Whether you are a seasoned astronomer with a high-powered telescope or a curious beginner seeking a peaceful getaway, we invite you to pitch your tent, set up your gear, and unwind under a vast blanket of stars. With clear skies overhead, the crown jewel of our retreat will be the peak of the Lyrids Meteor Shower – a breathtaking celestial display.

More Info: https://bruneiastronomy.org/web/meteorcamp2026/

The night features guided stargazing, planetary viewing, milky way hunting and the “First Light” Astrophotography Challenge, where the first attendee to capture a meteor alongside the Milky Way wins a Dobsonian telescope. To preserve the viewing environment, a strict “Red Light Only” policy will be enforced after 10:00 PM to protect everyone’s night vision.

Spaces are limited and registration is required. Pack your camping gear and head to Kampong Batu Apoi for an unforgettable night of “Dark Skies and Falling Stars.” For more details or to book your slot, visit https://bruneiastronomy.org/web/meteorcamp2026/

Summary: From Papar’s new observatory to Kota Belud’s rivers and Kudat’s legendary dark skies, our Ramadan Milkyway Hunt 2026 became an adventure of shared stories, coastal cooking, stargazing marathons, and breathtaking landscapes – a journey where Sabah’s beauty, its people, and the cosmos came together in one unforgettable experience. Most of all, we travelled with incredible people, AstroFalak expert, Dark Sky Rangers, and friends who turned every moment into a memory. A celestial travelogue.

From 20 to 24 February 2026, our journey unfolded across the sweeping landscapes of Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Kota Belud, and Kudat – five days on the road in two cars, tracing the northern curve of Borneo in search of its darkest skies. Sabah has long been whispered about among stargazers as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising frontiers: vast stretches of countryside untouched by heavy light pollution, horizons that open wide in every direction, and coastal plains where the night sky rises unobstructed from the sea. Under these conditions, the Milky Way reveals its full glory, meteor trails carve bright arcs overhead, and deep‑sky objects emerge with a clarity rarely seen in more urban settings. Drawn by this promise, seven members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) set out to experience Sabah’s celestial wilderness firsthand – an overland expedition shaped by curiosity, camaraderie, and the timeless pull of the stars.

Our first stop was the Kompleks Balai Cerap Saizwagger 2 in Papar, an observatory operated by Dr. Hj. Sairin, an astrofalak expert. The building itself reflected a strong astronomy theme, with planetary designs throughout the interior. Even the small details, such as bedsheets and floor tiles designed with compass directions, created a space that felt intentionally connected to celestial observation. From the sixth floor, the landscape stretched across distant mountains and hazy horizons, illustrating how observatories are often located in elevated areas to minimise atmospheric obstruction and artificial light.

The night sky at Papar was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. In the early hours before dawn, the Milky Way appeared clearly across the sky, stretching horizontally along the horizon. Because the surrounding area has relatively low light pollution, the structure of the galaxy was visible to the naked eye. The densest and brightest part of the band was the Galactic Center, the region where billions of stars are concentrated around the core of our galaxy. Seeing this glowing band of light above us gave a powerful sense of scale, reminding us that our solar system exists within a much larger cosmic structure. Also, during the observation session, we spotted meteors streaking across the sky and identified several constellations such as Scorpius, Norma, Ara, Sagittarius, and more.

The following morning, we travelled to Kota Belud and stayed at Tagudon Tourist Village, located near the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. The campsite offered clear views of both the river and the surrounding mountains, demonstrating another key factor in astronomical observation: open landscapes with minimal visual obstructions. That evening, we met Emma Zulaiha Zulkifli, founder of Dark Sky Malaysia, who shared insights about public astronomy outreach and efforts to promote dark-sky awareness. Although rain prevented stargazing that night, discussions around the campfire highlighted the important role that astronomy communities play in fostering environmental awareness and scientific curiosity.

Our journey continued to Kudat, located at the northern edge of Borneo. Along the drive, we observed rural infrastructure, such as solar panels used to generate electricity in remote communities. These systems are particularly important in areas where reducing artificial light also helps preserve darker skies. After arriving in Kudat, we stopped by a small seashell stall near the beach. The stall sold real seashells collected from the coastline, ranging from RM5 to RM35 – Each of us bought one or two shells as souvenirs.

At night, we travelled to the Tip of Borneo, the northernmost point of the island. The coastal location offers unobstructed horizons facing the open sea, making it an ideal site for night-sky observation. During our observation session, we also learned how to use the Starsense Explorer, along with the Sky Map on the phone, to navigate the night sky. By using the digital sky map, we were able to identify constellations and immediately locate specific celestial objects such as stars, planets, and nebulae through the telescope. Using the digital smart telescope, ZWO Seestar S50, we captured images of the Orion Nebula and the star cluster Messier 67. Even with limited time and travel fatigue, the sky revealed countless stars, constellations, and distant galaxies.

The monument at the Tip of Borneo also reflects the place’s cultural history. Known locally as Tanjung Simpang Mangayau, it is connected to the history of the Rungus people, whose folklore describes the area as a place where their ancestors defended their territory. Learning about these stories added another layer of meaning to the landscape. It reminded us that places like this are not only beautiful for astronomy but also rich in culture and history.

