Brunei, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace, is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia that offers travelers a unique blend of Islamic grandeur, pristine rainforests, and rich cultural heritage. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the region, this oil-rich sultanate boasts an impressive array of attractions that will captivate any visitor. From magnificent mosques with golden domes to water villages where thousands live, Brunei presents a fascinating destination for those seeking something different from the typical Southeast Asian experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 50 best places to visit in Brunei, covering everything from iconic landmarks in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan to hidden natural wonders in the country’s lush rainforests. Whether you’re planning a short stopover or an extended stay, this guide will help you discover the true essence of this remarkable sultanate.
Essential Travel Information for Brunei
Before diving into our list of the best places to visit in Brunei, let’s cover some essential travel information to help you plan your trip effectively.
Stay Connected Throughout Your Journey
Traveling to Brunei? Don’t worry about staying connected. While local SIM cards are available upon arrival, many travelers prefer having connectivity from the moment they land. An international eSIM is a convenient option for seamless connectivity throughout Southeast Asia.
Best Time to Visit Brunei
Brunei enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging between 23°C and 32°C (73°F to 90°F). The best time to visit is during the dry season from February to April when rainfall is minimal and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. However, Brunei can be visited year-round, with the monsoon season (September to January) bringing occasional heavy showers but also lush, vibrant landscapes.
Currency and Payments
The official currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is pegged to the Singapore Dollar. Both currencies are accepted throughout Brunei. Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants in urban areas, but it’s advisable to carry cash when visiting rural areas or local markets.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities, including those from the US, UK, EU countries, Australia, and most ASEAN countries, can enter Brunei visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Always check the latest visa requirements before your trip as regulations may change.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Brunei is a conservative Islamic country, so visitors should dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Alcohol is prohibited throughout the country, and there is no nightlife in the Western sense. Respect local customs by avoiding public displays of affection and removing shoes when entering homes or religious buildings.
Getting to and Around Brunei
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International Access
Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan is the main gateway to the country, with direct flights from major Asian cities including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Hong Kong. Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier and offers connections to destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and London.
Local Transportation
Public transportation in Brunei is limited. Buses operate in and around Bandar Seri Begawan but run infrequently. Taxis are available but relatively expensive as most locals own cars. For convenience, consider renting a car (driving is on the left side) or using ride-hailing apps like Dart, Brunei’s local equivalent to Uber. Water taxis are a popular and authentic way to explore Kampong Ayer and the Brunei River.
Iconic Attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan
The capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan is home to many of Brunei’s most impressive attractions. Here are the must-visit places in the capital:
1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Often referred to as the “Old Mosque,” this magnificent structure is one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia and a symbol of Brunei’s Islamic faith. Built in 1958, the mosque features a stunning golden dome, marble minarets, and a ceremonial stone boat in an artificial lagoon. The interior is equally impressive with Italian marble floors, English chandeliers, and Saudi Arabian carpets.
Visitors can enter the mosque outside prayer times, though modest dress is required. Women should cover their heads, arms, and legs, while men should wear long pants. The mosque is particularly stunning at sunset when the golden dome reflects in the surrounding water.
2. Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the current sultan’s reign, this newer and larger mosque is equally impressive. With 29 golden domes representing the 29th Sultan of Brunei, the mosque can accommodate 5,000 worshippers at once. The interior features hand-carved marble walls, crystal chandeliers, and meticulously maintained gardens with fountains.
3. Kampong Ayer (Water Village)
Known as the “Venice of the East,” Kampong Ayer is the world’s largest water village with a history dating back over 1,000 years. Home to around 30,000 people, this network of villages built entirely on stilts over the Brunei River offers a fascinating glimpse into a unique way of life. The village has its own schools, mosques, police stations, and fire brigade.
Take a water taxi from the waterfront in Bandar Seri Begawan to explore this unique community. Many residents welcome visitors, and there’s a cultural and tourism gallery that explains the history and lifestyle of Kampong Ayer. For a more immersive experience, some families offer homestays.
4. Royal Regalia Museum
This museum houses an impressive collection of royal regalia, including the sultan’s full royal chariot, ceremonial armoury, jewel-encrusted crowns, and a replica of the throne used during the coronation. The museum provides insight into the sultanate’s rich royal heritage and the lavish ceremonies that accompany it.
Entrance is free, but visitors must remove their shoes and cannot take photographs inside. The museum is well-organized with informative displays that tell the story of Brunei’s monarchy and its current sultan, one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs.
5. Istana Nurul Iman (Sultan’s Palace)
The official residence of the Sultan of Brunei is the largest residential palace in the world, with over 1,700 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and a banquet hall that can accommodate 5,000 guests. While the palace is generally closed to the public, it opens its doors for three days during Hari Raya Aidilfitri (end of Ramadan) when visitors can meet the royal family and enjoy a feast.
Even when closed, visitors can get a good view of the palace from the Brunei River or from certain vantage points in the city. The best view is often from a boat tour on the river, which many tour operators offer.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures
Beyond its opulent architecture, Brunei offers pristine natural environments that remain largely untouched. Here are some of the best natural attractions to explore:
6. Ulu Temburong National Park
Often called the “Green Jewel of Brunei,” this national park preserves a pristine rainforest ecosystem in the Temburong District. The park’s highlight is the canopy walkway, a series of aluminum bridges suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offering spectacular views of the jungle canopy and a chance to spot wildlife.
Access to the park requires a boat ride followed by a trek through the jungle. Most visitors join organized tours that include transportation, guides, and activities like swimming in natural pools or tubing down rivers. The park is a haven for biodiversity, home to thousands of plant species, hundreds of bird species, and mammals including the proboscis monkey.
7. Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Located just minutes from the city center, this park offers well-maintained walking trails, exercise stations, and a waterfall. It’s popular with locals for jogging and workouts, but also provides visitors with an accessible taste of Brunei’s rainforest without venturing far from the capital.
8. Brunei Bay
This expansive bay is home to diverse marine ecosystems including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Take a boat tour to spot proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and various bird species in the mangroves, or join a dolphin watching excursion to see Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit these waters.
9. Pantai Seri Kenangan Beach
Located in the Tutong District, this beautiful beach is known for its unique geography – a narrow strip of land with the South China Sea on one side and the Tutong River on the other. It’s a popular spot for picnics, swimming, and enjoying spectacular sunsets.
10. Luagan Lalak Recreation Park
This freshwater lake surrounded by peat swamp forest offers a serene environment for nature lovers. A wooden walkway extends over the lake, providing opportunities to observe aquatic plants and animals. The park is particularly beautiful in the early morning when mist hovers over the water.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Brunei’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its museums, historical sites, and traditional villages. Here are some cultural attractions worth visiting:
11. Malay Technology Museum
This museum showcases traditional Malay technologies and lifestyles, with exhibits on traditional boat-building, fishing methods, metalworking, and housing construction. Life-sized dioramas illustrate how people lived in different periods of Brunei’s history.
12. Brunei Museum
Located on a hill overlooking the Brunei River, this national museum houses extensive collections related to Brunei’s Islamic art, natural history, ethnography, and oil industry. The Islamic Art Gallery is particularly impressive, with rare manuscripts, ceramics, and metalwork.
13. Kampong Bolkiah (Traditional Village)
This traditional land village offers insight into rural Bruneian life. Unlike Kampong Ayer, this settlement is built on solid ground but maintains many traditional aspects of Malay village life. Visitors can observe traditional architecture and daily activities.
14. Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre
This center preserves traditional Bruneian crafts by training young artisans in silverwork, brasswork, weaving, and royal regalia-making. Visitors can watch craftspeople at work and purchase authentic handicrafts as souvenirs.
15. Tamu Kianggeh (Traditional Market)
This vibrant open-air market along the Kianggeh River is where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and traditional medicines. It’s busiest on weekends and provides an authentic glimpse into local commerce and social life.
Modern Attractions and Entertainment
While Brunei is known for its traditional culture and natural beauty, it also offers several modern attractions:
16. Jerudong Park Playground
Once the largest and most expensive amusement park in Southeast Asia, Jerudong Park has been renovated and continues to offer various rides and attractions. The park is particularly lively in the evenings when locals come to enjoy the cooler temperatures.
17. The Empire Hotel & Country Club
This 5-star luxury resort showcases Brunei’s wealth and opulence. Even if you’re not staying here, visitors can tour the magnificent lobby with its crystal chandeliers and gold-leaf dome, dine at one of the restaurants, or enjoy the beach and golf course for a day-use fee.
18. Gadong Night Market
This popular food market comes alive after sunset, offering a wide variety of local dishes and snacks at affordable prices. It’s the perfect place to sample Bruneian cuisine including grilled fish, satay, and local desserts in a lively atmosphere.
19. Yayasan Shopping Complex
Located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, this modern shopping mall offers a range of international and local brands, restaurants, and a supermarket. It’s a good place to escape the heat and observe contemporary Bruneian life.
20. Brunei Maritime Museum
This modern museum highlights Brunei’s maritime heritage and the discovery of the Brunei Shipwreck, a 16th-century trading vessel found in Brunei waters. Exhibits include recovered artifacts and interactive displays about seafaring and trade in historical Brunei.
Additional Must-Visit Attractions
To complete our comprehensive list of the 50 best places to visit in Brunei, here are additional attractions worth exploring:
21. Tasek Merimbun
Brunei’s largest natural lake and an ASEAN Heritage Park, featuring a black-water ecosystem and diverse wildlife.
22. Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park
Popular hiking area with nine hills offering various levels of difficulty and panoramic views from the summits.
23. Brunei Darussalam Botanical Garden
Showcases the country’s rich plant diversity with themed gardens and educational displays.
24. Pulau Selirong (Selirong Island)
Mangrove forest reserve with elevated walkways for observing the unique ecosystem.
25. Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park
Well-maintained park with walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
26. Pekan Tutong (Tutong Town)
Charming town with a traditional market and access to beautiful beaches.
27. Kuala Belait
Brunei’s second-largest town and center of the oil industry with a relaxed atmosphere.
28. Seria Oil Field
Historical site where oil was first discovered in Brunei, with the iconic nodding donkey oil pumps.
29. Billionth Barrel Monument
Commemorates the extraction of the billionth barrel of oil from Seria field.
30. Anduki Recreational Park
Built on former oil fields, now featuring gardens, playgrounds, and a go-kart track.
31. Teraja Waterfall
Beautiful multi-tiered waterfall in the Labi Hills Forest Reserve.
32. Wasai Wong Kadir
Scenic waterfall and swimming hole surrounded by rainforest.
33. Bukit Patoi
Distinctive limestone outcrop in Temburong with hiking trails and panoramic views.
34. Ulu-Ulu Resort
Eco-resort in Temburong offering immersive rainforest experiences.
35. Pantai Muara (Muara Beach)
Popular beach with facilities for picnics and water sports.
36. Serasa Water Sports Complex
Center for sailing, windsurfing, and other water activities.
37. Brunei-Muara District Museum
Showcases the history and development of the district.
38. Belait District Museum
Highlights the oil industry’s impact on the region’s development.
39. Mendaram Longhouse
Traditional Iban longhouse where visitors can experience indigenous culture.
40. Sumbiling Eco Village
Community-based tourism initiative offering authentic cultural experiences.
41. Tutong Waterfront
Scenic promenade along the Tutong River with food stalls and recreational facilities.
42. Seria Energy Lab
Interactive exhibition about Brunei’s energy industry.
43. Brunei Craft Centre
Showcases and sells traditional handicrafts from across the country.
44. Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium
Impressive sports facility that hosts major events and competitions.
45. Jalan Residency Heritage Walk
Historical area with colonial-era buildings and monuments.
46. Kg. Sungai Bunga Jetty
Starting point for river cruises and proboscis monkey spotting tours.
47. Brunei Shell Petroleum Exhibition
Displays the history and technology of oil exploration in Brunei.
48. Berakas Forest Reserve
Protected forest area with walking trails close to the capital.
49. Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas
Riverside park commemorating the Sultan’s Golden Jubilee with gardens and recreational facilities.
50. Brunei History Centre
Research facility with exhibits on Brunei’s royal genealogy and historical documents.
Planning Your Brunei Adventure
Brunei may be small in size, but it offers a diverse range of attractions that can easily fill a week-long itinerary. From the magnificent mosques and royal buildings of Bandar Seri Begawan to the pristine rainforests of Temburong, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Most visitors spend 3-4 days in Brunei, focusing on the capital city and perhaps a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park. However, those with more time can explore the less-visited districts of Tutong and Belait, where local culture remains strong and natural attractions are plentiful.
Ready to Explore Brunei?
Start planning your trip to this fascinating sultanate with these essential travel resources. Secure your connectivity and find the best deals on flights and accommodations to make your Brunei adventure unforgettable.
Brunei offers a unique glimpse into a world where Islamic traditions, royal heritage, and natural beauty coexist harmoniously. Its safety, cleanliness, and friendly locals make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking something different from the typical Southeast Asian experience. Whether you’re interested in architecture, nature, culture, or simply relaxing in a peaceful environment, the Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace, welcomes you with open arms.
