Brunei Travel Guide (Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Brunei

Brunei is a small sovereign state situated in the northwest coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Unlike its other oil-rich neighbors in the region, Brunei is a peaceful country with a rich cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty. Brunei is an Islamic country and has a unique blend of traditional Malay culture and Islamic values.

List of Places to Visit in Brunei

Brunei may be small in size, but it has numerous sights and attractions that can keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the top places to visit in Brunei:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Royal Regalia Museum - a museum that showcases the regalia and artifacts of the Brunei monarchy, including royal chariots, costumes, and gifts from foreign dignitaries.
Brunei Museum - a museum that showcases Bruneian culture and history, including traditional crafts, musical instruments, and archaeological artifacts.
Kampong Ayer - a traditional water village located along the Brunei River, where visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of Bruneians who have been living in stilted houses above the water for centuries.
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque - a grand mosque that was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, featuring a golden dome and marble floors.

Natural Attractions of Brunei: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ulu Temburong National Park - a protected rainforest area that is home to numerous natural wonders, such as waterfalls, rapids, and diverse wildlife species, that can be explored through hiking and canopy walks.
Tasek Lama Recreational Park - a park with walking trails and natural swimming pools, located just a few minutes away from the city center.
Temburong River - a river that runs through the Ulu Temburong National Park and offers visitors the chance to go kayaking, rafting, or river cruising while admiring the stunning scenery.
Jerudong Park Playground - a theme park that offers fun rides, games, and attractions for the entire family to enjoy.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brunei

Brunei offers numerous opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts to explore its natural beauty. Here are some of the best routes for outdoor adventures:

Tasek Lama Loop Trail - a 1.5 km trail that is suitable for beginners and offers a scenic view of the city and the surrounding hills.
Bukit Patoi Forest Recreation Park - a 2 km trail that offers a moderately strenuous hike through the forest, rewarded with a breathtaking view of the rainforest canopy.
Kampong Ayer Heritage Trail - a walk that takes visitors through the historic water village of Kampong Ayer, showcasing the traditional lifestyle of Brunei’s riverine communities.
Belalong River Trail - a challenging hike that takes visitors through the pristine rainforest of the Ulu Temburong National Park, leading to waterfalls and natural swimming pools.

Best Things to Do in Brunei: Activities and Tours

Aside from the natural attractions and cultural sites, Brunei offers diverse activities and tours that visitors can enjoy, such as:

River Safari Tour – a tour that takes visitors through the mangrove waterways of Brunei Bay, providing a chance to see exotic wildlife up close.
Night Market Tour – a gastronomic experience that takes foodies through the vibrant and bustling night markets, where they can sample local delicacies and snacks.
Golfing at Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club – a chance to play golf at Brunei’s most prestigious golf course with stunning views of the South China Sea.
Water Sports at Jerudong Beach – activities such as jet skiing and wakeboarding can be enjoyed at Jerudong Beach, a world-class beach resort in Brunei.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brunei

For those who want to maximize their visit to Brunei, here’s a suggested week-long itinerary:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit the Royal Regalia Museum, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and Istana Nurul Iman Palace
Day 2	Explore Kampong Ayer Heritage Trail, take a river cruise, and visit Tamu Kianggeh Market
Day 3	Go on a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park and hike the Belalong River Trail
Day 4	Visit the Brunei Museum and take the guided tour at the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Day 5	Take a River Safari Tour and visit the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre, Brunei
Day 6	Play golf at Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club or explore the Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Day 7	Visiting the night markets, trying out local street food, and shopping for souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of Brunei

Brunei’s culinary scene is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Nasi Katok - a popular and affordable dish made of rice, fried chicken, and sambal chili sauce, served with cucumber and sometimes, an egg.
Ambuyat - a starchy dish made from the trunk of the sago palm tree, eaten with a variety of dipping sauces.
Biryani Rice - an Indian-inspired dish of fragrant rice, meat or seafood, and spices.
Lemang - glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes, served with chicken, beef, or prawn curry.

Local Beverages

Teh Tarik - a sweet, creamy, and frothy version of black tea that is popular throughout Southeast Asia.
Sirap Bandung - a refreshing drink made of rose syrup, evaporated or condensed milk, and ice.
Air Katira - a drink made of the sap from the katira tree, mixed with sugar, water, and ice.
Bamboo Juice - a drink made by pressing the juice of young bamboo shoots, which is believed to have numerous health benefits.

