Brunei is a small country located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. This rich country is unique because the land is split into two separate parts. These two parts are completely surrounded by the sea and the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
For over a hundred years, people had to travel through Malaysia to get from one part of Brunei to the other. They had to cross many border checkpoints and show their passports multiple times. This often took about two hours by car.
Why Brunei is Divided into Two Separate Parts
Long ago, the Brunei Empire was very large and ruled over most of Borneo. In the 1800s, the empire began to lose land due to internal problems and foreign influence. A British explorer named James Brooke was given the Sarawak region after he helped the Sultan stop a rebellion.
Over many years, the Brooke family expanded their territory and took more land from Brunei. The most significant event happened in 1890 when they seized the Limbang district. This area was located right in the middle of what was left of Brunei.
When Limbang became part of Sarawak, it physically cut Brunei into two separate halves. The eastern half became known as the Temburong District. It became an exclave (a piece of the country that was not attached to the main part).
The Sultan of Brunei asked the British for protection in 1888 to stop more land from being taken. The country remained a British protectorate for many years until it became fully independent in 1984. However, the land remained divided into two parts even after the British left.
For more than a century, the people living in Temburong felt very isolated from the rest of the nation. The only way to reach them without leaving the country was by taking a small boat. The government eventually decided that a direct road connection was necessary for the future.
A Bridge That Connects Bandar Seri Begawan to Temburong
In 2014, Brunei began building a bridge across Brunei Bay to link the two parts. It was named the Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Bridge to honor the father of the current Sultan. However, the locals simply refer to it as the Temburong Bridge.
This massive bridge is 30 kilometers long, which is a very impressive distance. It is currently the longest bridge in all of Southeast Asia. The government used special construction methods to make sure the bridge did not harm the environment.
The bridge spans across the open sea and goes through beautiful swamp forests. Construction was a very complex task that involved thousands of workers and international experts. It was built with high towers and strong cables to make sure it is safe and durable.
The bridge was finished and opened to the public on March 17, 2020. This was done early to help the country during the global pandemic when borders were closing. It allowed people in Temburong to get food and medical help from the capital more easily.
How the Bridge Helps the People in Temburong
The new bridge has changed daily life for everyone in the country. Before it existed, a trip from the capital to Temburong could take a very long time. Now, the same journey takes only 15 to 30 minutes by car.
Families who were separated by the bay can now visit each other much more often. People no longer have to worry about border rules or long lines at the customs office. This has brought the people of both districts much closer together.
The bridge is also helping the economy grow in the Temburong District. It is much easier for tourists to visit the famous national parks and enjoy nature. These forests are home to many rare plants and animals that Brunei wants to protect.
The government is also using the bridge to carry power lines and fiber optic cables. This means Temburong will have better electricity and faster internet in the future. These improvements are part of a larger plan called Wawasan Brunei 2035.
