2nd day in Brunei

I started my 2nd day in Brunei by walking 2km to the Tasek Lama Recreational Park, a jungle oasis in the middle of the city. The chorus of buzzing, chirping and rustling rainforest sounds provides respite from the hustle of bustle of nearby commercial areas. The park is a popular exercise spot for joggers and walkers. Well-marked trekking paths lead to a lake, waterfalls, picnic areas and a hilltop tower which is unfortunately closed.

The lake also acts as a reservoir that provides much of the city’s drinking water. There are rougher jungle trails for longer walks, which can take up to six hours to trek, but I wore only sports sandals, and needed to go somewhere else. I found a ride with a lady working out in the park to drop me at the Royal Regalia Museum which has Aladdin-like gifts to Brunei Sultan and suits he wears made of gold and precious stones.

My travel in Brunei has been frustrating. Brunei's high rate of private car ownership means very few Bruneians take these buses, which largely cater to foreign workers. The bus routes cease operation before 6 pm. I finally got on bus 39 to visit the Brunei Museum and found an old notice on the front door that it was close until further notice. The staff at the information center, the hostel owner, or the bus driver could have told me its closure to avoid the trip. I hitchhiked back to town and jump on another bus to Gadobg night market with a wide variety of value-for-money tasty local food. I had stir-fly rice noodles, fish, and ABC drink for dinner, and jumped in the bus back to town before it become dark.