The area is characterised by a coastal plain interspersed with low hills, with the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, situated on the northern bank of the river's estuary.
A waterway was created halfway along the spit to improve access to Muara Port, with breakwaters extending seawards for protection.
This area's alluvial soil is ideal for all kinds of agriculture since it is poorly drained and was mostly created as river levees without any acid sulfate threat.
Generally having firm upper soils that soften in deeper layers, the flat alluvial floodplains of the district can be economically developed into recreational fields, roads, parking lots, and single-story buildings; the alluvio-marine mangrove and nipah swamps that dominate Brunei Bay's coastal areas can also be used for these purposes.
[13] Over time, Brunei's territory significantly diminished, particularly with the cession of Sarawak to Sir James Brooke in 1841 and other concessions to the British North Borneo Company.
[14] In 1906, the introduction of the British Residency brought changes to the administrative structure, with European officials advising the Sultan and overseeing key departments.
[15] Brunei–Muara, being the administrative centre, was a focal point for the British Resident's development efforts, particularly until 1932 when the rise of the oil industry began to shift attention to other districts.
Additionally, the previous Brunei Town (Municipal Board Area) Notification, 1956 is repealed, and the Minister of Development is empowered to handle any problems that may arise from putting these changes into effect.
Through the National Development Plan (RKN) 2007–2012, which allots over $600 million for highway projects, road building, paving, maintenance, and resurfacing, the government supports this.
[32][31] Today, remnants of the railway and locomotives are protected under Brunei's Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act, with plans to exhibit them in an open-air museum to promote eco-tourism.
The Muara Container Terminal effectively handles all containerized freight since it is run by knowledgeable staff and has state-of-the-art equipment.
Muara Port is ideally situated to meet both present demands and future expansion, especially in the East ASEAN Growth Area and the BIMP-EAGA.
In 2009, the rice industry made significant strides with the harvest of 'Beras Laila,' which improved food security due to its high protein content and capacity to be grown twice a year.
[41] Situated in 30 meters of water 70 kilometres northeast of Seria, the Champion oil field is the most productive in Brunei, accounting for 40% of the nation's known reserves and yielding over 100,000 barrels daily.
[42] In 2020, the Brunei–China joint venture Hengyi Industries generated US$3.5 billion in revenue from its oil refinery and petrochemical plant on Pulau Muara Besar, significantly impacting Bruneian economy.
Hengyi's operations contributed 4.48% to Brunei's GDP and 50.57% to the country's total trade volume from January to September 2020.
Hengyi’s output played a key role in boosting the nation's downstream sector despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant advancements toward the Wawasan Brunei 2035 economic goals.
Additionally, Hengyi supplied 283,000 tonnes of fuel for the local market and is investing B$13.65 billion to expand its operations, increasing its refining capacity and downstream production.
Despite the fact that there are two to three times as many part-time fisherman as full-timers, their catches have not been as well tracked, which emphasises the need for more precise statistics on their contributions.
[12] Seven health centers offering almost free medical care have been constructed by the government as part of a comprehensive healthcare system.
There are continuing initiatives to combine Brunei's three separate electrical networks and investigate alternate energy sources.
[49] Six mukims make up Kampung Ayer, the world's biggest water town and a historical site in Brunei.
With almost 30,000 residents, it is a community of stilt homes connected by wooden walkways, and it has all the amenities of a modern city, including police stations, clinics, and schools.
It is well-known for its golden domes, vaulted ceiling, and riverfront location, which make it a favorite photo subject.
During Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the palace is accessible to the public, allowing locals and guests to interact with the Sultan and his family.
[53] One of Brunei's oldest still standing structures is Bubungan Dua Belas, which is situated along Jalan Subok in Kota Batu and was constructed in 1906.
[55] Situated along the Muara–Tutong Highway, Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park boasts a 70 hectare environment perfect for bicycling, trekking, and running, as well as an observation tower with panoramic views.
[57] Last but not least, Tasek Lama Recreational Park, one of the oldest in the city, offers a haven for people and families with its rich vegetation and natural waterfall.
A local favorite, Jerudong Beach is well-known for its wet market, where one can purchase fresh fish and vegetables and enjoy vigorous walking and running amidst picturesque surroundings and sea wind.