Asem workshop participants go sightseeing

PARTICIPANTS of the Asem (Asia-Europe Meeting) Workshop 2010, went on a tour of some of Brunei tourist hotspots yesterday.

The group visited the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, the Royal Regalia, followed by a visit to Kampong Ayer and a quick stop outside the Istana Nurul Iman.

Katherine Budd from the United Kingdom (UK) is not only on on her first trip to Brunei, but her first trip to Asia.

Her favourite part of the trip was the visit to Kampong Ayer, Brunei's "Venice of the East".

"It's amazing to see the other cultures and the way they live on the water, we even had a chance to go into one of the houses for tea," she said.

However, the trip was not the only opportunity she and others from the workshop have had to explore the country.

"We like the night time because it's where we get to explore the area (Gadong). I've been to the night market, I'm keen on trying durian, regardless of the reviews I've had," said Budd. "One of the places we have yet to visit is the beaches."

Budd added that with regards to biodiversity Brunei had much to offer. "In the UK, biodiversity is minimal, in Brunei you could be driving down the road and it's all around you."

Whilst Budd said that it was her first real experience of the city and she wanted to see more of it, she was most keen on visiting the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) in Temburong, which Asem participants will be heading off to for four days.

Ginny Benardout, also from the UK in commenting Brunei's infrastructure said: "I've been to Sabah and the difference in development is obvious. The infrastructure here is amazing." She specifically referred to Istana Nurul Iman.

Benardout however said that she was disappointed at the level of pollution that was obvious in the Brunei River.

She further enquired as to the culture of living on the river.

"I wonder if anyone has thought about the implications of rising sea levels. High tides coupled with rising seas would make it almost impossible to live there."

Both, Budd and Benardout, added that they were very lucky to be one of the three members of the delegation from the UK, adding that Brunei held much interest for them.

Budd is a graduate in Ecology and Conservation, while Benardout studying environmental geography.

The Brunei Times