{{Short description|River in Brunei}} {{EngvarB|date=March 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2025}} {{Infobox river | name = Brunei River | native_name = {{Lang|ms|Sungai Brunei}} | image = Brunei River (19042022).jpg | image_size = | image_alt = | image_caption = View of Brunei River from [[Kota Batu, Brunei|Kota Batu]] | map = | map_size = | map_alt = | map_caption = | subdivision_type1 = Country | subdivision_name1 = [[Brunei]] | subdivision_type2 = District | subdivision_name2 = [[Brunei-Muara District|Brunei-Muara]] | source1_location = confluence of the Kayal and Limau Manis rivers | source1_coordinates = {{Coord|4|48|27|N|114|50|35|E|region:BN|display=inline}} | mouth_location = [[Brunei-Muara District|Brunei-Muara]], Brunei | mouth_coordinates = {{coord|4|55|30|N|115|1|3|E|display=inline,title}} | progression = | location = | length_km = 41 | source1_elevation = | mouth_elevation = {{cvt|0|m|ft}} | discharge1_avg = | basin_size_km2 = 765 | river_system = Brunei River | tributaries_left = Butir | tributaries_right = Damuan, [[Kedayan River|Kedayan]], [[Kianggeh River|Kianggeh]] }}

The '''Brunei River''' ({{langx|ms|Sungai Brunei}}) is a river which flows through [[Brunei]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/610664/Tutong |title=hydrology of Brunei |access-date=31 August 2012 |archive-date=3 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003050544/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/610664/Tutong |url-status=live }}</ref> and empties into the [[Brunei Bay]] towards the north-east direction.<ref>[http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/4820/3/FulltextThesis_Part1.pdf]{{dead link|date=November 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} BASELINE STUDY ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM RIVERS PDF</ref> The [[Istana Nurul Iman]], the official residence of the [[Sultan of Brunei]], stands on its banks. The Brunei River is the shortest major river in Brunei. It is the major river basin within the [[Brunei-Muara District]], the smallest but most populous district. It flows through the country's capital [[Bandar Seri Begawan]]. It is home to [[Kampong Ayer]], the Brunei's traditional village on stilts over the river.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fNFRAQAAMAAJ&q=Brunei+river |title=The Water Village: Brunei Darussalam |date=2006 |publisher=Information Department, Prime Minister's Office |language=en }}</ref>

== History == The [[Sultanate of Brunei]] once controlled all Borneo, including parts of the [[Philippines]] and [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Office |first=Great Britain Colonial |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QcUZAAAAIAAJ&dq=Brunei+golden+age&pg=RA13-PA6 |title=Colonial Reports - Annual |date=1938 |publisher=H.M. Stationery Office |pages=6 |language=en }}</ref> The region's thick jungle means the method of transport and communication was always via boats. This led to traditional settlements being established beside rivers and waterways. These waterways provided convenient transport through a jungle environment, and a supply of food.

In 2006 the Brunei government through the [[Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation]], a department initiated the clean-up campaign of the Brunei. A total of $3.9 million has been allocated for the clean-up project, in addition to the $90,000 for the house-to-house waste collection.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/09/02/brunei-river-water-quality-very-bad |title=Brunei River water quality 'very bad' |access-date=31 August 2012 |archive-date=16 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916054134/http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/09/02/brunei-river-water-quality-very-bad |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Sites == [[Kampong Ayer]] is the traditional Bruneian village on stilts above the Brunei River.<ref name=":0" /> It was the traditional capital of Brunei for centuries during the [[Bruneian Sultanate]] and extended into the [[British protectorate]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 August 2016 |title=Retracing history of streets of Bandar {{!}} The Brunei Times |url=http://m.bt.com.bn/golden_legacy/2009/01/18/retracing_history_of_streets_of_bandar#sthash.86VJDpya.dpbs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821094555/http://m.bt.com.bn/golden_legacy/2009/01/18/retracing_history_of_streets_of_bandar#sthash.86VJDpya.dpbs |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 August 2016 |access-date=26 April 2022 }}</ref> It is now part of the capital [[Bandar Seri Begawan]], located across the [[Pusat Bandar, Brunei|city centre]].

