Locals, Foreigners At Royal Open House
By Lyna Mohamad & Hj Minor Absah

Bandar Seri Begawan - Scores of visitors yesterday attended the final day of the Istana Open House to extend their festive greetings to the royal family.

Among the thousands was Cathy Watt, an Australian who has resided in the country for 13 years. Yesterday marked her second visit to the palace after 12 years.

Speaking to the Bulletin, she noted the many changes that have taken place at the palace, which included the greater turnout of visitors, the management of visitors and the enhanced security in place.

Speaking about the occasion, she said, "It is very unique. I don't know anywhere else in the world where you can come and meet the monarch like you can here.

"For example, in Australia, we have our monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II, and there is no way you can get close to her," she added.

Meanwhile, Lim Cheng Kiat, 28, who previously lived and studied here, also took the opportunity to get up close with the royal family.

Making a return after so many years, he was pleased to note the development in the Sultanate.

For Anna Chong, a local from Seria town, it has become a tradition for her to visit the palace to personally extend her festive greetings to the royal family.

Every year, she makes the trip to the Istana with friends from as far as Canada and Australia.

She said she is proud to show her foreign friends how lucky Bruneians are to have the caring monarch open the doors to his palace to meet and greet citizens and others, regardless of race, religion and nationality.

Like the others, Mohd Saidullah, 47, who has worked in Brunei for 20 years, was also glad to be able to meet the royal family.

The palace also received a visit from a group of Thai visitors who arrived in the Sultanate yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the others, Chaiaamol said they planned their first vacation in Brunei to coincide with the royal open house, so that they could have the honour of meeting the monarch and the royal family members.

Maureen O'Brien and Joy Scott from Ireland were delighted to learn about the open house when they docked at Brunei Bay yesterday morning.

They were among a group of tourists from Ireland who were aboard cruise ship 'Costa Allegra.' The ship docked in Brunei for a few hours before continuing its journey to other destinations. "It was just incredible... way beyond our expectations. It really was a wonderful experience," they said, adding that they intend to share their experience with family and friends back home. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with