Ultimate Travel Guide: Top Things to Do in Brunei

Best 15 Things to Do in Brunei Curated by The Story Mojo

Brunei Darussalam, a small but wealthy nation on the island of Borneo, is often overlooked by travelers in favor of its more famous neighbors, Malaysia and Indonesia. However, this peaceful Islamic sultanate boasts lush rainforests, stunning mosques, rich cultural heritage, and a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or a luxury traveler, Brunei has something to offer.

1. Marvel at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (closed to non-Muslims during prayer times)

This iconic golden-domed mosque is Brunei’s most famous landmark. Built in 1958, it sits on an artificial lagoon and features Italian marble, golden mosaics, and a majestic 52-meter-high minaret. Visitors can admire its stunning architecture and serene surroundings.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for breathtaking reflections on the water.

2. Explore Kampong Ayer – The “Venice of the East”

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
🛶 How to Visit: Take a water taxi from the waterfront

Kampong Ayer is the world’s largest water village, with over 1,300 stilt houses connected by wooden walkways. This historic settlement has existed for over 1,000 years and offers a glimpse into traditional Bruneian life.

Things to Do:
✔ Visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery
✔ Take a boat tour through the waterways
✔ Try local snacks at a floating market

3. Visit the Royal Regalia Museum

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
🕒 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)

This museum showcases Brunei’s royal heritage, including the Sultan’s coronation chariot, gold and jeweled regalia, and gifts from foreign dignitaries. The highlight is the golden throne used during royal ceremonies.

Entry Fee: Free

4. Discover Ulu Temburong National Park

📍 Location: Temburong District (1.5-hour boat ride from BSB)
🌿 Best For: Eco-tourism & adventure

Known as the “Green Jewel of Brunei,” this untouched rainforest is part of the Heart of Borneo conservation area.

Top Experiences:
✔ Canopy Walkway – Climb a 60-meter tower for panoramic jungle views
✔ White-water rafting on the Temburong River
✔ Night jungle trekking to spot rare wildlife

How to Visit: Book a tour through Borneo Guide or Freme Travel Services

5. Relax at Jerudong Park Playground

📍 Location: Jerudong
🎡 Best For: Families & thrill-seekers

Once one of Southeast Asia’s most extravagant amusement parks, Jerudong Park still offers fun rides, a musical fountain show, and a fairytale-like atmosphere.

Must-Try Rides:
✔ Ferris Wheel
✔ Roller Coaster
✔ Dodgem Cars

Entry Fee: Free (Pay per ride)

6. Shop at Gadong Night Market (Pasar Malam Gadong)

📍 Location: Gadong
🍢 Best Time to Visit: 4 PM – 10 PM

This bustling night market is the best place to taste authentic Bruneian street food.

Must-Try Foods:
✔ Ambuyat (Brunei’s national dish, made from sago starch)
✔ Nasi Katok (Simple rice with fried chicken & sambal)
✔ Satay (Grilled meat skewers)

7. Take a Sunset Cruise Along Brunei River

🚤 Departure Point: Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront
🌅 Best Time: 5:30 PM – 7 PM

A river cruise offers stunning views of:
✔ Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque glowing at dusk
✔ Proboscis monkeys in the mangroves
✔ Traditional stilt villages

Tour Operators:

• Sunset Boat Tours
• Borneo Guide

8. Visit Istana Nurul Iman (Sultan’s Palace)

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
🏰 Note: Open only during Hari Raya (Eid)

The world’s largest residential palace has 1,788 rooms and is the official residence of Brunei’s Sultan. While the interior is off-limits most of the year, visitors can admire its grandeur from outside.

Pro Tip: Visit during Eid celebrations when the palace opens to the public for free feasts.

9. Explore the Billionth Barrel Monument

📍 Location: Seria
🛢 Best For: History & oil industry enthusiasts

This monument commemorates Brunei’s billionth barrel of oil production. It’s a unique landmark showcasing the country’s wealth from petroleum.

Nearby Attraction: Seria Oil Field (Brunei’s main oil-producing region)

10. Trek at Bukit Shahbandar Recreational Park

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
🥾 Best For: Hiking & nature lovers

This forest reserve offers well-marked trails, a canopy walk, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the capital.

Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate

11. Visit the Malay Technology Museum

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
🕒 Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed Fridays)

This museum highlights traditional Bruneian crafts, including boat-making, weaving, and metalwork.

Interesting Exhibits:
✔ Traditional water village houses
✔ Handmade brass cannons

12. Experience Brunei’s Islamic Culture at Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
🕌 Best Time to Visit: Evenings (when the mosque is lit up)

Brunei’s largest mosque features 29 golden domes and stunning Islamic architecture.

