Billionth Barrel Monument

About this place

The Billionth Barrel Monument is a large arch at the beach entrance in the town of Seria, the best known landmark of Brunei's oil industry. It marks the production of the one billionth barrel of crude oil on 18 July 1991 and stands near the first well found in the Seria field in 1929, making it a useful stop for understanding the source of the country's wealth. Brunei Shell Petroleum built it entirely of concrete, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah unveiled it on 8 May 2004, for the 75th anniversary of the oil and gas industry. Sources say the site was finished in July 2015. Since that discovery the town has been the centre of the whole industry, which is why the monument stands here. Five pipes rise to meet in an arch, crowned by a gilded coat of arms and recalling the Five Pillars of Islam, while the floor tiles follow Islamic patterns. A long approach path is lined with panels telling the history of oil and gas exploration and production. On the sides stand oil pumps, drilling equipment and an old locomotive, and the South China Sea coast stretches behind. It lies near central Seria and needs little time, so pair it with a tour of the town or the nearby beach. The site is exposed, so bring a hat and water, and go in the morning or just before sunset. Real pumps and oil installations operate around town, so stay outside the fences and do not take pictures where signs forbid it. Water can pool around it after rain, as the ground is low.