Where to Stay in Brunei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Brunei offers accommodation options that cater to different budgets and styles. Here are some recommendations:

The Empire Hotel & Country Club - a luxurious 5-star resort that features a private beach, an 18-hole golf course, and numerous dining options.
The Rizqun International Hotel - a 4-star hotel that features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a gym, located in the center of Bandar Seri Begawan city.
Joy Rest House - a guesthouse located near the airport, offering simple and clean rooms with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi at an affordable rate.
Pondok Wasai Tenaga - a popular backpacker hostel located next to the Gadong Night Market, offering shared and private rooms with basic amenities and a communal kitchen.

What to Buy in Brunei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Brunei offers unique products that reflect the country’s heritage and culture. Here are some things to buy in Brunei:

Tapestry and Weaving Products - Brunei is known for its intricate weaving and tapestry work, which can be purchased at the Tamu Kianggeh Market.
Silver Jewelry - Brunei is also known for its silver jewelry, which is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Kampong Ayer.
Oil and Balm Products - Brunei is also famous for its locally-produced herbal oils and balms, which have been used for generations to alleviate common ailments.
Pewter and Brass Products - Brunei also produces fine quality pewter and brass products that can be purchased at the Royal Regalia Museum.

Local Culture and Customs of Brunei

Brunei is a conservative Islamic country, and visitors are expected to respect local customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Dress Conservatively - Brunei is a somewhat conservative country, and visitors are advised to dress modestly, especially in public places such as mosques and government buildings.
Observe Prayer Times - Muslims are expected to pray five times a day, and visitors are expected to be respectful of these times and avoid any activities that may cause disturbance during prayer.
Do not chew gum or smoke in public places - it is considered impolite to chew gum or smoke in public places, and may also attract a fine.
Avoid consuming pork and alcohol in public places - pork and alcohol are prohibited in Islam, and visitors are expected to adhere to this prohibition while in public places.

Best Time to Visit Brunei

Brunei has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rainfall. The best time to visit Brunei is during the dry season, from February to April and August to October, when the weather is warm and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brunei

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while in Brunei:

Do:

Show Respect - Brunei is a conservative country, and visitors are expected to show respect for local customs and traditions.
Be Polite - Bruneians are known for their hospitality and polite behavior, and tourists are expected to reciprocate this politeness.
Learn a few Malay Phrases - learning a few basic Malay phrases such as “hello” and “thank you” can go a long way in establishing a good rapport with locals.

Don’t:

Photograph People Without Permission - it is considered rude to take photos of people without their permission, particularly in rural areas and traditional communities.
Show Public Displays of Affection - public displays of affection are frowned upon in Brunei and may be seen as disrespectful.
Disrespect Religious and Cultural Traditions - visitors are expected to respect local religious and cultural traditions, particularly when visiting mosques or participating in religious ceremonies.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brunei

Brunei is a peaceful and low-crime country, with friendly locals and good public services. However, travelers are advised to take the usual precautions such as keeping valuable items safe and locked in hotel safes and avoiding unlit, deserted areas alone at night.

Health in Brunei

Brunei has a high standard of healthcare, and there are several good hospitals and clinics available in the country. It is advisable to take out travel insurance before traveling, as medical costs for foreigners can be high.

Getting to Brunei: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Brunei

Brunei International Airport is the main gateway to the country, located just 7 km from Bandar Seri Begawan city center. International airlines that fly to Brunei International Airport include Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and AirAsia.

Bus Stations Near Brunei

There are several bus terminals in the city that offer services to major towns and cities in Brunei and neighboring countries. The bus ride is affordable and convenient for travelers.

Other Options

Taxis are readily available in Brunei, and they are metered and moderately priced. Car rentals are also available but require an International Driving Permit or a Brunei driving license.

How to Get Around in Brunei

Brunei is a small country, and getting around is relatively easy. Taxis are the most popular mode of transportation in the city, while buses are a cheaper option for intercity travel. Alternatively, visitors may also rent cars or hire bicycles.

Where to Go Next from Brunei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Brunei’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a gateway to explore other destinations in the region. Some nearby destinations and excursions from Brunei include:

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – a bustling city located just a few hours away from Brunei, known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures.
Kuching, Sarawak – the capital city of Sarawak, known for its cultural and heritage sites, as well as the famous Sarawak laksa.
Labuan, Malaysia – a small island located off the coast of Sabah, known for its beautiful beaches, duty-free shops, and historical sites.

Conclusion

Brunei is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its rich cultural heritage to its pristine rainforests, Brunei offers something for every type of traveler. Visitors are advised to respect local customs and traditions while embracing the warmth and hospitality of its friendly people.