Celjohn Benedict V.

Almazan
BSMA-3107
LITR 102 – ASEAN LITERATURE
Travel Brunei Darussalam Poem - Bandar Seri Begawan
by John Tiong Chunghoo

Analysis
FIRST STANZA This part showcases that Bandar Seri Begawan or Brunei is a place with
Bandar Seri Begawan weds the old many interesting places that shows their rich culture and reflects their
and new - history as a country such as museums, heritage buildings, mosques. It was
roads, heritage buildings, museums, also mentioned that Michael Jackson performed for the 50th birthday of
mosques, parks, a market by the Sultan.
river selling jungle produce
and of course the Jerudong
Amusement Park
where late Michael Jackson
performed for
the Sultan's 50th birthday - - almost
20 years
before the release of his last album,
That's It
SECOND STANZA In this stanza, it says that it is the Brunei river and the diverse natural
it is not the town though that revs beauty of the environment that makes the people’s spirit to spark and not
one's spirit up the town itself.
but the humble Brunei river that
flows by it
the river opens one to the heart of
the Sultanate
here you could see the gleaming
Sultan's Palace
the oil kingdom's diverse flora and
fauna
THIRD STANZA This stanza shows the importance of the oil fuels to the people in the town.
as well as the way the Sultan's It describes the busy river, where boats travel back and forth, highlighting
subjects live, oil fuels the the river's importance for getting around and doing business. The "little oil
movements here and everywhere station on stilts" represents how important the oil industry is to the
sampans, motored boats go up and community, making it easy for boatmen to fill up their tanks. This setup
down the waterway shows how natural resources help support the local economy and everyday
there is even a little oil station on life
stilts
right in the middle of the river
for the boatman to fill up their boat
tanks
FOURTH STANZA In this stanza, the speaker is talking about the youth in the community
the most poignant here are the during sunset hours going to their respective homes. Sunsets represent an
smart young generation during end of something and eventually leads to a new beginning. Additionally,
sunset hours- - this stanza emphasizes their cultural identity through the mention of
tudong clad malay schoolgirls "tudong clad Malay schoolgirls" and the attire of the boys, showcasing
in long white blouse and ocean blue how heritage shapes their experiences. The act of rushing home after
skirt school reflects the rhythm of daily life, signifying stability and the comfort
bleary eyed boys in white shirts, of returning to a familiar environment. The phrase "home sweet home"
dark green long pants evokes feelings of warmth and safety, emphasizing the importance of
with rucksacks on their backs get belonging and support in their development.
down from their boats
and rush to their wooden houses -
home sweet home
FIFTH STANZA This stanza portrays the joy and celebration of a newly wedded couple in
a newly wedded couple traditional baju melayu, symbolizing their cultural identity. Their closeness
in resplendent traditional baju and smiles illustrate their love and commitment as they begin on a new
melayu journey as married couple. The imagery of them speeding away in a boat
hold each other, smile and speed represents their transition into married life, while the "new nest" means
away in their boat to their new nest the creation of a shared home.
SIXTH STANZA This stanza paints a vivid picture of a tropical paradise through describing
coconut palms sway and of swaying coconut palms and a Sharifah Aini song playing in the
a Sharifah Aini song goes on air background. The "warm breeze" enhances the sensory experience,
while warm breeze blows contributing to a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The phrase "paradise
reminding me of a paradise on on earth" means that the beauty and tranquility of the setting like it is an
earth, ideal escape from daily life.
SEVENTH STANZA A continuation of the sixth stanza, this continues to depict the paradise-like
reminding me of a paradise on quality of the setting through the graceful presence of egrets, known
earth, the egrets both the orange and locally as "banggau,". The proboscis monkeys adds an unusual charm,
black beak species showcasing the area's unique wildlife and appreciation for its biodiversity.
add grace to the picturesque river The description of the monkeys highlights their social dynamics, reflecting
the Malays call them banggau themes of family and community within nature.
I also have the Brunein luck to spot
the
proboscis monkeys- monyet
belanda
with their long flabby nose,
humanlike faces
the males moving with their harem
EIGTH STANZA Here the speaker portrays the Sultan's Palace as a symbol of wealth and
at one end of the river the Sultan's luxury, emphasizing its extravagance with details like "cutleries made of
Palace gold." And "waiters getting thousands in tips" illustrates a culture of
where cutleries are made of gold abundance and generosity, highlighting economic disparities. The "man
and waiters get thousands in tips with the songkok on the blue dollar notes" connects the scene to Malaysian
glistens over the waters cultural identity and history. The mention of the Sultanate's role in "giving
there also I could visualise the away Sarawak" to the White Rajah shows multi layers of colonialism.
smile of the
man with the songkok on the blue
dollar notes
the man who led one of the oldest
Malay sultanates
which gave away Sarawak - my
beloved state to the
White Rajah