Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is a great place to spend a day, especially if you have some time during a layover. Some city highlights include the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Brunei Museum, a boat trip through Kampong Ayer, the water village and the Proboscis Monkeys.
I was excited to explore this diverse destination, experience its culture, and learn about its rich heritage and people. I was also keen to see what attractions and museums this very wealthy but small Muslim country had to offer tourists as a destination in Southeast Asia.
⇒ Head over to my Asian destinations page to discover things to do in this part of the world.
Jame Asr Hassani Bolkiah mosque is the top thing to see
Brunei International Airport
Brunei International Airport is approximately 20 minutes (9 km) by taxi from the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. Royal Brunei Airlines is the country’s national airline and often offers affordable tickets to destinations worldwide. Most of their flights, especially from the United Kingdom, require a stopover at Brunei Airport, making it a popular transit hub. Check out Expedia for the latest flights and prices to Brunei Darussalam.
Depending on your nationality, you must obtain a visa, which you can do upon arrival in customs for a small fee in Brunei dollars. Don’t worry if you don’t have Brunei dollars, as customs has a currency exchange. Flying from Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, obtain a priority pass to access the airport lounges.
1. Things you can do in Bandar Seri Begawan in a day
Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei Darussalam, a small city on the island of Borneo. This tiny country has much to offer, including opulent mosques, the Istana Nurul Iman palace, a glimpse of rare Proboscis Monkeys, and the world’s largest floating village, Kampong Ayer.
Despite its size, there are plenty of things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan for a day to keep you busy.
Jame Asr Hassani Bolkiah mosque lit up at night
2. Start your day at Kianggeh Market
Begin your day by visiting Kianggeh Market, a popular open market in Bandar Seri Begawan. Situated along the banks of the Kianggeh River, this market offers a variety of local produce, seafood, meat, and traditional dishes. The market is well-organized, and the colourful food stalls add to the vibrant atmosphere.
This is also a great spot to support businesses and buy local products. If you have time and are wondering what to do at night in Bandar Seri Begawan, I suggest going to the Gadong Night Market for dinner. You can also book a full-day private tour of Bandar Heritage, including a local market visit.
3. Jame’ Asr Hassani Bolkiah Mosque
The Jame’ Asr Hassani Bolkiah mosque is one of the main attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan. Built in 1992 to celebrate the 25th year of the current sultan’s reign, Brunei’s largest mosque is hard to miss. It is a fantastic example of Islamic architecture surrounded by well-groomed and maintained landscaped gardens and fountains.
The Mosque features extraordinary attention to detail. Every aspect signifies that the Sultan is the 29th ruler of the dynasty, from the 29 domes made of 24-carat gold to the 29 ornate minarets and 29 crystal chandeliers inside the mosque. It is also a splendid place to visit at night when beautifully illuminated.
I wore lightweight walking shoes to get around the city for the day as it was humid.
A selfie in front of the Jame Asr Hassani Bolkiah mosque
4. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque should be next up on your list of things to do in Brunei. Named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, the mosque sits at the very heart of Bandar Seri Begawan city. It looks impressive, located in its own lagoon along the Brunei River. Surrounded by lush greenery and floral gardens, its gold dome shines in bright daylight.
Built in 1958, it’s a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. The lake and ship nearby make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time or into a fairy tale. It is also an excellent spot for taking pictures outside with the Brunei River in the background.
5. Perpuspaan Main Gate 1968
After visiting Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, head to Perpuspaan Main Gate. It was built in 1968 to commemorate the coronation of the current Sultan. This is only a short walk away; you only need 5-10 minutes here. However, like the Mosque, it is grand and a great photo opportunity.
6. Have lunch along the Brunei waterfront
I suggest getting some food and having lunch along the Brunei waterfront, as you will be in the centre of town and near all the restaurants and cafes. Grab something from Yayasan Food court in the main shopping mall or get something from one of the restaurants or cafes like Piccolo Cafe or Kaizen Sushi.
If you are in Brunei on a Friday, remember that most businesses, including restaurants and cafes, are shut from noon to 2 p.m. for Solat Jumaat (Friday Prayers).
7. Take a tour of Kampong Ayer and visit a local family.
Take a guided tour of Kampong Ayer, the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia, and visit a local family for tea. It should only take an hour and is a fantastic way to enjoy a unique cultural experience in Bandar Seri Begawan. Kampong Ayer, which means Water Village in Malay, is situated on the Brunei River, just across from the city centre.