Dress Code: Modest clothing (robes provided at the entrance)

13. Try Brunei’s Unique Cuisine

🍽 Must-Try Dishes:
✔ Ambuyat (Sticky sago paste eaten with spicy dips)
✔ Ayam Penyet (Smashed fried chicken)
✔ Kueh Melayu (Sweet coconut pancakes)

Best Restaurants:

• Aminah Arif (For authentic Bruneian food)
• The Grill (Fine dining at The Empire Hotel)

14. Stay at The Empire Hotel & Country Club

📍 Location: Jerudong
⭐ Why Stay Here?
✔ Luxury 7-star resort with private beach
✔ World-class golf course
✔ Opulent interiors fit for royalty

Room Rates: Starts from $200/night

15. Visit the Tamu Kianggeh Market

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
🕒 Best Time: Early morning

This local market sells fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional snacks.

What to Buy:
✔ Dried fish
✔ Handwoven baskets

 

Best hotels in Brunei, from 7-star luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays, ensuring you find the perfect accommodation for your trip.

1. The Empire Hotel & Country Club (7-Star Luxury)

📍 Location: Jerudong (20 min from Bandar Seri Begawan)
⭐ Rating: 7-star (Brunei’s most luxurious hotel)
💰 Price Range: $200–$1,500 per night

Why Stay Here?

Owned by the Brunei royal family, The Empire Hotel is one of the most extravagant hotels in Southeast Asia. It features gold-plated fixtures, marble floors, and a private beach.

Key Features:

✔ Luxury Suites & Villas – Some with private pools
✔ World-Class Golf Course – 18-hole championship course
✔ Private Beach & Infinity Pool – Stunning South China Sea views
✔ Fine Dining Restaurants – Including The Grill (steakhouse) and Pantai Restaurant (seafood)
✔ Spa & Wellness Center – Traditional Malay massages

Best For: Luxury travelers, honeymooners, business executives

2. Radisson Hotel Brunei (5-Star Business & Leisure Stay)

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan (City Center)
⭐ Rating: 5-star
💰 Price Range: $120–$300 per night

Why Stay Here?

Located in the heart of the capital, Radisson Hotel offers modern comfort with easy access to major attractions.

Key Features:

✔ Rooftop Pool & Bar – Panoramic city views
✔ Business Facilities – Meeting rooms & conference halls
✔ On-Site Restaurants – Fratini’s (Italian cuisine) & Tasek Brasserie (international buffet)
✔ Walking Distance to Gadong Night Market

Best For: Business travelers, families, city explorers

Book Here

3. The Brunei Hotel (4-Star Heritage Stay)

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan (Near Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque)
⭐ Rating: 4-star
💰 Price Range: $80–$200 per night

Why Stay Here?

A historic hotel blending traditional Bruneian architecture with modern amenities.

Key Features:

✔ Central Location – Steps away from the waterfront & royal mosque
✔ Halal Dining Options – The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf café on-site
✔ Affordable Luxury – Great value for mid-range travelers

Best For: Cultural travelers, budget-conscious luxury seekers

4. Jubilee Hotel (Best Mid-Range Stay)

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
⭐ Rating: 3.5-star
💰 Price Range: $60–$150 per night

Why Stay Here?

A well-maintained, modern hotel with excellent service.

Key Features:

✔ Comfy Rooms – Some with bathtubs & city views
✔ Free Shuttle Service – To major tourist spots
✔ Near Gadong Night Market – Perfect for food lovers

Best For: Backpackers, small families, solo travelers

5. Terrace Hotel (Best Budget Stay)

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
⭐ Rating: 3-star
💰 Price Range: $40–$100 per night

Why Stay Here?

A clean, no-frills hotel with great affordability.

Key Features:

✔ Simple but Comfortable Rooms – Air-conditioned with Wi-Fi
✔ Walking Distance to Tamu Kianggeh Market
✔ Friendly Staff – Helpful with travel tips

Best For: Budget travelers, backpackers

6. Ulu Ulu Resort (Best Eco-Resort in Ulu Temburong)

📍 Location: Ulu Temburong National Park
⭐ Rating: 4-star (Adventure-focused)
💰 Price Range: $150–$300 per night

Why Stay Here?

The only resort inside Brunei’s rainforest, perfect for nature lovers & adventure seekers.

Key Features:

✔ Canopy Walkway Access – Stunning jungle views
✔ Guided Jungle Treks & Waterfall Visits
✔ Rustic Luxury – Open-air lodges with modern comforts

Best For: Eco-tourists, adventure travelers

7. Badi’ah Hotel (Best for Muslim-Friendly Stays)

📍 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
⭐ Rating: 3-star
💰 Price Range: $50–$120 per night

Why Stay Here?

A halal-certified hotel with prayer facilities & Islamic decor.

Key Features:

✔ Prayer Mats & Qibla Direction in Rooms
✔ Near Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
✔ Affordable & Clean

Best For: Muslim travelers, families

Brunei may be small, but it offers a unique blend of Islamic culture, untouched nature, and royal opulence. Whether you’re exploring majestic mosques, cruising through water villages, or trekking in pristine rainforests, Brunei is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia.

Travel Tips for Brunei:

✔ Dress modestly (especially in religious sites)
✔ Respect local customs (No public displays of affection)
✔ Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND)
✔ Best Time to Visit: January – May (Dry season)