Once in a while.: Wealthy Nation

Did some catching-up with my uni classmate from HK, whom I haven't met in quite a while, and he send me some very interesting video links by TVB (hosted by Eric Tsang, Zeng Zhi Wei)about my country - Brunei... He was marvelling at the exuberant wealth flaunted in the video...

I thus took a look at the TVB production - 向世界出发 (literally translation: Advance Into The World), and lo and behold, it was an eye-opener as some scenes in the Royal Palace I have never seen before!!! It also featured our highly-reputed 5-star hotel : Empire Hotel. There are 6 parts in all, and I have only completed 2.5 parts so far, with each part about 20 minutes. Hence I have no idea what other parts are about....

I think this is a subject of poignant interest, so let the pictures do the talking.....

An aerial view of Brunei's Royal Palace, Istana Nurul Iman, one of the largest inhabited royal residences in the world - with 1,788 rooms and 257 bathrooms.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajjah Saleha during celebration of His Majesty's 60th Birthday

The huge main entrance of the palace into the main lobby where celebrations will be held

Crystal chandeliers in the palace, each weighing about a tonne, with estimated costs of HKD2 million each. There are about 12 of them in this main foyer, hence some HKD 24 million worth of chandeliers are dangling above...

It is noted in the production that the royal family's feet was placed on a cushion and not on the ground when seated. The glittering crystal shoes worn by Her Majesty is estimated to be around half a million dollars.

The wooden building behind Eric Tsang serves as the previous royal palace of Brunei, until Istana Nurul Iman was built in 1984. This was the very humble beginnings of the nation, at a time when the nation was still very poor, until the discovery of oil and gas in 1929 made Brunei a prosperous nation it is today.

A beautiful view of Masjid Jamek located in Bandar Seri Begawan. It was built by His Majesty as a gift to the His subjects during his 48th birthday. The dome is estimated to be weighing 2.4 tonnes and is made of 24k GOLD. Though the humble government of His Majesty did not disclose the costs, experts estimate it to be greater than HKD 300 million.

(Picture courtesy of Brunei Tourism Website)

Another view of Masjid Jamek in the background with Eric Tsang.

The 5-star Empire Hotel in Brunei - located along the scenic Brunei coastline. Built in 1995, and is divided into 5 prime areas which is mentioned in the clips.

From the pillars of the main lobby in Empire Hotel. Been in the hotel once, and all the gold-like patterns seen in the pictures, are actually REAL gold (21K). From the main lobby, you can get a panoramic view of the blue South China Sea.

An beautifully-engineered landscape with an artificial beach. There are altogether 4 of such artificial beaches although the coastline is only a stone throw's away.

Another view of the landscape. The swimming pools are designed to look as if they are joined to the South China Sea.

The golf course in Empire Hotel - Signature Hole.

(Picture courtesy of Brunei Tourism Website)

Golden tap in the washroom in the Queen's suite in the hotel. If I didn't remember wrongly, it is approximately some $70k per night in the Queen's suite. The green rings I think are made of jade.

An indoor swimming pool in the Emperor's suite. Right beside it is a jacuzzi. It takes about 10 minutes' walk from the main entrance to reach this pool. There are attendants here serving drinks. A night at the Emperor's suite will cost around $130,000 and it is reputed that even the rich have to queue for this suite.

A bathtub in the Emperor's suite. One can take a bath here and at the same time enjoy the breathtaking view of South China Sea. Bill Clinton is reputed to have been here.