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Brunei

Brunei

The Oil Heart of Borneo

Brunei is striking above all for its opulence and wealth. Here, mosques, waterfronts, and the water village in the capital coexist seamlessly with the pristine jungles of Borneo. The country is small, so even a short trip to Brunei is packed with experiences.

The region is known for its strict Sharia laws, but at the same time, it is very safe for tourists, and cheap gasoline makes travel more affordable.

FURTHER

Acquaintance with the country

Guide to Brunei

Basic Information

Brunei is located on the island of Borneo and consists of two parts separated by Malaysian territory. The country has access to the South China Sea, and its cities feature modern infrastructure and well-maintained roads. The climate is equatorial—it is hot year-round, with distinct dry and wet seasons.

The country adheres to strict Islamic norms. Dress and behavior are closely monitored, and alcohol is strictly prohibited. The economy is almost entirely dependent on oil and gas exports, making Brunei one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

Photos of Brunei

Capital

Bandar Seri Begawan

Language

Malay

Currency

Brunei dollar

Time zone

GMT +8

Population

466 000

Territory

5,765 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Ambuyat — a starchy dish made from sago, served with sauces and side dishes.

Nasi Katok — rice with fried chicken and spicy sambal sauce, a popular street food classic.

Satay — meat skewers with peanut sauce are often served with rice or vegetables.

Laksa — a spicy noodle soup with coconut milk and seafood or chicken.

Rendang — meat slowly simmered in a spicy sauce made with coconut milk.

Things to do in to Brunei

Take a boat ride through the mangrove forests.
See the proboscis monkeys, which are found only on Borneo.
Explore the Gadong Night Market and sample the local street food.
Visit the Museum of the Royal Regalia to see gifts presented to the sultan from all over the world.
Set out on a river safari early in the morning, when the jungle is just waking up.
Spend a day on the quiet beaches of the South China Sea, where there are hardly any tourists.

Tips

Many places close for Friday prayers, and during Ramadan, cafes and museums have different hours, so if you’re planning a trip to Brunei on your own, be sure to check the current schedule in advance. When taking photos of people, especially women, it’s best to ask for permission, and avoid taking close-up shots of people praying.

Dress modestly in Brunei. In mosques and government buildings, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering. During the rainy season, a lightweight raincoat and shoes with sturdy soles will come in handy, and for the jungle, wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.

When traveling to Brunei, please respect local customs. Alcohol is not consumed in public places, and even if you are allowed to bring it in, keep it out of sight. Smoking is often prohibited indoors and near entrances, and violations may result in fines.

Sights

Tours to Brunei are, above all, an opportunity to experience the country’s culture and nature. In just a single day, you can switch between the city and the jungle several times. The country is small, so there are no logistical issues, and you can plan a packed itinerary. But if you’re planning trips to Temburong, book your transportation in advance, because everything there depends on the schedule and the weather.

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

This landmark of the capital is built of white marble and features golden domes. The mosque is open to tourists outside of prayer times. For some beautiful photos, take a stroll along the waterfront at sunset.

Kampong Ayer

A historic water village built on stilts, where houses, schools, and mosques stand above the river, and wooden walkways and boat routes serve as streets. We recommend taking a water taxi ride.

Istana Nurul Iman

The world's largest functioning sultan's palace and government residence. It has 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and a banquet hall that can accommodate 5,000 guests, and cost approximately $1.5 billion to build.

Tours to Brunei

Brunei is the destination of choice for those seeking a peaceful, exotic getaway free from the hustle and bustle, with straightforward logistics. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is compact—it’s convenient to stay at a single hotel and take short guided tours, combining visits to mosques, museums, and waterfronts. In the evening, the city is perfect for leisurely strolls and dinners, and at the night markets, you can sample local dishes and fruits without the sweltering heat.

Another key highlight of trips to Brunei is nature. A great option is a one- or two-day tour to Ulu Temburong. It features the jungle, a suspension bridge, and a canopy walkway, river swimming, and hiking trails. It’s more convenient to book a package through a licensed operator—they include a boat, transfers, permits, and a guide, and all you have to do is choose the difficulty of the route and the level of activity. These excursions significantly affect the cost of a trip to Brunei, but it’s definitely worth it!

