Nestled on the island of Borneo between Malaysia’s Sarawak state and the South China Sea, Brunei Darussalam is a small yet wealthy nation of Islamic heritage, pristine rainforests, and royal grandeur. Though often overshadowed by its neighbors, Brunei offers a unique travel experience: quiet, safe, and deeply cultural. Here, you’ll find magnificent mosques, stilt villages, lush jungles, and a glimpse into the daily life of one of the world’s last absolute monarchies.
Best Cities of Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB)
Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), Brunei’s quiet capital, is a city of golden domes, riverside life, and royal tradition. Its skyline is defined by the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful, with marble minarets and a ceremonial barge floating on the lagoon. Equally striking is the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the country’s largest, built with 29 domes to honor Brunei’s 29th sultan. The Royal Regalia Museum offers insight into the monarchy with exhibits of royal carriages, crowns, and gifts from world leaders, while the Tamu Kianggeh Market along the Brunei River provides a glimpse of daily life with local snacks, tropical fruits, and handicrafts. A must-see is Kampong Ayer, the historic water village known as the “Venice of the East,” where thousands still live in wooden stilt houses connected by boardwalks and explored by water taxi.
Travelers come here for the city’s calm, cultural richness, and Islamic architecture rather than nightlife or crowds. The best time to visit is December to February, when the weather is cooler and less humid. BSB is just 15 minutes by car from Brunei International Airport, with direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and other Asian hubs. The city is compact and easy to navigate by taxi, on foot, or by boat, making it a rewarding stop for those seeking history, spirituality, and a slower pace at the heart of Brunei.
Kampong Ayer
Kampong Ayer, spread across the Brunei River in Bandar Seri Begawan, is the world’s largest stilt settlement, with over 40 interconnected villages linked by wooden walkways and bridges. Around 30,000 people still live here, in homes built above the water alongside mosques, schools, and small shops. The best place to start is the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, which introduces the history of the settlement and its role in Brunei’s development. From there, water taxis can take you deeper into the maze of canals, where visitors see both traditional wooden houses and newer concrete ones, reflecting how the community has adapted to modern life.
Travelers visit Kampong Ayer to experience a living heritage site rather than a preserved museum. It’s most atmospheric in the morning, when markets and schools are busy, or at sunset, when mosques along the river light up. Located just across from Bandar Seri Begawan’s city center, it’s reached in 5 minutes by water taxi from the central jetty, costing about $1–2 USD. For the best experience, plan 2–3 hours to walk the boardwalks, visit the gallery, and take a boat ride — a chance to see why this “city on water” has been central to Brunei’s identity for more than a millennium.
Best Natural Attractions of Brunei
Ulu Temburong National Park
Ulu Temburong National Park, often called the “Green Jewel of Brunei,” protects more than 50,000 hectares of pristine Bornean rainforest in the remote Temburong District. Since the park is only reachable by boat along winding rivers, it remains one of Southeast Asia’s least disturbed jungles. The highlight is the canopy walkway, a series of steel towers rising above the treetops, where sunrise reveals endless rainforest stretching to the horizon. Visitors can also hike jungle trails, go river tubing, and spot hornbills, gibbons, and rare insects.
Travelers come here to experience untouched nature and Brunei’s leading model of eco-tourism. The park is best visited between February and April, when skies are clearer but rains still keep the forest lush. Tours depart from Bandar Seri Begawan with a speedboat to Bangar, followed by longboat transfers upriver into the park (about 2–3 hours in total). Overnight stays at Sumbiling Eco Village or Ulu Ulu Resort allow deeper exploration, night walks, and traditional meals by the river, making Ulu Temburong a rare chance to experience authentic Bornean wilderness.
Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Tasek Lama Recreational Park, just minutes from central Bandar Seri Begawan, is a popular escape for both locals and travelers. The park features forest trails of varying difficulty, from easy paved paths to steeper jungle routes leading to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. Along the way, visitors encounter a small waterfall, streams, and shaded picnic spots, while birdwatchers can spot species such as bulbuls, kingfishers, and even hornbills in the early morning.
It’s a great place to experience Brunei’s rainforest without leaving the capital, whether for a short walk, jogging, or casual wildlife spotting. The park is free to enter and open year-round, but the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Located about 10 minutes by car or taxi from the city center, Tasek Lama makes for an easy half-day activity, offering a taste of Borneo’s nature right on Bandar Seri Begawan’s doorstep.
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Reserve
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Reserve, about 20 minutes from Bandar Seri Begawan near Jerudong, is one of Brunei’s most popular outdoor spots for hiking and exercise. The reserve has a network of nine marked trails ranging from short loops to steep climbs over forested hills, making it a favorite training ground for locals. The paths pass through dense rainforest, ridges, and valleys, with plenty of steps and inclines that provide a real workout. At the higher points, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the South China Sea and Brunei’s green interior.