Overall, the journey demonstrated why Sabah is increasingly recognised as a valuable stargazing destination. Its combination of rural landscapes, coastal horizons, and growing astronomy communities creates an environment where both science and cultural appreciation of the night sky can thrive.

Beyond the astronomical experiences and breathtaking landscapes, the journey was also meaningful because of the people who shared the experience together. My sincere appreciation goes to Uncle Azaharry, Ka Jannah, Ka Ema, Mumtazah, Nazhif, and Adi Zulhilmi for helping capture great photographs throughout the trip and for making the journey both smooth and memorable. Travelling together, sharing meals, preparing for iftar and sahur, and standing under the vast night sky made the experience even more meaningful. It is a journey that truly filled my heart with gratitude. Salam Ramadan.

Join BruneiAstronomy under the stars at Bukit Sawat Carnival, August 15 & 16, 2025, 8 pm onwards.

Discover the wonders of the night sky, from dazzling constellations to the majestic arc of the Milky Way.

Let curiosity guide you—bring your family, your camera and your sense of wonder.

[**Subject to weather]

 Stargazing at Jerudong Park! 

Join us for Sidewalk Astronomy from July 10–12, 2025 from 5.30 p.m. until 10.30 p.m. at Jerudong Park Food Court.

Peer through 8-inch reflectors and smart telescopes as we explore the Full Moon, dazzling star clusters, and more.

Meet passionate PABD amateur astronomers ready to guide you through celestial sights and answer your cosmic questions.

 Event is subject to weather conditions.

Follow us @bruneiastronomy for real-time updates and night-by-night alerts!

The “Kembara Angkasa Maal Hijrah” programme served both public members and participants, by offering astronomy outreach and public engagement activities to make astronomy more accessible to the rural community in the country. It also aimed to help the development of new astrotourism in the country, where people travel to stargaze.

In Melilas, the darkest nights can reach with the Sky Quality Meter (SQM) readings of up to 21.83. At this SQM scale, the Milky Way was quite distinctive, and the structure was quite a spectacular sight. Stargazers can take advantage of the dark skies and see the heart of our Milky Way galaxy from such a pristine dark sky location.

During the stargazing session, a green laser beam was used to guide participants to identify the celetial objects such as constellations Sagittarius, which roughly be like a teapot, and Scorpius, part of which seem to be a tail of scorpion with the background of the Milky Way galaxy.

For a truly special experience, local villagers and participants were given the opportunity to look at the four planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus – through the telescopes. Few streaks of the Delta Aquarids meteor shower were also visible which was the one of the main highlights of the stargazing event.

As stargazing was always weather dependent, there were alternative evening activities when the skies clouded over such as astronomy quizzes and astrophotography practical.

The Astro-camping activity at the Julangan Titah Rumah Panjang Kampong Melilas was organised by the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) with jointly supported of the Majlis Perundingan Kampong Melilas and the Persatuan Kereta Tahan Lasak Brunei (PKTLB), in partnership of the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Brunei Darussalam.

Photo Gallery 1

Photo Gallery 2 (Photos by Nahzif Hj Khalid/PABD)

Join at Taman Rekreasi Kampong Sungai Mau, Belait (Google Map location) for 2 nights from 5 pm until 10 pm (subject to weather).

This program is free and open to the general public with no reservation required.

Highlights of the observation are brightest “Evening Star” Venus, the Jewel of the Solar System Saturn and the Giant Planet Jupiter. This is also an opportunity to look for the spectacular view of our Milky Way Galaxy from a rural area in Brunei Darussalam.

The event is jointly coorganied by Bukit Sawat Village Council and the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam.

It Will Rain Stars! Join us for these fun stargazing & enjoy camping under the stars in the suburban dark skies which offer a great view of our Milky Way Galaxy, and featuring the most wonderful night in Ramadan to catch the Lyrids Meteor Shower.

Thursday, 22nd April 2021 / 10 Ramadan 1442H
2.00 pm – 10.00 am
Bintudoh Greenspring Resort, Kg. Bang Nukat. Spg 113, Jalan Kg. Menengah-Bukit Sulang Tutong
BND 15 per pax (Limited participants)

More info: www.bruneiastronomy.org/meteorcamp

Reservation/Accommodation & Payment: +673 8899674 / WhatsApp / 2260122 (Mr Susis)

The stargazing @ HAGAP was facilitated by 11 members of The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD). The session was planned to start at 7 pm at the front lawn, but a thin blanket of clouds and drizzles continuing until pre dawn which put the observation on hold. But, the rest of the sky was clear until sunrise.

There are great opportunities to teach our children about the amazing universe around us during the stargazing. Some of the pre-dawn astronomical highlights at our stargazing at HAGAP today includes learning the constellations such as Cassiopeia Constellation with the nearby Andromeda galaxy; Taurus with Pleiades star cluster; Orion constellation with the glowing Orion nebula. The stargazing also offered children to a close-up view of our solar system – the Moon, red planet Mars and the morning “star” Venus. A few shooting stars or meteors and satellites pass-by were also observed.

This event was held in conjunction of school term holiday to get kids outside and extra-learning about science astronomy. It was organised by HAGAP’s homestay management.