A century ago, half of Brunei’s population lived here, and even today, many Bruneians still prefer the lifestyle of the water village to residing on dry land. The water village boasts its own schools, mosques, police station, and fire brigade, all built on stilts. Booking a guided tour from the Royal Wharf to Brunei’s water village is easy.
8. Take a water taxi to Kampong Ayer
If you would rather not take a tour, I suggest using a water taxi to explore Kampong Ayer’s water village, sometimes known as the ‘Venice of the East’. You will observe the extensive network of wooden walkways, footbridges, and boardwalks used by locals to get about when they are not using their boats.
There are many water taxis in front of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on the Brunei river. You can stand where a water taxi can dock and flag one down. You can do it solo, with a group, or as a family activity in Bandar Seri Begawan.
9. Visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery
The Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery is an excellent addition to exploring the water village. Located just beside Jetty 1, it is accessible by water taxi from the Royal Wharf. You can learn about the Kampong Ayer people’s history, customs, and crafts here.
Afterwards, you can head to the glass-enclosed viewing tower and view the water village’s panoramic views. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. but closes on Friday at 12.30 p.m.
10. Istana Nurul Iman
Istana Nurul Iman is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government. Once a year, the palace is open to non-Muslims for three days during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and an additional ten days for Muslims, primarily for religious purposes.
It is the largest residential palace in the world, and its gold dome can be easily seen from the banks of the Brunei River. Although it is closed to the public for most of the year, you can still photograph it. If you are already in the water taxi, get them to take you further up the river for photo opportunities. Have a good camera to capture the water village from the Brunei River. I use a Sony mirrorless camera, and it is fantastic.
Kampong Ayer Water Village – Top things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan
11. The Royal Regalia Building (Kings Museum)
You must check out the Royal Regalia Building (the King’s Museum). It is located in the city centre near Kianggeh Market, so you can visit both. The exhibits inside the museum are impressive and grand. It is worth adding to your list of things to see in Bandar Seri Begawan’s Brunei.
The building was built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s accession to the throne. The museum showcases various exhibits of the Brunei monarchy and the incredible gifts given to the Sultan over the years. It is also the only place in the city to buy crude oil as a souvenir.
11.1 What you will see in the Royal Regalia Building
Some great exhibits are inside, like the life-sized replica of the Sultan’s jubilee parade float. It is a made-to-scale model with scores of uniformed mannequins, all-encompassing to represent his honour guard. Different countries’ military honours and decorations in another room exemplify the Sultan’s apparent military prowess.
The Royal Regalia Building is open daily except on Fridays, and there is a small entrance fee. Like the Mosques, you must remove your shoes before entering.
The Sultan’s Carriage, The Royal Regalia Building, the King’s Museum
12. See the Teng Yun Temple
Just up the road from the Royal Regalia Building is the Teng Yun Temple. Built in the 1960s, it is the oldest Chinese temple and the only one in Brunei. This vibrant, colourful temple pops out between the traditional buildings in Bandar Seri Begawan. It is a great spot to stop for pictures and should only take 10- 15 minutes to see. It reminded me of the temples in Tainan, Taiwan.
13. Go Proboscis monkey spotting
Experience a memorable family outing by spotting the rare proboscis monkeys. Cruise the serene Brunei River, surrounded by lush mangroves, and keep an eye out for these unique Borneo natives in their natural habitat. It’s an unforgettable adventure.
I have been lucky enough to see Proboscis monkeys in the wild, and watching them interact with each other is fascinating. They were a highlight for me. The best way to see the Proboscis monkeys is to book a Mangrove riverboat ride. Ensure you have the right camera for taking pictures of all the amazing wildlife.
Proboscis Monkeys, long-nosed monkeys, are among the top things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan
14. Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum
If you are still seeking to explore, I recommend the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. Located on the banks of the Brunei River, where the original ancient city of Brunei once stood, the museum showcases the region’s maritime trading history.
It features a shipwreck discovered in 1997 and artefacts retrieved from a nearby site. The museum also features items from the archaeological site of Kota Batu, which served as Brunei’s primary trade hub. The Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum is open daily except on Fridays.
15. Malay Technology Museum
The Malay Technology Museum (Muzium Teknologi Melayu) should be next on your list, as it is just a short walk from the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum. This museum showcases various traditional technologies used by the people of Brunei Darussalam over the years.
The Malay Technology Museum highlights the culture of traditional Malay water villages through various exhibits and artefacts. Like many attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan, it is open every day except Fridays.
