The Best Places to Visit in Brunei
Brunei is is a small, oil-rich sultanate on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is completely surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak (besides the sea). Only about 450,000 people live in the whole country, which is ruled by The Sultan of Brunei. It is actually one of the world's wealthiest nations per capita thanks to massive offshore oil and natural gas reserves. Tourism-wise, there isn’t a lot to offer in Brunei besides the stunning mosques and forested landscape which covers up the country. Few make it to Brunei anyway, so consider yourself well traveled if you’ve stepped foot inside.
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Currency: Brunei Dollar
Language: Malay
When to visit: February to May
1) Bandar Seri Begawan
Here is Brunei’s capital and ONLY significant city in the country. For a capital city, it’s obviously not that big, since neither is Brunei. The city is named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (the current Sultan's father), who oversaw much of Brunei's modernization in the mid-20th century. You can see his influence on development nowadays as you walk through the city and check out it’s architecture. It is essentially the gateway into Brunei.
Things to do:
If you see one thing here, make it the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in southeast Asia, recognisable for it’s golden domes and reflection from the surrounding lagoon. Also check out Istana Nurul Iman (Sultan’s Palace), it’s a bit further away but still cool. Finally, go to Royal Regalia Museum to learn a bit more about this unknown country.
How to get there:
Brunei International Airport (BWN) has flights come in from most of the Asian countries in close proximity. It’s basically the only viable way into Brunei.
2) Kampong Ayer
Directly next to Bandar Seri Begawan is Kampong Ayer, the world’s largest water village. It showcases all the traditional houses built on stilts in the Brunei River. There is over 4,200 different structures of all kinds here.
Things to do:
The best way to explore the ‘city’ is to take a water taxi tour, or just walk the boardwalks yourself. Visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery, as well.
How to get there:
Walk here from Bandar Seri Begawan.
3) Ulu Temburong National Park
Ulu Temburong National Park is Brunei's premier and only national park, and one of the most pristine and biodiverse rainforest areas in Borneo. It covers about 550 km² of area in Eastern Brunei. It’s a classic rainforest with big towering trees, rivers, and waterfalls.
Things to do:
The most famous thing to do is walk the canopy walkway, it’s 60m high in the treetops. Otherwise, you can take a longboat ride up the Temburong River through jungle.
How to get there:
Take a guided day / overnight tour starting Bandar Seri Begawan.
Did this write-up help you?
Feel free to donate to me directly, and help keep the site running!
Thank you!!