Here at Gadong Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan, you are standing at a place buzzing with history and modern Bruneian life. Gadong Complex is more than just a commercial spot. It is a vibrant hub that tells a story of Brunei’s development.
Once upon a time, Gadong was not filled with shops and restaurants. Instead, Gadong was a vast rubber estate. In the early 20th century, this area and surrounding regions were covered in rubber plantations. Gadong Estate was a key player in Brunei’s rubber industry. By the 1920s, a man named Joss Coghill managed the Gadong Rubber Estate. The Island Trading Company expanded its Gadong estate in 1923. Oil was discovered in Seria before 1931. Yet, rubber estates like Gadong initially struggled to profit from the oil boom.
Gadong’s transformation truly began in the 1960s. A bridge connected Brunei Town now Bandar Seri Begawan to Jalan Gadong. Key government facilities were established here. These included the Gadong Power Stations, Police Headquarters, and the Land Transport Department. Jalan Gadong was completed and linked to Jalan Tutong. This spurred further expansion in the early 1970s. Before this road, access to Gadong was only by barge along the Menglait River. Imagine traveling here only by boat.
The Gadong Complex as we know it today started taking shape around 2007. Abdul Hapidz and Abdul Razak Holdings ARH played a vital role. ARH owned a large tract of land in Gadong. The 24-acre Abdul Razak Complex transformed Gadong. It became a key area of expansion for Bandar Seri Begawan. First, shophouses were built. Then came residential properties, a hotel, and a shopping complex. Gadong’s location is strategic. It is close to the highway leading to Brunei International Airport. It is also near the city center.
The Centrepoint Hotel here was completed in 1994. ARH developed it. Toshiba Corporation oversaw the project. The hotel boasts 216 rooms and suites. There are deluxe rooms and luxurious penthouse suites. The Centrepoint Hotel also has meeting rooms and dining restaurants. The Abdul Razak Complex even houses the consulate of Sweden. The embassy of Oman is also nearby.
Do you see The Mall? The Rizqun International Hotel and The Mall were the result of planning since 1987. Construction began in 1999. It took seven years to complete. Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah officially opened it on 9 July 2006. The Mall is a three-story structure. It has two basement parking levels. It stands on a twenty-four-acre plot. The Mall is one of Brunei’s largest shopping centers. It offers a cinema, a gym, a supermarket, and a food court. You can find cafes and various stores here too. The 150-room hotel supports the Tourism Development Department’s goals. It promotes tourism and creates job opportunities for locals.
Gadong Complex is now a modern commercial hub. It blends history with contemporary life. From its humble beginnings as a rubber estate, Gadong has grown. It stands as a testament to Brunei’s progress and vision. As you explore Gadong Complex, remember its rich history. Consider the transformation it has undergone. Gadong continues to evolve. It remains a vital part of Bandar Seri Begawan.