16. Guided day tours in Bandar Seri Begawan
If you want to spend the day in Brunei but don’t want to do it alone or are unsure how to get around. Then, take a half or full-day guided tour that covers Bandar Seri Begawan’s top sites. Several options cover Brunei’s unique culture, museums, and mosques. There are also outdoor activities, like a mangrove cruise to spot wildlife.
Here are several options you can book in Brunei that can be done in a day.
- Full day to Kampong Ayer & Mangrove – Boat Tour
- Half Day City including Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque – Walking & Bus Tour
- Brunei Transit half-day tour – If you have only a few hours, this tour picks you up from the airport.
Bruneian cuisine at the Kianggeh Market
17. Activities if you stay longer than one day in Bandar Seri Begawan.
One day is enough time to see Bandar Seri Begawan’s main attractions and landmarks. However, if you want to get out of the capital and explore other parts of Brunei, you will need a few extra days. Here are some activities you can do if you are staying longer in Brunei;
Go diving in Brunei
Brunei’s diving industry has grown rapidly due to its beautiful seabed and diverse underwater life. Check out one of the many diving tours on offer in Brunei. You can do a day, 2 days, or even 3 days diving in Brunei.
Spend a day at Ulu Temborong National Park
Explore Brunei’s first national park, Ulu Temburong. Here, you can walk among the trees on the canopy walkway, hike the trails, or take a long boat ride down the Temburong River. This is an excellent add-on if you stay two days in Brunei and love the outdoors and nature. Book a full-day guided tour of Ulu Temborong National Park before you go to Brunei.
Do a Brunei Eco Adventure
How about a 3-day eco-adventure guided tour, exploring caves, trekking in the mountains, and tubing? Highlights include seeing the stunning Mulu Formation and the Gunung Buda limestone massif. Which is part of the Melinau Limestone Formation, estimated to be about 4,000-5,000 m thick and 40-90 million years old. This can only be accessed via 4WD with a guide.
Empire Hotel & Country Club at night – Best hotel in Brunei
18. Bandar Seri Begawan Hotels
Staying in Brunei’s capital is a practical choice for exploring the city’s landmarks and sites for the day. Most hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan are within walking distance of various attractions, as it is not a large city. Check the availability and book a hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The Empire Hotel & Country Club
I have stayed at the Empire Hotel & Country Club, which is considered a 7-star hotel but is a luxurious 5-star resort, and all I can say is WOW. It has an overall feeling of refinement, from the lavish decoration of the main building to the fantastic furnishings of the interiors and rooms.
The Empire Hotel & Country Club features a private beach, five restaurants, and breathtaking swimming pools that blend seamlessly with the ocean. It is widely regarded as the best hotel resort in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Check and see the room rates for The Empire Hotel & Country Club.
Other Hotel Suggestions in Bandar Seri Begawan
The Radisson Hotel is centrally located, just a five-minute walk from the Royal Regalia Museum. The hotel offers a shuttle to and from the Brunei Darussalam International Airport. It is a great option if you are looking for a place to stay in Bandar Seri Begawan for a one- or two-night stay.
The Brunei Hotel is strategically located in the Seri Begawan Brunei city centre, with most places of interest within a 5- 10 minute walk. For example, you can catch a water taxi to Kampong Ayer at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Royal Wharf.
Empire Hotel & Country Club is the best hotel in Brunei
19. Tips for visiting Bandar Seri Begawan for a day
- No photos inside most of the buildings and attractions in the capital
- This is a Muslim country, so please be aware of what you are wearing when you are not in your hotel.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, as it can get humid and warm during the day.
- Most attractions are not likely to be open during any holy months or significant festive seasons.
- I used an Airalo country eSIM to access the internet in Brunei, as my Southeast Asia coverage did not include it.
- Carry a scarf with you if you visit religious areas like mosques.
- You will be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes
20. Other destinations in Asia to explore.
Discover a variety of thought-provoking articles to enhance your understanding of Asia. Whether you seek breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters or local experiences, there’s something here for every traveller.
- Hiking routes of Niigata & Nagano, Japan
- What to see and do on Green Island, Taiwan
- Best things to do in Bohol, Philippines
Have you been to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: Although ASEAN invited me to visit Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, for a day, my views are my own and based on my own experience in this fascinating country.
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Hi Mel,
Nope, I have not been to Brunei but I would love to go.
One of my Facebook friends is from Brunei. She has noted a few times how I should visit, and I am often in the SE Asia, region visiting Bali and Thailand so much.
As for the Muslim country thingee, no worries here. Neither my wife or I drinks and we visited Qatar earlier this year so we cut our Muslim teeth, with covering everything up when we left the compound and not holding hands in public and all that stuff. No biggie.
I’d enough a nice little hike to see those monkeys too. Sounds like so much fun.
Thanks for sharing Mel.
Ryan
I have stopped in Qatar airport in transit on my way to Australia. I have thought about stopping there for a few days but I have mixed feelings about it. Brunei is not like that you don’t have to cover up and I am pretty sure it was ok for you to hold hands. Everyone was super nice to and as soon as they knew you were a tourist they would stop and say hi and want to know where you were from. In regards to the Monkeys, I recently saw them in Borneo and it was amazing, definitely recommend that. Thanks for your comment, Paul
I’ve never been here before so this was very interesting to read. The water village is gorgeous and doesn’t look big enough for 39,000 people. Good tips on visiting a Muslim country as a non-Muslim. I remember going to Jakarta for 2 nights and was unprepared! Definitely one to add to the list!
It was an interesting place to visit and was not too sure what to expect but I am glad I went, as it was an eye opener.
I never thought about visiting Brunei because it didn’t seem like a place for tourists. What an interesting insight you have written. Great tips too for us non-muslims
Thank you very much and to be honest, I didn’t think of it as a destination until I went either 🙂
Firstly beautiful pictures, what a colourful grand city. I’m not much of a drinker so l would be happy to go here and explore.
Thank you very much, I wish I had the time to have taken more. I definitely think all that gold made things stand out for sure
I have heard about the diving in Brunei but it was not a place on my radar. Interesting read and my wife and kids would love that resort. I think l more look into diving in to Brunei more now.
I am also keen to take my husband for a few days to go diving. I had a look at some for sites and they look great.
I have not had the pleasure to visit this country yet. It is interesting to see the different culture and customs and you provide some great tips. It is always good to be respectful of others and their customs so knowing what is acceptable dress is important. I love the suggestion of visiting a market and also was quite surprised to see the opulence mixed in with the homes on the waters which look like would not survive a strong breeze let alone a monsoon. Thanks for enlightening me to a different side of the world.
Brunei was definitely an interesting one for sure and I am glad that I got to experience it. Some of those places in the water I wondering if they were about to fall down too but they don’t. I thought it was really interesting too to see the school on the water, I did ask if any of the students fall in and they said yes.
I visited Brunei a few years ago, my motivation was because Michael Jackson made his last Dangerous concert there! I thought that the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque was one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen and you photographed it beautifully! I think the hotel you stayed at is a seven star hotel isn’t it?
I never knew that Michael Jackson that is an interesting fact. I think the hotel is 6star and I am pretty sure that it is owned by Hassanal Bolkiah the king of Brunei and Thank you in regards to my photos.
I knew very little about Brunei, but now I’m obsessed! I’ve become more interested in traveling Asia and the Middle East and I might just have to venture there next. All the sites you visited look beautiful!
I recommend it especially for a few days, it is not like the other Muslim countries that I have visited in the past. The locals were so happy to see tourist there
Brunei is such an offbeat destination. Not many tourists go there. Despite the lack of media attention, Brunei has attracted my attention for many years now. I didn’t know about Kampong Ayer though. Sounds like a nice place.
I agree it is definitely offbeat destination even though it is right in the middle of other popular Asia tourist destinations. Kampong Ayer is interesting to see, even the houses look like they are falling down. Everyone seems very happy and this is their way of life. We even got to go into one of the houses and meet the locals.
It’s strange to think that l go to all these other countries around it like Bali but never to Brunei. I suppose I never really thought about it being a tourist destination until now. Love your pictures of the Moques 🙂
I went to Vietnam a couple of years ago and we thought about heading to Brunei for a couple of days but then we changed our minds. I am glad that I have been now and see what it was like, it was a pleasant surprise.
What a colourful beautiful place. Brunei sounds like an interesting place, l especially love the water village and the Empire Hotel. I could easily get lost walking around the hotel
Those Mosques were definitely colourful and grand that is for sure. LOL, would you believe that I did get lost in that hotel when I arrived as I was way down the end and couldn’t find my way back.
I met a couple from Brunei when I was in Tanzania and they were really friendly. They also got me intrigued in the country when they told me about the abundant wildlife. I’d love to visit to see it as well as the architecture and the floating village. Your hotel looks great too
I would like to go back and explore the rainforest and do some diving, it is supposed to be really beautiful. You would love the hotel it is grand as the Mosques that is for sure.
