BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The Genesis Family, a Singaporean celebrity family recently concluded a familiarisation trip to Brunei Darussalam and praised the country for its perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion and educational opportunities – making it ideal for meaningful family travel experiences.
A key highlight of their visit was the stay at a beachfront resort and the chance to participate in a range of engaging family activities around the hotel, making their trip truly memorable.
The familiarisation trip was part of ongoing efforts to promote Brunei Darussalam as a premier tourist destination organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Tourism Development Department in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board.
The family was in the Sultanate for a four-day-three-night trip, providing them with firsthand experience of Brunei Darussalam’s unique offerings. As influential figures, the family was invited to explore Brunei’s rich cultural heritage, pristine nature and adventure offerings.
By immersing themselves in the local culture and attractions, the family gained valuable insights into how Brunei could enhance its appeal to Singapore as well as international visitors, ultimately fostering stronger tourism ties between Singapore and Brunei.
During their visit, the family embarked on a curated itinerary in Temburong District. Their overnight adventure included activities such as udang galah fishing, rock climbing, ziplining and a visit to the waterfalls where they enjoyed a natural fish spa.
They also engaged with the local communities and immersed themselves in the cultural traditions of a longhouse.
Their journey continued in the capital city during Bandarku Ceria, where they wandered through streets and captured memorable moments.
The family’s adventure also included a river tour to view Kampong Ayer up close and spot proboscis monkeys.
They explored the Royal Regalia Museum to learn about Brunei’s royal heritage and visited the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Botanical Research Centre for an educational tour of the country’s unique plant life. Culinary highlights featured indulging in ambuyat, sampling local delicacies at a restaurant, and savouring traditional dishes at the Gadong Night Market.
The family concluded their trip with heartfelt appreciation for Brunei’s warm hospitality, rich culture, and serene landscapes.
Since 2023, the Tourism Development Department has hosted over 20 influencers from various countries. Brunei has conducted several initiatives to tap into the Singapore market.
Earlier this year, the department signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) on tourism cooperation and participated in NATAS Holidays, where Brunei was honored to be the destination partner.
The department also launched digital campaigns in collaboration with Agoda, Expedia and TripAdvisor to enhance Brunei’s presence on global platforms. A collaboration with Singapore Airlines (SQ) further leveraged SQ’s connectivity, positioning both Singapore and Brunei as dual destinations. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
