an introductory note about this beautifully hidden place
before i visited brunei, almost every initial video and article written i found (from western perspectives) ultimately explained that this country is "boring." it took many of the people who write about this place a second visit to change their minds.
i decided to halt my research and wait until arriving here, to keep my expectations from skewing too far in one direction. i am super glad i did that, because upon arrival, i was greeted with tons of smiles from the locals; beautiful, well-spoken individuals. (fun fact: the country has a literacy rate of 97.6... think about those priorities! (sub-note - America's literacy rate is 75%...)
our first dart driver (dart is like grab but in brunei) explained that it is kind of "boring" here for most people, since many tourists in southeast asia come and want to drink, party and meet people. (i mean think of all the people who visit this extremely culturally diverse region just to go to places like koh tao in thailand or for bali in indonesia)
there is so much more to visiting a country than just its social scene, which brunei has some of even after the implementation of sharia law... well, sort of... (the night market is kind of it, but it is still something!) people are generally quite friendly and curious about why someone would want to visit a country like brunei, a place with no nightlife, where the streets are empty and the beaches are even more so, but when i tell them every place in this region deserves to be checked out they agree. and there is nothing wrong with an empty beach!
bandar seri begawan is a city with a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. clean air, empty beaches, streets so uncrowded you can walk on them like sidewalks, and little unique pockets with interesting history that could keep someone busy for a couple of days.
it seems like the strict sharia law that so many people are worried about does not really interact much with the tourists, unless you happen to end up in a mosque or try to dig deeper into that part of the culture.
so, enjoy your time here. locals are very easy to meet, let go of your expectations, and go for a little walk! if you end up being that bored, just take advantage of that. i bet if you end up here you were probably in one of the other cities nearby, where there is 24/7 honking and traffic so bad walking is just easier. so just soak it all in.
i highly recommend the water village; kampong ayer. it is absolutely beautiful to amble around and admire the creative architecture there. hang out with the fishermen, or find some kids to show you around. oh, and be careful of the planks that aren't nailed down...
Selamat Datang! (Welcome!)
cafe
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The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - Ministry of Finance
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food
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culture
Labi Coffee Farm
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Learn about coffee production in brunei
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Kianggeh Market
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Tamu Kianggeh is Brunei’s most complete day market. It sits along the eastern side of the Kianggeh River in Bandar Seri Begawan city center. The market has been a local fixture for years, a place where fishermen from Kampong Ayer come to trade their catches with fruit vendors from the nearby land villages. Here, you’ll see a wide variety of food, including produce, spices, prepared meals, and fresh or salted fish. A popular draw for visitors are the dozens of colorful spice mounds, resembling the spice bazaars (souqs) found in Arab countries. Spices are sold by weight. Tamu Kianggeh is busiest on Fridays.
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Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
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Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is one of Brunei’s national mosques and undisputed as one of the most beautiful in East Asia. It’s become a national symbol and is commonly used in Brunei tourism marketing. Saifuddien Mosque’s interior is finely constructed with Italian marble floors, granite from Shanghai, Saudi Arabian carpets and chandeliers from England. Its big white minarets and golden domes are visible from throughout the city center. In fact, local law prevents any new downtown structure to be built taller than it.
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Royal Regalia Museum
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Showcases exhibits of the Brunei monarchy. You can also buy crude oil at the gift shop.
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Kampong Ayer
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Water village across the river. A place filled with tons of wonder and sketchy walkways, worth the exploration. Talk to some fisher people and find the place that sells prawn crackers.
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Kampung Kota Batu
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Unfortunately, Kota Batu is often skipped by visitors. Though only a fringe neighborhood of Bandar Seri Begawan today, Kota Batu has great historical significance. As the original capital of the Bruneian Empire, it features an ancient palace, mosque and administrative center - dating back to Brunei’s third Sultan, Sharif Ali. Kota Batu means “Stone Fort'“ in Malay. What still remains here are Brunei’s most important archaeological sites (Kota Batu Archaeological Park, Tomb of Sultan Ali and Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah). Just a short walk from the archaeological sites are also 3 of Brunei’s major museums (Brunei Museum, Malay Technology Museum and Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum.
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Jerudong Park Waterpark
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According to many, Jerudong Park is one of Southeast Asia’s best amusement parks. It’s received this title for a few reasons, including being Southeast Asia’s largest amusement park, and costing $1 billion USD to build (fully government funded). In addition to local Bruneians, Jerudong is now popular with Malaysians, Indonesians and Filipinos as well. The park has been host to famous global acts, including Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. While bigger names perform during celebrations of the royal family, lesser known acts commonly perform on any standard weekend. Entrance to Jerudong Park is free. You’ll pay per ride.
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Teraja Longhouse
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In the far edges of Brunei, lies the quiet rural village of Teraja. Its residents all share a single long rooftop, with 125 people living here on the weekends. Though most of them are off at work during the weekdays. If you want to experience culture in a more personal way, you can come and talk to its residents, who are more than willing to show you what the countryside has to offer. From hikes to see the waterfalls and hills to traditional Iban craftsmanship workshops. For more details, check their Instagram @teraja_longhouse
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Kuala Belait
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Despite being Brunei’s second largest city, Kuala Belait is often forgotten about by tourists. While there isn’t as much to do in Kuala Belait as compared to Bandar Seri Begawan, the city has its own appeal. Built initially as an administrative center for the nearby oil fields, Kuala Belait has grown into the hub of western Brunei. It’s the only place you’ll find a semblance of cosmopolitan life outside of Bandar Seri Begawan.
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Seria Energy Lab
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The Oil & Gas Discovery Centre is the place to visit if you’re looking to learn more about the history and development of Brunei’s oil and gas industry. The museum also covers the industry from a global perspective, diving into the science and technology that fuels the world. To read more about the Belait District,
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nature
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Kampung Meritam's Mud Volcanoes
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If you’re seeking undisturbed relaxation in a natural setting, visit Kampung Meritam’s natural mud spa. This natural spa is located an hour from Bandar Seri Begawan, in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
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Teraja Waterfall
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Teraja Waterfall is the most remote attraction on this list, which plays into its appeal. About 70 kilometers from Seria by car, the Teraja Waterfall trail begins only a few kilometers north of the Malaysia border. If you make the effort to get here, you’ll be rewarded with a turquoise waterfall and natural pool, perhaps all to yourself. The trail is rarely frequented on weekdays.
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Eco Ponies Garden
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Visitors to experience local produce and herbs through food as well hands on cooking using herbs that can be found around the garden or from the community market.
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Selirong Mangrove Forest
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If you find a water taxi they can take you to the mangrove forest to search for the Proboscis monkey, which is a species native and endemic to Borneo.
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Ulu Temburong National Park
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Explore Brunei's first national park.
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Gunung Buda
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Part of the Melinau Limsetsone formation, 4-5000m thick and 40-90 million years old. Can only be accessed by 4wd with a guide.
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Pantai Seri Kenangan
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one of the best beaches in brunei, and a great place to watch the sunset.
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evenings
Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas
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Best spot to see the sunset from the city center.
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off the record from a local i met: "the best places to go out in brunei are in Malaysia" (there is a strict alcohol ban here due to sharia law, so most people looking for an evening out drive to Malaysia, which is only 40 minutes away.)
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additional
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