The cuisine in Brunei is diverse and moderately exotic. There’s plenty of rice, noodles, chicken, and seafood, often served with local sauces and aromatic spices, while sweets are mainly made with coconuts and palm sugar. The country is very safe, so you can plan your trips and walks with peace of mind. The key is to follow the rules and embrace the local pace, and then Brunei reveals itself as a quiet, well-kept country where you can experience both its architecture and natural wonders in a short time.

Where to go to Brunei?

The best way to start your trip to Brunei is in Bandar Seri Begawan. Take a stroll along the waterfront and visit the museums. Then, take a speedboat to Bangar and Ulu Temburong National Park, where a walk along the suspension bridges will leave you with unforgettable memories.

If you’re looking for more water-based activities, you can add mangrove walks or a trip to the coastal areas with beaches, though a beach vacation here is more of a bonus than the main attraction.

When to go to Brunei

Brunei is warm year-round, so the issue isn’t usually the temperature, but rather how often it rains and how well you tolerate the humidity. The most comfortable times for active outings are periods with more stable weather, when showers are shorter and it’s easier to plan a trip to Temburong.

There is almost no high season here in the traditional beach sense, but there are peaks in demand during holidays and school breaks in the region. During these times, the cost of a trip to Brunei may be higher.

Brunei in the spring

In the spring, during March and April, the weather becomes a bit drier. Temperatures hover around 30°C, and rainfall drops to 150–200 mm. Humidity remains high, but it’s much more bearable. This is a better time for hiking in the national parks and exploring Bandar Seri Begawan.

Brunei in the summer

Summers in Brunei are relatively stable. Temperatures and humidity remain within the same range. The water is very warm—around 29°C—so you can definitely plan a day at the beach. It’s a good season for river cruises and trips to the rainforests, despite occasional brief showers.

Brunei in the fall

In the fall, the northeast monsoon intensifies in Brunei. This is the wettest season, with rainfall reaching 300 mm per month. There are often prolonged periods of rain, which makes planning trips and excursions very difficult. If you do plan to go out, be sure to allow for weather-related delays.

Brunei in winter

Winters in Brunei are hot and humid. From December through February, temperatures range from 27°C to 31°C, and rainfall reaches 250–300 mm. The water temperature in the South China Sea is around 28°C. Showers are frequent but brief, so travel is possible, though you should take the weather into account.

Usefulness

Here is a brief collection of useful tips to help make your trip to Brunei unforgettable and free of unpleasant surprises.

Visa to Brunei

Citizens of the United States and Schengen Area countries do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days. Upon arrival, you may be asked to present your itinerary and return ticket.

Customs & Tax Free

The rules for bringing in personal belongings are standard, but alcohol and tobacco are subject to strict regulations, so be sure to transport them in accordance with the rules and declare them if required. Duties and excise taxes apply to certain goods. There is no tax-free shopping for tourists.

Travel by car

Roads in Brunei are generally in good condition, with clear lane markings and left-hand traffic; speed limits and seat belt use are strictly enforced. A compact car is usually sufficient for the capital and its suburbs, but a taller vehicle is more comfortable in the rain. Approximate cost: starting at 70 BND per day.

Phrasebook for tourists

In tourist areas, the service industry, and business settings, English is often understood, so it’s usually sufficient. However, for markets, taxis, and interactions outside the city center, it’s helpful to learn some basic phrases in Malay.

Public transport and prices

Public transportation is available, but it isn’t always convenient for tourists because schedules and routes are subject to change. In the capital, taxis are usually the best option, while water taxis operate on the river to Kampong Ayer. For trips to Temburong, travelers typically book an organized transfer or take a scheduled boat and minivan.

Events

Tourists should take note of the holidays in the capital and the cultural programs at museums. During religious holidays, the city takes on a different atmosphere, and the evening markets become particularly lively. If you’re visiting during Ramadan, be sure to check in advance the operating hours of establishments and the rules for visiting public places.

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