Experiencing Brunei’s Rich Resources through Seria Oil Field Tour
The abode of peace, Brunei Darussalam is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The main export and source of income derives primarily from the oil and gas industry which is located in the biggest district of Brunei, Belait.
Brunei enjoys a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of USD17.26 Billion in 2014 according to the World Bank. It is the third largest oil producer in South East Asia and the fourth largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the world.
The story on how oil was first discovered brings us way back to the year 1929. Two gentlemen named F.F Marriot who was the British Malayan Petroleum Company superintendent and T.G. Cochrane, the Sarawak Oil General Manager at that time were cycling along the beaches on their way to visit a Swiss Geophysicist around Lumut area. They decided to stop for a rest near the mouth of Seria River and there they accidentally smelled oil, which led to Brunei’s wealth today.
Getting to the oil field from the capital city takes an hour and a half drive over 93 kilometers of highway passing through the beautiful scenery of the Tutong District. Here you can see high grade white silica sands that are used to produce Micro chips.
Sightseeing in Belait is a rather relaxing experience. Visitors can visit the educational Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC). Opened in 2002, the aim for its operation is to create an education centre for visitors thus recognizing the oil and gas industry. The OGDC showcases galleries of the oil & gas science and technology. There is also a café at the centre, which serve selected local and western dishes at affordable price.
Another must see landmark is the Billionth Barrel Monument located near the ‘S-1’, where the first oil well was discovered in Seria. It was built and officiated in 1991 by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah. This monument is to commemorate the production of the billionth barrel of oil – and indeed, very ideal for photography.
Nearby, you can notice several nodding donkeys working. ‘Nodding donkey’ is synonymous to the town of Seria, It is used to mechanically lift liquid out of the well if there is not enough bottom hole pressure for the liquid to flow all the way to the surface. Another common sight is the Liquefied Natural Gas complex from outside and the Seria beach.
Brunei is a very small country but due to its wealth in the oil and gas industry, the population enjoys generous state handouts and pays no taxes.
Heading to Brunei? Why not go on a tour of Seria’s Oil Field with us. Contact Sunshine Borneo Tours and Travel for more details.