Brunei travel guide
Apa khabar’! My name is Trisha, and I’ve traveled and have lead group tours to Brunei several times. In this Brunei travel guide, I will share with you everything I know about Japan travel including budget, things to do, cheap flights, affordable accommodations, what to avoid, and more!
Nestled on the northern coast of Borneo, Brunei Darussalam, or simply Brunei, is a hidden gem that offers a unique travel experience for those seeking a blend of rich culture, pristine nature, and unspoiled tranquility. Often overshadowed by its more prominent Southeast Asian neighbors, this tiny, oil-rich sultanate beckons intrepid travelers with its captivating charm and warm hospitality.
Stepping foot in Brunei, you’ll be immediately struck by the stunning architectural wonders of its mosques, adorned with shimmering golden domes and intricate designs that pay homage to the nation’s Islamic heritage. Delve deeper into the cultural tapestry by exploring the opulent Royal Regalia Museum or strolling through the bustling markets of Bandar Seri Begawan, the country’s vibrant capital.
Beyond the urban landscape, Brunei’s verdant rainforests and unspoiled ecosystems offer a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike. Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ulu Temburong National Park, where you can traverse canopy walkways, encounter exotic wildlife, and relish the serenity of the lush Bornean jungle.
Join us as we explore the wonders of Brunei, uncovering its best-kept secrets and revealing the allure of this enchanting destination. Immerse yourself in the fascinating fusion of tradition and modernity that awaits you in this remarkable corner of the world.
🇧🇳 Brunei Travel Guide: quick info
Currency
The currency in Brunei is the Brunei Dollar, abbreviated as BND and symbolized as B$. The Brunei Dollar is further divided into 100 cents. Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 B$, while coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. Interestingly, the Brunei Dollar is interchangeable with the Singapore Dollar at a 1:1 ratio, meaning both currencies can be used in either country. This interchangeability is due to a Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei and Singapore that has been in place since 1967.
Power Plug
In Brunei, the electricity sockets used are of Type G. These sockets are the same as those used in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Singapore. They are designed for three-prong plugs with rectangular pins, and the standard voltage is 240V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you are traveling to Brunei from a country with a different type of plug or voltage, you may need to bring a travel adapter or a voltage converter to ensure compatibility with your electronic devices.
Visa
Whether or not you need a visa to enter Brunei depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European Union member states, are allowed visa-free entry for short stays, typically ranging from 14 to 90 days. However, the exact duration of visa-free stays varies depending on your nationality.
Wifi
In Brunei, internet connectivity and Wi-Fi speeds have improved over the years. In urban areas, such as Bandar Seri Begawan, you can expect reasonably fast Wi-Fi at hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers. However, the internet speeds may not be as fast as those in more developed countries or major cities in other parts of the world.
In rural areas or remote locations, the Wi-Fi coverage and speed can be less reliable and slower. If you require a consistent and fast internet connection during your stay in Brunei, you may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan from one of the local mobile operators, such as DST or Progresif. This will allow you to have access to mobile internet, which can be helpful in areas with limited Wi-Fi availability or slow connections.
Language
The official language of Brunei is Malay, which is spoken by the majority of the population. Malay, or Bahasa Melayu, is a member of the Austronesian language family and is used in government, education, and media throughout the country. Brunei Malay, a distinct dialect, is spoken by locals and may have some differences in vocabulary and pronunciation compared to Standard Malay.
In addition to Malay, several other languages are spoken in Brunei due to the country’s ethnic diversity. These include Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Hakka, and Cantonese, as well as indigenous languages like Iban, Dusun, and Tutong.
English is also widely spoken and understood in Brunei, particularly in urban areas and tourist centers. English is taught as a second language in schools and is often used in business, commerce, and official matters. Most signs and official documents are written in both Malay and English, and many Bruneians are proficient in English, making communication relatively easy for travelers from English-speaking countries.
Safety
Brunei is generally considered a safe country for travelers. The crime rate in Brunei is relatively low, and incidents of violent crime against tourists are rare. The country is politically stable, and the risk of civil unrest or terrorism is minimal compared to many other regions in the world.
However, as with any destination, it is essential to exercise common-sense precautions to ensure your safety during your stay. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, can occur, particularly in crowded or touristy areas. To minimize risk, be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuable items, and keep your belongings secure.
Additionally, Brunei has strict laws and regulations, particularly regarding drug offenses, which carry severe penalties, including the death penalty for trafficking. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to avoid inadvertently violating any rules or regulations.
In terms of health and safety, Brunei has a well-developed healthcare system, and the risk of contracting infectious diseases is relatively low. However, it is always advisable to follow standard precautions, such as staying up-to-date on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and using insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever.
Brunei travel tips for first-timers
Respect local customs and religion: Brunei is an Islamic country, and it is essential to be mindful of local customs and religious practices. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques or religious sites, and refrain from public displays of affection. Be aware of the local prayer times, as some establishments may close temporarily for prayers.
Try local cuisine at night markets: Brunei offers a unique blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese culinary influences. Visit the Gadong Night Market or Tamu Kianggeh for a taste of authentic Bruneian dishes, such as ambuyat, nasi katok, or satay.
Visit Kampong Ayer, the “Venice of the East”: This historic water village in Bandar Seri Begawan is home to stilt houses, mosques, and schools built on the Brunei River. Take a water taxi to explore the village, and don’t forget to visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery to learn about the area’s rich history.
Discover Brunei’s shipwreck diving sites: Brunei has several shipwreck diving sites worth exploring, such as the Cement Wreck and the Australian Wreck. With clear waters and an abundance of marine life, these sites offer fascinating diving experiences for both beginners and experienced divers.
Take note of the alcohol restrictions: Brunei is a dry country, and the sale of alcohol is prohibited. