Types of Leisure Programmes

Events

Example:

Brunei consists of many cultures like Malayan, Chinese and Indian. The culture of Brunei is also considered to be affected by the Islam. Brunei celebrates many Festivals and Events as there are various races that live in the country. Some of the Festivals and Events in Brunei are:

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri
• Hari RayaAidiladha
• His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday(15th July)
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
• Chinese New Year in Brunei
• Christmas in Brunei
• Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day
• National Day, February 23

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated by the people belonging to the Muslim faith right after Ramadhan, the fasting month. On the very first day after Ramadhan, devout Muslims visit mosques in the early morning all over the country and offer their prayers. The Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration is marked by cooking of sumptuous dishes like rice cakes( ketupat), beef and chicken kababs, rendang which is marinated beef. During this festival His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei opens the doors of Istana Nurul Iman and let the citizens of his country meet him and other members belonging to the royal family. He wishes them a very happy Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day

Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day Festival is celebrated on 31st May, every year to commemorate the building of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. The festival is celebrated right in the center of the city at Taman Haji Sir Ali Saifuddien. On this day military parades, battle demonstrations and parachute shows are held.

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces 49th Anniversary

His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday

His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday is celebrated on 15th July every year. The celebration begins with people from all over the country gathering at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Saifuddien which is located in the heart of the capital city of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan. His Majesty meets his people and gives a speech or a titah. The celebration continues for the next two weeks during which there are fire displays in the sky, parades and processions are organized.

60th birthday celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam on 29 July 2006

A write-up on Brunei’s recreational programmes:

RECREATION 

Soccer is the most popular sport. The Brunei National Team won the Malaysia Cup '99. Local sports like silat, a form of Malay martial arts which won Brunei 3 gold medals in the 1999 SEA Games, sepaktakraw, a sport played with a rattan ball and gasing, a game involving highly polished giant tops are also favourites.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports regularly promotes sports in schools and clubs with sporting events and festivals. Badminton, tennis, sailing, cycling, motorsports and golf are equally popular. Brunei boasts excellent sporting venues and facilities and has hosted national events such as the 20th South East Asian (SEA) Games, the 2001 Primary FOBBISSEA Games and the 9th Asian Junior Athletic Championships.

In February 1999, Brunei had the honour to host the 1998 Baiduri World Grand Prix Badminton Finals. After a successful event, in December 1999, Brunei once again hosted the 1999 Baiduri World Grand Prix Badminton Finals. In August 2001, the Brunei World Grand Prix Badminton Finals 2000 was hosted again in Brunei attracting 16 top seed players to the Sultanate. This prestigious event offers spectators with a chance to view the best of the best in the world of badminton. 

The 35,000 seater Hassanal Bolkiah stadium is the main facility at a multi-purpose sports complex in the capital. Public swimming pools are available within Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex and Mumong Sports Complex in Kuala Belait.

Recreational facilities are also available at private clubs like Royal Brunei Recreation Club, Brunei Shell Recreation Club, Jerudong Park Polo Club and Royal Brunei Yacht Club. Golf courses are located at Panaga Club, Pantai Mentiri Golf Club, Jerudong Park Polo Club, Royal Brunei Golf Course and The Empire Hotel and Country Club. The Trijaya Jerudong Equestrian Park presents Bruneians and tourists with the opportunity to enjoy polo and equestrian activities. There is also a bowling alley at Jalan Tutong. Hashing or jogging is another established pastime with several forested areas being turned into recreation parks. Popular jogging areas in BSB are Bukit Shahbandar and Tasek Lama. The Peradayan Forest Reserve in Temburong has a recreational park covering 1,070 hectares with caves and sandstone formations.

One of the main attractions in Brunei Darussalam is the Jerudong Park playground, which provides exciting rides, games and amusements for visitors of all ages. Located approximately 25 minutes from town, the park can accommodate up to 60,000 people.

(Taken from: http://www.bruneipress.com.bn/brunei/brunei.html)