BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei welcomed the arrival of the cruise ship MV Dream, carrying 2,197 international passengers and 501 crew members, marking another milestone for the country’s cruise tourism sector and providing opportunities to promote the country as an international tourism destination.
Arriving from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, before continuing its regional voyage to Nha Trang, Vietnam, the arrival of MV Dream highlighted Brunei's growing presence on regional cruise itineraries and its potential as an attractive destination for international travellers.
The visit provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, unique attractions and diverse tourism experiences, inviting more visitors to discover the charm of Brunei as part of their journey through Southeast Asia.
Following its previous visit in September 2026 and other recent cruise ship calls, including Adora Magic City, the arrival highlighted Brunei's continued inclusion in regional cruise itineraries and its appeal as an option for Chinese tourists exploring Southeast Asia.
Upon arrival, passengers were welcomed with the lively sounds of traditional gulingtangan music. They were also given the opportunity to try playing the traditional musical instruments themselves, offering a hands-on cultural experience and a deeper appreciation of Brunei's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
According to the Tourism Development Department, during the port of call, passengers explored several of Brunei's, including Istana Nurul Iman, Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Kampong Ayer.
The visits offered passengers a chance to discover the country’s iconic landmarks, Islamic heritage and local way of life, while enjoying cultural and leisure experiences.
A passenger from Hong Kong shared her positive experience in Brunei, expressing her enjoyment of the visit and her intention to stay longer on her next trip. She also looks forward to exploring more of the country’s museums and discovering attractions in other districts.
Meanwhile, a passenger from Europe shared positive impressions of Brunei and expressed an interest in returning for a longer stay. On a future visit, the passenger looks forward to exploring the Temburong District and experiencing more of the country’s natural beauty and adventure activities. – Borneo Post/ANN
