Darksky Melilas – Your Milkyway & Dark Sky Stargazing Adventure
Current Package:
π Program Kembara Angkasa Maal Hijrah
π Kampong Melilas, Ulu Belait
π
Friday, 29th until Sunday, 31st July 2022 (3 days 2 nights)
π Event highlights: Planet Parade & Delta-Aquarid Meteor Shower
π² BND$85 per pax*
βΉοΈ Few seats available CLOSED (FULLY BOOKED)
π Booking: https://bruneiastronomy.org/web/astrotourism/booking/ CLOSED
βDeadline: Saturday, 16 July 2022 including full payment to confirm
A special planetary event, stargazing and meteor shower observation from a pristine darksky location in Brunei Darussalam – an experience which will forever change the way you see the night sky.
Join the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) in a starrynight camping adventure to the most rural settlement in the sultanate, Kampong Melilas in Belait.
We designed this unique travel package to be fun educational outings for star-curious adventurers or digital detox retreats!
Our Journey
Itinerary (Tentative)
Day 1 (Friday, July 29, 2022)
| Time | Programme |
| 9:30 am | Meet and greet (Checkpoint A – Pekan Tutong) |
| 10:30 am | Passenger 4×4 Vehicle Assignment |
| 11:00 am | Doa Selamat |
| Group Photography | |
| 11:15 am | Departure |
| 12:00 pm | Solat Fardu Jumaat, Masjid Kampong Biong, Tutong |
| 4:30 pm | Expected arrival at camping ground near Julangan Titah Rumah Panjang Kampung Melilas |
| Tent/Camp setup | |
| 7.30 pm | Dinner |
| 8:00 pm | Equipment Preparation / Telescopes setup |
| 8:15 pm | Programme and Safety Briefing |
| 8:30 pm | Skywatching (Day 1) – subject to weather Milkyway Observation, Stargazing (Constellation), Planet Parade Observation, Astrophotography techniques, Delta-Aquarid Meteor Shower observation |
| 5.00 am | Dismiss |
Day 2 (Saturday, July 30, 2022)
| Time | Programme (Tentative) |
| 6.00 am | Breakfast |
| Rest, Free & Easy (Morning) | |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| Rest, Free & Easy (Afternoon) | |
| 7.30 pm | Dinner |
| 9:00 pm | Skywatching (Day 2) – subject to weather Milkyway Observation, Messier Marathon, Planet Parade Observation, Astrophotography techniques, Delta-Aquarid Meteor Shower observation |
| 3:00 am | Dismiss |
Day 3 (Sunday, July 31, 2022)
| Time | Programme (Tentative) |
| 6:00 am | Breakfast |
| Free and Easy | |
| 9:00 am | Visit to Julangan Titah Rumah Panjang (longhouse) Kampung Melilas |
| Distribution of donation by PABD to the head representative of Julangan Titah Rumah Panjang Kampung Melilas | |
| 11:00 am | Departure |
| 3:00 pm | Expected arrival (at Checkpoint A β Pekan Tutong) |
Terms and Conditions:
*Special introductory price includes transport (on 4×4), astro guide and stargazing, breakfast & dinner. Tents are available for rent.
**Subject to weather, and there are no refund if the shower/astronomical objects arenβt visible due to cloud cover.
**Very limited seats available.
**Adherence to MOH’s health guidelines/SOPs such as you maybe required for Covid-19 ART test before departure, strictly no symptom & Green Bruhealth campers and wearing a mask in the vehicle at all time throughout the journey.
**The organiser will arrange your transportation on a 4×4 WD off-roader.
**You agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety, and the organiser cannot guarantee your safety at any time.
Look Up! Explore the Dark Sky
Star chart on July 30th at dawn (Source: in-the-sky.org)
What to see at the two-day stargazing sessions? A wide variety of wonderful things to observe throughout the night (see star chart above) free from major city light pollution β probably look up for the best naked eye wonders the Milky Way galaxy, and of course Delta-Aquarid Meteor Shower at its peak on a moonless night.
But there are more! β Learn the patterns of stars (known as constellations); Observe through our telescopes at closeup of planet parade, and beautiful star clusters & bright nebula; Or learn the techniques to capture photo and take a selfie of your own with the Milkyway’s brightest core. Letβs hope for clear skies from one of the best dark sky in Brunei.
Suggested Items to Bring
Stargazing Checklists:
βΎFriends and family
βΎEyepieces, telescope, and accessories (if you have a telescope)
βΎBinoculars
βΎDigital SLR Camera / Smartphone Camera with tripod
βΎRed flashlight (to provide visibility while your eyes are dark-adapted)
βΎStar maps/smartphone app (download Skyportal app)
Camping Checklists:
βΎTent (or you can rent from the organiser, limited tents available)
βΎToiletries and personal care
βΎSleeping Bag, blanket or small portable Chair
βΎBeach towel (to lay down on the ground)
βΎMosquito/Insect repellent
βΎWeather-appropriate clothing & rain gear
βΎPrayer mat (for Muslims)
βΎFood and drink
βΎPower banks – to charge your phone camera
Organiser
Proudly organised by:
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD)
www.bruneiastronomy.org
Supported by:
Majlis Perundingan Kampong (MPK) Melilas, Ulu Belait
Persatuan Kereta Tahan Lasak Brunei
www.instagram.com/pktlb/
www.facebook.com/pktlbrunei
An astro-tourism initiative in partnership with:
Tourism Development Department
Ministry of Primary Resources & Tourism
www.bruneitourism.com