National Day attracts tourists
By James Kon and Ariffin Bakar

People from all walks of life gathered outside the Taman yesterday to watch the celebration. Pic: Hj Md Said Arshad 

Geordie Greig and his 4-year-old son Jaspe.

Curious onlookers watch the colourful event. Pic: Rudolf Portillo

Tourists enjoying the field performances

Brunei Darussalam's national day was not only eagerly awaited by citizens of Brunei but also by expatriates working in the country and tourists from around the globe. Yesterday marked the 19th National Day of Brunei Darussalam. The main celebration was held at the Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital.

Early that morning, people, young and old were out in their masses to watch the historical celebration. The routes used for the parade and marches were swarming with crowds.

In the midst of the crowd, hundreds of tourists and foreigners were spotted taking pictures and patiently watching the celebration unfold.

Geordie Greig and his family, from London are here for a week's holiday in Brunei Darussalam. They heard about Brunei's national day celebration from the management of the Empire Hotel and Country Club. They said that they were eager to take the opportunity to see the celebration themselves.

Geodie Greig said that the celebration reminded them of a celebration called 'Trooping the colour', held in London, where on the Queen's birthday, the Queen of England would be greeted by a royal salute followed by an inspection of the troop.

He said that he is currently enjoying his stay in Brunei Darussalam and exceptionally likes the rain forest in Temburong. It's beautiful scenery and exotic species of flora and fauna have fascinated him.

Although under the scorching sun, the tourists, equipped with cameras and camcorders, managed to watch the whole three-hour celebration among the thousands of spectators. The tourist smiles clearly indicated the success of the national day committee in organising the best performance for this year.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin