, I just love testing and tweaking codes. If you need help in your widget, just send me a message. Please share if you find this helpful:)

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: One of the Most Beautiful Mosques in South East Asia

Named after the Sultan the 28th Sultan of Brunei, this Mosque was completed after 4 years of constructions. It's the first thing that caught my attention when we're on our way to the Hotel. And right then and there I have fallen in love to this beautiful Mosque.

The Mosque was built at the center of an artificial lagoon that serves as the reflecting pool making the Mosque perfect at night. It's considered as one of the most beautiful Mosques in South East Asia.

People come here at night to pray and then leave to eat or shop, which is a normal life in Brunei since there is no night life in the country. When we tried to see the Mosque we were told that it's closed for Christians because of a special event inside. 

The locals were kind enough to direct us to another Mosque which currently open for visitors. We, however, did not go because we don't have much time.

I've read from other blogs that the interior of the Mosque is more lavish and extravagant than the exterior. The exterior, specially the dome which is made of gold, is lavish enough so I was really curious and wanted to see how beautiful the interior is.

 

They said the floor and walls are made from the finest Italian marble. The stained-glass window and chandeliers were crafted in England. The luxurious carpets were flown from Saudi Arabia and Belgium.

The 3.5-million piece Venetian mosaic inside the main dome are a dream come true for jigsaw enthusiasts. I just wish I can see these all with my own eyes.

In front of the Mosque is a ceremonial stone boat connected by a marble bridge. It's a replica of a 16th Century Sultan Blokiah Nahligai Barge. The barge built to commemorate the 1,400th Anniversary of Nuzul Al-Quran (coming down of the Quran) and was used to stage the Quran reading competitions. Another marble bridge on the other side of the Mosque was created that leads to Kampong Ayer in the middle of the river.

The most noticeable feature of the Mosque, especially at night, is the main dome which is covered in pure gold. It's like a burning fire under the heat of the sun at day and the mosque itself is like a burning fire at night. It stands 171 feet high and can be seen virtually from anywhere in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Mosque tower dominates the skyline of BSB. It's marble minaret makes it the tallest building in Central BSB. No building shall ever exceeded its height, and apparently the nearby Islamic Bank of Brunei had its top storey removed by the order of the Sultan because it towers the Mosque.

 

The minaret with its unique mixed of Renaissance and Italian architectural styles has an elevator to the top, where visitor can enjoy the panoramic view of the city. And again, because of their religious event, we were not able to reach the top of the minaret.

The Mosque, even though I'm not a Muslim, has attracted me like a moth to the fire. I just want to keep coming back, must it be day or night. I just can't get enough of its beautiful facade and structures. Make sure you explore this Mosque when you visit Brunei.

Getting there from Central BSB is very easy. Just follow it's shining light and you'll get there in no time. You'll find that walking is more enjoyable than you can imagine just thinking how the Mosque will look like when you get there.

Address: Jalan Stoney, Bandar Seri Begawan

Opening Hours: 

8:30am - 12:00am, 1:30pm - 3:00pm & 4:30pm - 5:30pm (Saturday and Wednesday (Interior) 

4:30pm - 5:00pm Friday (Exterior)

8:00am - 8:30pm daily except prayer times (Compound)

Istana Nurul Iman: Palace of the Light of Faith

One of the places that gives excitement in traveling to Brunei is this palace. Not only because it’s the largest palace in the world, but also because it’s designed by a Filipino Architect, Leandro Locsin. Istana Nurul Iman means Palace (Malay “Istana”) and The Light of Faith (Arabic “Nurul Iman”).

The house is the official house of His Majesty and open only to public during the three-day Hari Raya Aidil Fitri festivities at the end of Ramadan. Another way to check the palace is to take a water-taxi cruise or to stop by the riverside pavilion at Taman Persiaran Damuan.

The palace was constructed for 2 years in a 200,000sqm land and was competed in January 1, 1984. It has a total of 1,788 rooms with 257 bathrooms, five grand swimming pools and a largest banquet hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 guests.

The Palace has mixes of Malay and Islamic elements with the sweep and oversize  grandeur of an airport terminal. It’s four times the size of the Palace of Versailles and three times larger the Buckingham Palace.

One of the breathtaking characteristics of the palace is, it has paintings of world-known artists, including one of the French artist Auguste Renoir painting bought by the Hassanal Bolkiah in 1980 for a record of $70 million.

To prove how rich Brunei is, the windows and doors of the house are made of pure gold. It has an air conditioned stable for the 200 beloved polo ponies of Sultan and an underground garage for 110 cars.

I really wanted to get see the inside but it’s not that time of the year so I just contented, again, myself to taking pictures from the gate. I wish I can see its own Mosque that they said can accommodate more than 1500 worshipers.

Address: Jalan Tutong