Brunei hopes summit helps entice tourists

Brunei tourism officials hope APEC will be a first step in opening the world's eyes to some of the tiny nation's attractions

In this story: Gift from the king Boosting its image Beaches, bird-watching RELATED STORIES, SITES

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei (AP) -- In any other nation, the Jerudong amusement park would attract thousands of international tourists a year.

But in little-known Brunei, locals are the only ones who turn out to ride the rides and enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere.

Tourism officials hope it won't be that way much longer.

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They're counting on the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which begins Wednesday, to start opening the worlds' eyes to some of the attractions the small nation boasts.

With journalists and officials from 21 Pacific Rim countries coming -- including U.S. President Bill Clinton, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Jiang Zemin -- the Southeast Asian nation has never had a wider audience to show itself off as an ideal family destination.

The amusement park originally was built for the Sultan of Brunei's children, but the Southeast Asian country's leader made admission free to all, as he felt he didn't need the money. After all, he is the world's richest man, with assets over $37 billion.

The Jerudong amusement park is devoid of international tourists, despite free admission

So children and adults alike can come anytime they like to enjoy the surroundings.

The park attracts families during the day, as children enjoy the playground and parents relax not having to entertain the kids.

But as one looks around it is obvious there is something missing that most amusement parks have -- crowds.

Certainly residents here appreciate what they see as a token of the generosity of their leader.

"It's a gift from our king, our Sultan, so I think it's a good area," one resident said. "It's a good place where we welcome peoples, tourists especially, to come to Brunei."

Brunei was host for the Southeast Asian Games a few years back, but they drew little media coverage. People here think that APEC can have more dramatic results for its self-image and image abroad.

Brunei offers shopping and amenities like many nearby cities. Prices are fairly cheap, not enough to scare away other Southeast Asians. From meals to clothes to hotels, they are comparable to a medium-sized city in most neighboring countries.

Brunei's image as a strict Islamic country certainly hasn't helped it attract visitors.

A mosque catches the sunlight. Brunei's image as a strict Muslim country hasn't helped it attract tourists

In Malaysia and Indonesia, both predominantly Muslim, it is still possible to drink, for women to uncover their heads, for rowdy nightlife. But many here feel that should only help the country attract a certain type of tourist.

They believe many families that any family -- not just Muslim tourists -- would enjoy getting away from drunkenness, drugs, public lewdness and crime.

And the naturally beautiful and often rugged surroundings are apparently starting to appeal to a certain segment now.

Japanese and Americans are among the adventure travelers visiting the country to trek through the jungle or bird-watch, a Brunei tourism official said.

The beaches here compare to those in neighboring Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They are now virtually empty, something Western tourists often crave.

But they are short on amenities. The facilities nearby tend to be spartan, with not a lot of refreshments available.

For all of Brunei's beauty, though, people are going to have to learn where it is.

Borneo has not been a well-traveled island in the past, but has been getting some recognition recently thanks to CBS' popular "Survivor" series, which was made in the region.

World leaders have learned how to get here this week, but it remains to be seen whether the rest of the world will find its way as well.

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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