The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon, when the air is cooler and sunsets light up the coastline. The reserve is free to enter and easily reached by car or taxi from Bandar Seri Begawan. Visitors should bring water and good shoes, as the trails can be muddy after rain. For those looking to combine fitness with nature, Bukit Shahbandar offers the most challenging hikes close to the capital.
Hidden Gems of Brunei
Pantai Seri Kenangan (Tutong)
Pantai Seri Kenangan, in Tutong District, is a scenic coastal strip where the South China Sea meets the Tutong River, separated only by a narrow sandbar. This unique setting makes it a favorite local spot for picnics, fishing, and sunset photography, with calm river views on one side and open ocean waves on the other. The beach is long and quiet, ideal for walks or simply relaxing away from the capital’s busier parks.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when the sun sets over the water and the area comes alive with families and food stalls. Pantai Seri Kenangan is about 1 hour’s drive from Bandar Seri Begawan, making it an easy half-day trip by car or taxi. While there are no major facilities beyond small eateries and shelters, its peaceful location and rare double-waterfront scenery make it one of Brunei’s most photogenic coastal spots.
Merimbun Heritage Park
Merimbun Heritage Park, in Tutong District, is Brunei’s largest natural lake and a designated ASEAN Heritage Park. Surrounded by swamp forests and peatlands, the dark, tannin-rich waters of Tasik Merimbun create a mysterious setting tied to local legends – some say the lake is haunted, while others believe it holds protective spirits. Wooden boardwalks and viewing decks let visitors explore the wetlands, which are home to diverse birdlife including egrets, herons, and the rare Storm’s stork, making it a prime site for nature and wildlife photography.
The best time to visit is November–March, when migratory birds are present and the lake is at its most atmospheric. Located about 1.5 hours by car from Bandar Seri Begawan, Merimbun is best explored as a day trip, with basic facilities like shelters and picnic areas available. Travelers come here for its mix of natural beauty and folklore, offering a quieter, more mystical side of Brunei far from the capital.
Labi Longhouses (Belait)
Labi, in Belait District, is one of the few places in Brunei where visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Iban people, known for their communal longhouses. Guests are often welcomed to see how multiple families live under one roof, sharing verandas, kitchens, and rituals. Many longhouses showcase traditional crafts, woodcarving, and weaving, and visitors may be invited to taste local dishes or join in cultural performances. Nearby, the area also features mud volcanoes, bubbling geological formations linked to local legends, and forest trails leading to waterfalls and wildlife habitats.
Tasek Meradun Waterfall
Tasek Meradun Waterfall, tucked in the forest about 30 minutes from Bandar Seri Begawan, is one of Brunei’s easily accessible natural escapes. A short trek through jungle paths leads to a secluded cascade and natural pool, making it a refreshing spot for a dip or picnic. The area remains undeveloped, so visitors often find it quiet compared to the capital’s recreational parks.
Selirong Island Mangrove Forest
Selirong Island, off Brunei Bay, is a protected mangrove forest reserve covering over 2,500 hectares of swamp ecosystem. Accessible only by boat from Bandar Seri Begawan (about 45 minutes), it offers raised boardwalk trails through dense mangrove stands where visitors can spot proboscis monkeys, mudskippers, monitor lizards, and rich birdlife. Interpretive signs explain the importance of mangroves as breeding grounds for fish and natural coastal protection, making it both a wildlife and educational experience.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when monkeys and birds are most active. Tours are usually arranged with boat operators or eco-guides in the capital, as there are no facilities on the island. A half-day trip allows time to walk the boardwalks and enjoy the tranquil setting, making Selirong a rewarding excursion for nature enthusiasts and photographers interested in Brunei’s coastal biodiversity.
Travel Tips
Currency
The official currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is pegged at a one-to-one rate with the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Both currencies are accepted interchangeably throughout the country, making transactions simple for visitors traveling from Singapore. Credit cards are widely used in hotels and shopping centers, but carrying some cash is advisable for local markets and small vendors.
Transport
Brunei’s transportation system is reliable but limited in options. Taxis are few and relatively expensive, so the most practical way to explore is to rent a car. Travelers must carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home license to drive legally. Fortunately, roads are excellent, traffic is light, and driving is generally stress-free.
In the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, water taxis are an essential means of transport for reaching Kampong Ayer, the famous stilt village on the Brunei River. For longer distances, private cars are the most efficient way to explore the sultanate’s districts and attractions.
Language & Etiquette
The official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourism, business, and government. Visitors should dress conservatively, particularly when visiting rural areas, mosques, or during cultural events. Alcohol is not sold in Brunei, but non-Muslim visitors may bring a limited quantity for personal use, in accordance with local regulations. Respecting Islamic customs and traditions is important and will ensure a warm welcome from locals.
Published August 31, 2025 • 9m to read
