Reminiscing the Golden Era of BSB

An overview of Bandar Brunei taken in 1962 with its tranquil surroundings and Kampung Ayer in the background. (Source: Haji Mohd Daud Abd Rahman)

Photo of Barek Lama (Police housing complex) taken in 1962. (Source: Haji Mohd Daud Abd Rahman)

At the old Airport in Berakas in 1969. (Source: Haji Mohd Daud Abd Rahman)
This article is written by Haji Mohd Daud Abd Rahman and published on Borneo Bulletin.

Reminiscing the Golden Era of Bandar Seri Begawan

Without the old, there will not be the new - thus we must always remember and learn from the past. Recalling the old Bandar Brunei (now known as Bandar Seri Begawan) of the 1960s, a lot of changes and development have taken place in the capital.

In those days, Brunei's entire population was small. There were not many cars and the capital only came to life during certain events like festivities marking the birthday of Al-Marhum Begawan Sultan. During festivities, Bandar Brunei would be transformed with crowds visiting day and night.

Most of the buildings of the 1960s are also no longer in existence today. The Airport (now Old Airport Road) in Berakas was surrounded by thick greenery. The 'Barek Lama' (Police housing complex) in Kg Sultan Lama, shop houses along Jalan Sultan and the main attraction of Bandar Brunei in the 60s - the old wet market located in the centre of town - only live in the memories of those fortunate ones who once had the pleasure of visiting those places.

The memories of the old Bandar Brunei evoke fond thoughts of that golden era and hopefully today's generation will also come to know of that time. Long gone was that sleepy, quiet town replaced with the hustle and bustle of a modern capital city

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