Brunei-Islamic Tourism
The island of Borneo is fast becoming one of the world’s “must dive” destinations, due to its location in what can be described as the “epicenter” of marine bio-diversity.
Although the more popular diving spots in Borneo are in the string of islands along Borneo’s east coast off Malaysian Sabah and Indonesian Kalimantan in the Sulu and Celebes seas, the diving community is now turning its sights towards the northern shores of Borneo along the South China Sea.
Brunei Darussalam, the oil rich Sultanate better known for its pristine rainforests and traditional Malay culture, is now keen to position itself alongside its better known neighbors to offer the diving community new and exciting waters to dive.
The same way that Brunei’s rainforests are left in a pristine state due to the country’s wealth and lack of need to exploit natural resources other than oil and gas, Brunei’s waters see little commercial fishing and no bomb or cyanide fishing. That is why the region has the most pristine reefs, as well as a number of spectacular coral covered wrecks, which so far have been dived mostly by locals and expatriates on small scale expeditions.
This is now due to change since a new professional diving outfit, ScubaTech International, started operations in May 2005 at the Marine Center of the opulent Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei’s only sea-side resort, targeting both local and international divers, with plans to expand soon to other locations in Brunei.
Owned by Princess Hjh Ameenah and her husband, ScubaTech International provides excellent facilities and equipment not only for training, certification and diving, but also for beach activities such as parasailing, jet-ski tours, snorkeling and other water sports.
There is plenty to see under the Brunei waters: shipwrecks, coral gardens, hammerhead sharks etc
With easy international direct access through its Royal Brunei Airlines carrier, and with an up-market product and image appealing to discerning travelers, Brunei is an exciting new destination waiting to be discovered.
ScubaTech International can be contacted by email at : scubatechintl@yahoo.com, or at The Marine Center, Empire Hotel & Country Club at telephone : +673 241 88 88 ext 7615. | 
