No one is ever too old for play. Yup, that’s right! We can all be young again at the Jerudong Park Playground!

Last Saturday, November 28, my students gave me the chance to explore Jerudong Park Playground and to make me feel young again. It was part of their surprise for me because I will be leaving Brunei Darussalam for good. In my 7 years of stay in this country, it was my first time to visit the place and it happened during the last month of my stay as a foreign worker. What a beautiful irony!

As it was my first try here, let me share with you some bits of information about Jerudong Park or what most Bruneians fondly call it, “JP”.

It was first built in 1994 as one of the projects of Prince Jefri Bolkiah. The Jerudong Park Playground can be found within the huge area of Jerudong Park and Polo Country Club.  In this location, one can find the Jerudong Park Ampitheatre, Jerudong Park Medical Centre, Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club, Jerudong Equestrian Park, and Royal Brunei Polo Club.

Well-known artists have also graced this place and have been invited to perform in the Jerudong Ampitheathre. Great singers like the late Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston have made their presence and talent felt in this big theatre.

Fast forward to 21 years, JP is now the new hangout place for families, kids, teens and events! It was given a new face just last year with additional rides, landscape and scenes. I have been to several theme parks and amusement centres and what I like about JP is that the rides are not extreme which makes the place friendly to the crowd.

One of the rides that I delighted in the most was the Spin Zone. It is similar to the typical bumper rides that we know of, but, it is more challenging. One has to maneuver the controls to move to left, right, front or back. The challenge is that you are in a circular shape so it is quite difficult to avoid the other spins. The fun part is when the machine operators surprisingly puts everyone into a spin for more than a minute!

Then, there is the usual Ferris Wheel that I am paranoid about. I don’t know why. Ever since I was a child, I have been afraid to ride the Ferris Wheel.   Now that I am older, I do ride it but I don’t want to be alone inside. 🙂

Another ride that I came to like is the Sky Diver. To be honest, it is not the type of ride that gives you a thrill. In fact, most people might feel dizzy while inside this big machine. But not me!

It is suitable for teens and young adults. While it cruises on a globular direction, it goes up and down and you can feel the breeze on your cheeks! It is not much of an adventure but it will give you joy like the joy of a child.

Some other attractions to delight in are the Water Park, Pirate Ship, Roller Coaster, Bumper Cars and the Carousel.

For me, the Jerudong Park Playground is not as fabulous as the ones I have visited before. Most of the rides inside can also be found in other amusement parks. Although this is the case, what I like about JP is that you will see many parents who bring their children and teens to this place. You will notice their smiles, hear their laughter and feel their excitement. It is such a wonder to see these families together at the park!

No one is ever too old for playgrounds, so, enjoy and take the time to be young again!

P.S. Don’t forget to indulge in the ever famous tongkeng! 🙂