Nestled along Brunei Darussalam’s coastline, the Kuala Belait Boat Club (KBBC) has spent more than five decades introducing members and visitors to some of the country’s most rewarding outdoor and marine-based experiences.
From learning to sail and exploring underwater ecosystems to kayaking along scenic waters and enjoying recreational fishing trips, the club offers a diverse range of activities for people of all ages and skill levels. While it is well known for its boats, diving equipment and recreational facilities, KBBC’s true strength lies in the community it has built and the memories it continues to create.
“Every weekend, we create positive memories together,” said KBBC Commodore Mico Peric. “These are experiences that we would like more people not only to know about, but also to participate in.”
Operating as a non-profit organisation, KBBC is part of the Panaga Club and is open to all Panaga Club members. Based at Panaga Club, with many of its activities centred around Panaga Beach, the club offers a wide range of watersports including cruising, diving, power boating, fishing, rowing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
The club provides access to facilities and equipment that would otherwise be costly or difficult for individuals to own and maintain independently. Supported by dedicated volunteers, KBBC continues to serve as a hub for recreation, learning and adventure on the water.
At the heart of the club’s future vision is a desire to make its facilities more accessible and welcoming to the wider community.
“We have the facilities, the equipment and the experience,” said Peric. “What we want now is to see more people enjoying them.”
Five decades of sailing heritage
One of the club’s greatest strengths is the longevity of its sailing and diving programmes, both of which have shaped generations of watersports enthusiasts in Brunei.
Dinghy sailing has been at the heart of KBBC for more than 50 years, introducing members of all ages to the sport through training, recreational sailing and competitions. For many members, the club’s legacy is reflected not only in the trophies displayed throughout its facilities but also in the generations of sailors who have learned, competed and grown through the sport.
Image: KBBC
Last year also marked another significant milestone as the Panaga Sub-Aqua Club (PSAC) celebrated its 50th anniversary, commemorating five decades of diving, training, exploration and marine conservation. Over the years, the diving section has introduced countless members to Brunei’s underwater world while fostering a strong culture of safety, volunteerism and environmental stewardship.
The club maintains a fleet of vessels ranging from beginner-friendly dinghies to larger boats suitable for team sailing and training programmes. Newcomers can learn the fundamentals of boat handling, sail control, navigation and safety, while experienced sailors can take part in recreational sailing, races and training sessions.
Image: KBBC
“Being able to look back at trophies won 30, 40 or even 50 years ago is remarkable,” Peric shared.
“The fact that the club is still active, still relevant and still creating opportunities for people today is an achievement in itself.”
Beyond the sport itself, sailing helps participants develop confidence, teamwork, communication and decision-making skills that extend far beyond the water.
Diving: Exploring Brunei’s underwater world
For those drawn to the deep waters, the Panaga Sub-Aqua Club (PSAC) offers access to one of the country’s longest-established diving communities.
Brunei’s coastal waters are known for their calm conditions and rich marine biodiversity, offering divers a unique window into an underwater world shaped by healthy reefs, diverse habitats and thriving marine life.
Image: KBBC
From coral formations to schools of tropical fish and occasional sightings of larger marine species, the waters provide a rewarding environment for both beginner and experienced divers.
The diving section is equipped with dedicated dive boats, air compressors, specialised diving equipment, emergency oxygen systems and facilities capable of supporting both recreational and technical diving activities.
Members have opportunities to explore Brunei’s marine environment, encounter diverse marine life and deepen their appreciation of underwater ecosystems while developing their diving skills under the guidance of experienced volunteers.
Image: KBBC
Image: KBBC
The diving section is also supported by dedicated Bruneian members who play vital roles in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of every dive.
For Bruneian diver Jet Kong, serving as Dive Officer represents a significant milestone for the club.
“I am proud to be the first local Asian to serve as Dive Officer at Panaga Sub-Aqua Club (PSAC) in its 50-year history,” he said.
“In this role, I oversee the club’s diving logistics and operations, ensuring all diving activities are planned and conducted safely, efficiently and professionally. I also manage much of the club’s social media and digital marketing, producing content that promotes our diving activities and highlights Brunei’s incredible underwater world to a wider audience,” he added.
Image: Danial Lee
Image:Danial Lee
Supporting diving operations are experienced local coxswains Zailan and Hafiz, whose expertise is integral to every dive trip.
Zailan is widely regarded within the club for his experience and plays a vital role in ensuring every dive trip is conducted safely by operating and navigating the club’s dive boats with professionalism and confidence.
He also oversees the maintenance and upkeep of the club’s boats, ensuring they remain reliable, seaworthy and ready to support diving operations throughout the year.
