Jerudong Park Playground is an amusement park in Brunei Darussalam, and is among the largest of such parks in Southeast Asia. As of today, it is larger than the Phase 1 of Hong Kong Disneyland. Built at the cost of $1 billion USD, the park and playground serve to entertain the relatively small but affluent Bruneian citizens.
History
The Jerudong Park and Country Club was inaugurated in 1994. On 16th July, 1996, on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah , the reigning Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Michael Jackson performed a free concert attended by over 60,000 people. Attended by most of the royal family, the Sultan himself was conspicuous by his absence. Soon afterwards, on the 24th of August, 1996, Whitney Houston performed at the park to commemorate the wedding of Princess Rashida, the eldest daughter of the Sultan. Houston is reported to have been paid $7 million USD for her concert. Michael Jackson returned on New Year’s Eve, 1997, to perform again at the park followed by Janet Jackson, who performed to commemorate the 21st birthday of Princess Hamidah.
The park was primarily designed to attract children. Families accompanying the children started getting involved in the activities and games for adults evolved. Initially, the park was free for all visitors. Later on as the attendance dropped, a fee of $15 BND was introduced as an admission fee. Today, entry to the park itself is free, but rides and other attractions have to be paid for. There is a coupon system in the range of $10 BND which is punched for every ride or facility that the guest uses.
Recently
Jerudong Park and Country Club is a popular destination for locals and expatriates alike, particularly on weekends. Recently, several more facilities have been added. A Junior Roller Coaster and a 25-meter high Ferris Wheel was inaugurated by Prince Abdul Wakeel in a glittering ceremony. Accompanied by the royal entourage, he also inaugurated a Laser Maze, the Spin Zone, Pedal Boats, Kiddies Ride, and the Junior Pirate Ship. A Mini Water Park is to be inaugurated later in the year.
Jerudong Park & Country Club 