[11] East of Serasa Bay, the coastline is dominated by mangroves, and small beaches with fine-grained sand, ranging from 50 to 150 metres (160 to 490 ft) wide, dot the landscape.

The total length of these beaches, including the sandy islands of Pelompong Spit and Pulau Muara Besar (PMB), extends over 194 kilometres.

Representing "Cowie and Company," he negotiated a series of agreements between 1882 and 1887, securing exclusive rights to mine coal in the Muara District.

During this period, Brooke was also pursuing control over coastal lands, including Muara, and directed his agents to halt any negotiations for Limbang.

Though Cowie profited significantly, he cleverly ensured that Brooke would pay an additional sum for previously undisclosed rights to control essential supplies.

However, Rajah Brooke, who was involved in coal mining in Muara Damit (also known as Brooketon), effectively took control, diminishing the sultan's authority in the region.

[18] By the end of the 19th century, during a period of instability, Rajah Brooke governed Muara Damit as if it were part of Sarawak, which was legally incorrect, as the area remained within Brunei's domain.

While he was eventually required to dissolve his administration at the mouth of the Brunei River, he continued to control revenue rights, excluding poll taxes and shipping duties.

[21] In 1937, an attempt to sell the rights to James Hatton Hall was unsuccessful, following the closure of the Brooketon colliery in 1924, which had led many residents to relocate to Miri and Adong in Sarawak.

[23] The small fishing and trading community on PMB was completely destroyed as the Japanese planned to use the island as a base for refitting and refueling their ships.

[26] In the post-war period of 1946, fishing became the primary livelihood for residents of Muara and other coastal communities in Brunei, with Chinese merchants managing the industry's financing, marketing, and dried prawn preparation and export.

Broken bridges posed challenges, but innovative solutions included using steel plates and abandoned oil pipes to construct functional substitutes.

The repair facilities at Muara provided a valuable service, allowing government and commercial launches to avoid the four-hour journey across Brunei Bay to the port of Labuan or the 700-mile trip to Kuching, Sarawak.

Experts determined that constructing a deep-sea port at Muara would be far more cost-effective than attempting to develop a channel to Brunei Town's wharf capable of accommodating large oceangoing vessels.

To foster the development of integrated fisheries businesses, which connect the catch and aquaculture industry with processing, marketing, and support services, the government has introduced a five-point plan.

[35] Additionally, the Muara Leisure Festival helps promote the town's cultural and social assets, while fostering cooperation among villagers and attracting visitors.

[35] Muara Town's economy has undergone significant transformation due to the PMB project, establishing the area as a hub for downstream industrial activities.

[45] Over the years, Muara Naval Base has undergone significant upgrades, including a $140 million project in 1997 that improved its quay and facilities to accommodate new offshore patrol vessels.

The base regularly hosts international events, including the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises with the United States,[46] and has welcomed high-profile visits, such as from Singapore's President Tony Tan in 2013.

Other additions included a playground, a surau, restrooms, a reflexology path, a camping area, outdoor water taps and showers, as well as a beach football and volleyball field.