Some of Brunei's historical sites are located along the river banks, including: * [[Kota Batu Archaeological Park]], the primary archaeological site in the country * Tomb of [[Sultan Sharif Ali]], the 3rd Sultan of Brunei<ref>{{Cite book |last=Elisseeff |first=Vadime |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zRPbecWnkoIC&dq=Sultan+sharif+ali+tomb&pg=PA146 |title=The Silk Roads: Highways of Culture and Commerce |date=2000 |publisher=Berghahn Books |isbn=978-1-57181-222-3 |pages=146 |language=en }}</ref> * Tomb of [[Sultan Bolkiah]], the 5th Sultan of Brunei * Tomb of [[Muhammad Hassan (Brunei)|Sultan Muhammad Hasan]], the 9th Sultan of Brunei * {{lang|ms|Makam di Luba}}, the tomb of Sultan Husin Kamaluddin, the 16th Sultan of Brunei<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2019 |title=Ficus kerkhovenii: Tomb of Sultan Hussin Kamaluddin, Brunei |url=https://borneoficus.info/2019/06/30/ficus-kerkhovenii-tomb-of-sultan-hussin-kamaluddin-brunei/ |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=THE FIGS OF BORNEO |language=en-US |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002122526/https://borneoficus.info/2019/06/30/ficus-kerkhovenii-tomb-of-sultan-hussin-kamaluddin-brunei/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * [[Kubah Makam Di Raja|The Royal Mausoleum]] ({{lang|ms|Kubah Makam Di-Raja}}) which is the burial place for several Sultans of Brunei including [[Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III]], the previous Sultan and father of [[Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah]] * [[Bubungan Dua Belas]] (the House of Twelve Roofs), the official residence of the [[British residents]] and high commissioners during the [[British protectorate]] * The [[Brunei Museum]], the country's national museum, is located in Kota Batu area, on the edge of a hill overlooking the river.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2015 |title=Brunei Museum - Asia-Europe Museum Network |url=http://asemus.museum/museum/brunei-museum/ |access-date=26 April 2022 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123003749/http://asemus.museum/museum/brunei-museum/ |archive-date=23 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nearby, it is also home to the [[Malay Technology Museum]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=gp |date=18 May 2020 |title=Safeguarding cultural heritage » Borneo Bulletin Online |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/safeguarding-cultural-heritage/ |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=Safeguarding cultural heritage |language=en-US |archive-date=15 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515113531/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/safeguarding-cultural-heritage/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the [[Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2016 |title=JUST IN: Maritime Museum officially opens {{!}} The Brunei Times |url=http://www.bt.com.bn/bookmarks-breaking/2015/03/23/just-maritime-museum-officially-opens |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913075358/http://www.bt.com.bn/bookmarks-breaking/2015/03/23/just-maritime-museum-officially-opens |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2016 |access-date=26 April 2022 }}</ref> * The Limau Manis River, a source river of the Brunei River, is home to Limau Manis archaeological site which is datable to the Chinese [[Song dynasty]] (960–1279 AD).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brunei Gallery - SOAS: The Islamic Sultanate of Brunei: Past and Present Culture |url=https://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/brunei/ |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=www.soas.ac.uk |language=en |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108142847/https://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/brunei/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * [[Istana Nurul Iman]], the palace of [[Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah]], the current Sultan of Brunei, is located on a hill overlooking the Brunei River.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Istana Nurul Iman |url=http://www.istananuruliman.org/ |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=www.istananuruliman.org |archive-date=12 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250812112100/http://istananuruliman.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * [[Istana Darul Hana]], former palace of both Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, located on a hill overlooking the river.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Guides |first=Rough |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QuvAEAAAQBAJ&dq=Istana+Darul+hana&pg=PT806 |title=The Rough Guide to Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei (Travel Guide eBook) |date=1 June 2023 |publisher=Apa Publications (UK) Limited |isbn=978-1-83905-928-5 |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Conference |first=Borneo Research Council (Williamsburg, Va ) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TsNuAAAAMAAJ&q=Istana+Darul+hana |title=Borneo 2000: Politics, history & development |date=2000 |publisher=Universiti Malaysia Sarawak |isbn=978-983-9257-03-8 |pages=189 |language=en }}</ref>

=== Jong Batu === {{Main|Jong Batu}} The river is also home to Jong Batu, a [[Outcrop|rock outcrop]] believed to be the remains of a ship belonging to [[Malin Kundang|Nakhoda Manis]], a figure associated with the local legend of an unfilial son [[curse]]d into stone. Similar tales can also be found in the [[Malin Kundang|local legends]] of Indonesia and Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 July 2012 |title=The tale of the unfilial son {{!}} The Brunei Times |url=http://www.bt.com.bn/classification/life/2007/03/31/the_tale_of_the_unfilial_son |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721125158/http://www.bt.com.bn/classification/life/2007/03/31/the_tale_of_the_unfilial_son |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 July 2012 |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=archive.ph }}</ref>

=== Lumut Lunting === The inconspicuous tiny island of Lumut Lunting, which is described in Syair Awang Semaun as the site of a [[cockfight]] between the kings of Brunei and the [[Majapahit|Majapahit Empire]], is one of several well-known local myths and tales that have been associated with the Brunei River.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nadhirah |date=19 April 2019 |title=Modern Sights, Local Culture, Historical Landmarks and a Fantastic View on the Brunei River Heritage Trail |url=https://www.borneoinsidersguide.com/2019/04/modern-sights-local-culture-historical-landmarks-and-a-fantastic-view-on-the-brunei-river-heritage-trail/ |access-date=11 July 2023 |website=Borneo Insider's Guide |language=en-US |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925025023/https://www.borneoinsidersguide.com/2019/04/modern-sights-local-culture-historical-landmarks-and-a-fantastic-view-on-the-brunei-river-heritage-trail/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the mouth of the Brunei River, Lumut Lunting is positioned between [[Sibungor Island|Pulau Sibungur]] and [[Berambang Island|Pulau Berambang]], as opposed to Pulau Pilong-Pilongan, which is farther out at sea and closer to [[Muara, Brunei|Muara]]. Both islands, Pulau Pilong-Pilongan and Lumut Lunting, have ties to a long-standing myth that dates back more than 500 years. According to legend, the incident occurred in the early years of [[Muhammad Shah of Brunei|Awang Alak Betatar]]'s first sultanate, somewhere in the 14th century.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=28 April 2007 |title=Two Brunei Bay Legends |url=https://www.bruneiresources.com/goldenlegacy/tgl_brunei_bay_legends.html |access-date=11 July 2023 |website=The Brunei Times }}</ref>

At the time, a [[Chicken|rooster]] owned by Awang Senuai, a relative of Awang Alak Betatar, was renowned for consistently triumphing in cockfights. In a cockfight, two carefully trained and conditioned roosters engage in combat as onlookers wager on the winner. The majority of conflicts result in the death of one or both roosters. Raden Angsuka Dewa, who also owned Asmara, a rooster reputed to be comparable to Mutiara, learned about this. Asmara was carefully cared for by his owner, who provided him with a unique coop and a golden plate that was hanging high. Asmara was rumored to be powerful, intelligent, and endowed with a unique ability. The native cocks were so horrified when he crooned upon entering Brunei that they did not crow for several days.<ref name=":1" />

The Majapahit King ordered that if he lost, he would hand over the 40 ships that were loaded with supplies to Brunei; but, if he won, he would receive more of the areas that Brunei currently holds and governs. Another version stated that Brunei would still be Majapahit's vassal state if it lost. For the cockfight in front of the Sultan's Palace, Asmara and Mutiara underwent thorough training. Many people came to see the battle the day it took place. The roosters started pounce, peck, attack, and kick each other as the enthusiastic onlookers cheered them on. Suddenly, Mutiara and Asmara both flew out of the ring. During the altercation, Asmara was [[Stabbing|stabbed]] and suffered critical injuries. Asmara disappeared from view, fell into the water [[Unconsciousness|unconscious]] from his [[wound]], and transformed into a rock into an island (Pulau Pilong-Pilongan). When Mutiara attempted to follow, he fell into the river that the King of Majapahit had cursed. (Lumut Lunting), also changed into a rock and an island. Elder Kampong Ayer residents have a saying that Lumut Lunting will never be submerged, no of how high the water level rises. If it does, that portends a negative omen, such as the passing of a king or the happening of an unfortunate event.<ref name=":1" />

== References == {{Reflist}}

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[[Category:Rivers of Brunei]]