The Founding of Brunei

From the Chinese records, called the ruler of Poni, Ma-ha-mo-sha in 1371.The Founding of Brunei can be traced back to a story of Awang Alak Betatar and his 13 brothers.

THE STORY OF THE BROTHERS IS AS FOLLOWS:

In Garang, a place in the Temburong District, lived Awang Alak Betatar and his 13 brothers. Awang Alak Betatar was chosen as their leader because of his intelligence.

One day, Awang Alak Betatar called brothers for meeting to find a new place to live.

A week later, Awang Alak Betatar’s brothers, led by Pateh Berbai, began their search. They landed at a site called Butir on the Brunei River.

Pateh Berbai and his brothers went back to Garang to tell Awang Alak Betatar the good news. Awang Alak Betatar agreed to his brothers.

Weeks later , Awang Alak Betatar and his brothers sailed together with their followers to establish the new settlement which was to became Brunei Town. Then they began clearing the bushes and cleaning the area.

Each of Awang Alak Betatar’s brothers set up his own house. Soon, more and more people came to settle there and Awang Alak Betatar became the first ruler of Brunei.