By Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad / The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam
June 21, 2026
Bandar Seri Begawan – As Brunei Darussalam prepares for Visit Brunei Year 2027 – a campaign coinciding with His Majesty the Sultan’s Diamond Jubilee – the nation is opening its pristine natural rainforests and dark sky to a rapidly growing frontier in newly eco-tourism: Astrotourism.
Last night, June 20, 2026, the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) highlighted the sultanate’s stellar potential during a astrotourism showcase held under the “Nature Exploration” theme at the premier pre-launching ceremony of the Visit Brunei Year 2027 at Jerudong Park Garden.
The event reached a high point with a special royal visit. The PABD expressed its deepest gratitude and Menjunjung Kasih to His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, who graced the showcase to support the nation’s expanding nature and astronomy tourism sector.
Supported by the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the exhibition emphasized how Brunei’s pristine, unpolluted night skies offer a serene and captivating space for exploration, seamlessly blending eco-tourism with the wonders of the cosmos.
During the visit, Their Highnesses spent time engaging with the local astronomy community. In a highly meaningful moment for astronomy outreach in Brunei, Their Highnesses graciously signed one of the PABD’s telescopes, cementing their support for the society’s educational and tourism initiatives.
The PABD and Tourism Development Department have been working closely to identify and protect pristine viewing sites for Milkyway observation and stargazing spots. With over 80% of its land covered in lush, undisturbed rainforest and a population density that keeps light pollution remarkably low, Brunei offers some of the most spectacular dark skies in Southeast Asia. Combined with its equatorial location at 4.9° N, visitors can experience year-round visibility of southern celestial phenomena that are invisible from the Northern Hemisphere.
With Visit Brunei Year 2027 on the horizon, the showcase served as a powerful reminder of the unique, untouched beauty Brunei has to offer. The PABD and Brunei Tourism are extending an open invitation to both locals and international travelers and amateur astronomers, especially strategic partners, to join in experiencing this celestial charm, and discover the universe from the heart of Borneo’s lush rainforests.
For more information, browse the Official Visit Brunei Year 2026 website: https://www.bruneitourism.com/vby2027/