Image: KBBC
Hafiz is also one of the club’s experienced local coxswains, providing valuable support through boat handling and vessel maintenance. Together, they form the backbone of the club’s marine operations, helping ensure every dive trip is carried out safely and efficiently.
Safety remains a cornerstone of every diving activity.
Image: KBBC
“Safety comes first in everything we do,” said PSAC Chairman David Outhwaite.
“Before anyone steps onto a boat, enters the water or joins a dive, they receive the proper training and guidance needed to enjoy the activity safely,” he shared.
Wide range of water-based activities
Panaga Club serves as the main hub for KBBC’s activities, while Panaga Beach provides convenient access for many of the club’s watersports. From boating and fishing to kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding, members can enjoy a wide variety of recreational experiences while exploring Brunei’s coastal environment in a safe and welcoming setting.
Among the most accessible activities available at KBBC are kayaking, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. These activities, often hosted from Panaga Beach, are suitable for beginners, families and recreational users. They provide a relaxed way to enjoy Brunei’s waters while remaining physically active.
Participants can paddle or sail through calm waters, take in the surrounding scenery and experience nature from a unique perspective. Their simplicity and accessibility make them a popular choice for members looking for casual outdoor activities that can be enjoyed with family and friends.
Image: Danial Lee
Image: Danial Lee
The club’s boating facilities support a variety of recreational activities, allowing members to explore local waterways safely and comfortably. From leisurely cruises to relaxed outings with family and friends, these journeys offer a different way to experience Brunei’s coastal environment.
Supported by experienced volunteers and established safety procedures, boating activities also create space for members to slow down, connect with others and appreciate the surrounding natural environment.
Fishing remains one of the most enduring and widely enjoyed activities at KBBC. Regular fishing trips bring together members of all ages in a social and welcoming setting.
Image: Danial Lee
For many, these outings are as much about the experience as the catch, with early morning departures, time spent at sea and shared moments on the water forming lasting memories. Fishing also provides opportunities to exchange knowledge, build friendships and enjoy a shared appreciation for the sea.
Beyond its water-based activities, KBBC also offers family-friendly facilities for members and visitors. The restaurant at Panaga Club provides a relaxing space to enjoy coffee and refreshments after a day on the water, while families can make use of the playground and other recreational amenities, making the club a welcoming destination for members of all ages.
Community values and a commitment to conservation
What truly sets KBBC apart is the volunteer spirit that has sustained the club for generations.
Much of the work behind the scenes, from maintaining boats and equipment to organising activities and events, is carried out by dedicated members who willingly contribute their time, expertise and resources.
Image: KBBC
Alongside long-serving international members, Bruneian volunteers continue to play an increasingly important role in sustaining the club’s operations. From supporting marine activities and maintaining equipment to promoting the club through digital platforms and assisting with day-to-day operations, local members make valuable contributions that help ensure KBBC continues to thrive for future generations.
Image: KBBC
“We are volunteers. We do this because we love it,” said a committee member. “We pay our membership fees, we dedicate our weekends and spare time, and we do it because we want others to experience what we have experienced.”
This community-driven approach has also led to meaningful milestones, including the creation of the club’s first-ever community mural. Designed and produced by members and volunteers, the mural reflects KBBC’s connection to the sea, the environment and the wide range of activities that have shaped its identity over the decades.
“It may seem like a small project to some people, but for us it is a major milestone,” said Peric. “In over 50 years, this is the first mural that truly reflects our identity and our love for the sea.”
Environmental stewardship also plays an increasingly important role in the club’s activities. Members regularly organise beach clean-ups, remove marine debris from dive sites and collaborate with environmental groups on conservation initiatives. Divers often recover discarded fishing nets, plastics and other waste from the seabed, helping to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
“We have a responsibility to care for the places where we sail, dive and spend time,” said Outhwaite. “The ocean gives us so much enjoyment, and it is our responsibility to help protect it for future generations.”
Image: KBBC
Looking ahead, KBBC aims to strengthen partnerships with schools, environmental organisations and community groups while encouraging greater youth participation in water-based activities. Club leaders believe that introducing young people to sailing, kayaking and marine recreation can help build confidence, responsibility, teamwork and a lifelong connection with nature.
“We would love to see more young people discovering the ocean,” Peric said. “These activities teach confidence, responsibility, teamwork and respect for nature. Those are valuable lessons that last a lifetime.”
Image: KBBC
As KBBC enters its next chapter, the club remains committed to sharing its facilities, expertise and passion with the wider community. Through recreation, volunteerism, environmental stewardship and community engagement, it continues to inspire new generations of ocean enthusiasts while preserving a maritime legacy that has endured for more than half a century.
THE BRUNEIAN | KUALA BELAIT
