History in Bandar Seri Begawan

Early Settlement

The history of Bandar Seri Begawan can be traced back to the 7th century, when early settlers established a village along the Brunei River. This village was called Kampong Ayer, and evidence of its past existence can still be seen today. It was situated at the site of the present-day National Museum, and its inhabitants relied on trading and fishing for livelihood. The settlement relocated twice before it ended up in the present location of Bandar Seri Begawan.

Growth and Prosperity

According to sources that document the history of Bandar Seri Begawan, the number of families living in the settlement had grown to around 25,000 by the 16th century. The settlement became known as Brunei Town, and it was one of the most powerful and prosperous towns in Borneo. It was even more affluent than nearby major Malaysian cities such as Kuching and Tawau, as well as cities in the southern part of Philippines. Later on, the town would experience a decline in population due to war and migration.

British Occupation

Towards the end of the 19th century, Brunei became a protectorate of the British Empire. In 1906, Malcolm McArthur was appointed the first British Resident of Brunei, and he immediately went about making plans to develop the nation. He advised the population to migrate to the left side of the Brunei River, and the Chinese merchants as well as the sultan himself followed his suggestions. In 1921, a Municipal Board was set up to oversee expansions plans in the town, and this resulted in the construction of many new public institutions and private housing areas. Most of the development took place around the flatter areas of the the town.

World War II

Brunei town was at the height of its expansion during the World War II. Just before the end of the war, the town was invaded by the Allied Forces, and it sustained serious damage from heavy bombings. The government started to rebuild the city after the war, and it took more than two decades for reparation works to be completed.

Modern Era

In 1970, Brunei town was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan. The word “Bandar” means “port” in Persian, and “Begawan” is the Sanskrit word for “God”. Brunei continued to be a British colony for most of the 20th century; it was in 1984 that it became an independent nation. The city of Bandar Seri Begawan continued to expand over the years, and it is presently known as one of the most prosperous cities in Borneo.