I’ve heard of Brunei before, but I’m a little ashamed to say that I had to double check a map to find it’s exact location. I love visiting churches of different religions and completely understand the need to cover up and not take pictures in those mosques. I would love to try snorkeling in the area. I had no idea they had so many untouched dive sites!
Don’t worry, I didn’t know much about the place either until I went there. I am definitely glad though that I went as I was pleasantly surprised by the country and the people. I would be keen to go back and dive too before it becomes so popular.
I have never been to Brunei and like you, didn’t know too much about Brunei. The mosques here look quite flash. I remember the flights with Royal Brunei being so cheap from Australia, but never ended up taking them. Looks like quite an intriguing and colourful place to visit!
These mosques were definitely grand and I can’ believe that they are covered in real gold. I wished I could have taken photos from inside as it was just as pretty with the gold too. Btw I am Australian, so I will be keeping my eye out for flights to Australia from England for my next trip home.
Despite the brief encounter with Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei you have seen a lot! For my passport its hard to obtain visa so Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei will have to wait for a while, but would love to see this in person!
I was shipped into places and then out again, I didn’t mind though but it would have been nice to stay longer to appreciate the place especially the hotel.
Fantastic Info and I love your photos! Thanks so much
Thank you very much chick 🙂
I have never been to Brunei, but it sounds like a wonderful place to explore. You have really great tips like avoiding to visit during holy months. I love visiting night markets and it’s great to hear that it’s very clean well organized.
I think the night market was even clear than the ones in London, it was great walking around them and we were definitely an attraction to them 🙂 They were very smiley and said hi.
I would like to visit as somewhere totally different. The hotel and sights look great. We considered visiting when we were in Borneo but ran out of time
I was in Borneo two weeks ago and loved it. This was definitely a very quick trip here but was well worth the stop even for a few days.
I love how grand, and gold everything is here! Those mosques are literally insane, almost too amazing for words! Also, where are your sunnies from? I love them!
It was definitely grand and it was a shame that we could not take photos inside as it was beautiful. My sunnies are from SunGod, it is a company that supplies them to me.
Thanks for the comprehensive post on Brunei! Felt like I was already having a tour while reading your post. I was supposed to go here as a sidetrip while I was in Malaysia but the plan didn’t push through. Hope to go there in the future though, would really love to see what’s inside the beautiful mosques and explore the water village.
You are more than welcome 🙂 I was also supposed to go here ages ago on a side trip but didn’t work out, glad it has this time though and it was definitely an interesting place to visit.
So interesting to read about a country I knew nothing about! It looks like a great place to visit, also because it’s so little known and still authentic and not overrun with tourist I suppose.
I agree it is definitely not overrun by tourist and it was an very interesting place to visit.
I agree with you – I am left to wonder why there are not many tourists blogging about Brunei. It truly is spectacular based on what you had shared about your experience. Those mosques are so grand – even though I have been to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, both of their major mosques look more grand and awe-inspiring!
This was definitely an interesting place to visit and the people were just so lovely. I would definitely go back and try the diving for sure.
I’ve always wondered what Brunei is like. I’d be particularly interested in visiting the mosque – the decor is very unique. The Empire Hotel & Country Club is covered in gold – what a luxurious place to stay at!
The hotel was definitely a grand hotel and I could have stayed there for days.
Looks like an amazing place – I have looked at teaching jobs in Brunei before. The hotel – wow looks fabulous! Definitely on my must-visit list now Mel!
I am not sure if I would live there but I would definitely go back for a few days. The hotel was definitely WOW !!!!
Hi Mel! I never been in Brunei, but I’ve been close, in Malaysia and Singapore but never there. Yeah their temples are so rich and vast that are incredible to see. The hotels are amazing and is so cool to have the opportunity to do snorkeling. I love it! Is absolutely a place to visit!
I have always been close to but never made it there until now. It is definitely worth if for a few days. I am keen to go back and the snorkeling too
I Mel! I never been in Brunei, I’ve been in close in Malaysia and Singapore but never there. Yeah they temples are so rich and vast that are incredible to see. The hotels are amazing and is so cool to have the opportunity to do snorkeling. I love it! Is absolutely a place to visit!
WOW Mel! Thank you for sharing! This place looks seriously amazing! So great you got to participate in this event and see these unique places
It was a stunning place and I am glad I finially was able to go there.
Oh my – that lobby! I get the impression you were surrounded by oppulence for a few days Mel. It seems like a great place for a spot of R&R, even without the alcohol! Although I am still trying to work out why one would want some crude oil as a souvenir!?
It definitely was super grand and I really enjoyed it, I just wished that I was there longer than 24hrs to appreciate it even more.