Brunei is a tiny, oil-rich Muslim country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Its capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, has a population of about 100,000 people. This entire nation is often overlooked by tourists; however, it’s an intriguing place with interesting museums and stunning mosques that are accessible to the public for free.
There are various activities to enjoy, such as visiting a museum or embarking on a river safari to spot monkeys and diverse wildlife. Here are 8 of the best things to do in Brunei and Bandar Seri Begawan!
Where To Stay In Brunei
Top Things To Do In Brunei & Bandar Seri Begawan
1. Brunei Airport Mosque
The first thing you see upon arriving in Bandar Seri Begawan is the Brunei International Airport Mosque. This smaller mosque features a striking blue dome and three minarets located right next to the airport doors. Although it isn’t open to tourists, you are welcome to snap photos from outside!
2. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
This mosque stands as the most famous monument in Brunei and is incredibly photogenic. Featuring a massive dome made of pure gold, it cost approximately $10 Million USD to construct!
3. Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Another iconic monument in Bandar Seri Begawan, this massive mosque features golden domes and towering minarets at 60 meters (200 feet). Tours of the interior are available on select days, revealing an equally impressive interior space.
4. Royal Regalia Museum
As Brunei’s largest and most popular museum, the Royal Regalia Museum offers visitors exhibits showcasing the country’s history. Entrance is free; however, they unfortunately do not allow phones or cameras inside. Free lockers are provided for your belongings.
5. Mangrove River Safari
Embark on a wildlife sighting cruise on the Brunei River! During the two-hour boat trip, you can spot Borneo’s Proboscis monkeys alongside mangrove forests and visit a local water village perched on stilts. Viator offers boat tour packages starting at 70 Brunei dollars ($52 USD) with pickup included.
6. Gadong Mall
Known as “The Mall,” this is one of Bandar Seri Begawan’s primary shopping centers. While it may not compare to the grandeur found in Dubai, it offers a good option to escape the midday heat and search for deals on electronics, souvenirs, and essentials.
7. Pick Up Some Brunei Swag
Given that Bandar Seri Begawan is one of the more obscure travel destinations, don’t forget to grab some fridge magnets and other souvenirs! Even the Bruneian Dollar bills have an interesting design.
8. Try Durian Ice Cream
The Dairy Queen in Brunei serves blizzards made from the notoriously pungent Durian fruit. The flavor is quite unique, and it’s a must-try experience, even if just to say that you did!
More Brunei Travel Tips
Thank you for reading! I hope this list of the top things to do in Brunei and Bandar Seri Begawan has been helpful.
Brunei Hotels
Where I Stayed
During my trip, I stayed at Qing Yun Resthouse Bandar near the BSB riverfront, where I found a private air-conditioned room for just $33 USD per night. Although Brunei is not the cheapest destination for travel, this deal was quite reasonable.
The location was also ideal, being just a 5-minute walk from the renowned Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Royal Regalia Museum. In addition, it was conveniently situated above a shopping complex filled with numerous restaurants.
Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, so it’s wise to keep an eye out for attractive deals while planning your visit.
