BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

formerly (until 1970) Brunei Town, capital of Brunei. The city lies along the Brunei River near its mouth on Brunei Bay, an inlet of the South China Sea. It is an agricultural trade centre and river port. After suffering extensive damage during World War II, it was largely rebuilt; newer buildings include a royal palace, a sports stadium, and the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, largest in the Far East. Bandar Seri Begawan lies on the main road running southwestward along Borneo's coast to Seria and Kuala Belait, and it is also served by a modern airport. The Brunei Museum is about 4 miles (6.5 km) away. Pop. (1988 est.) 52,300.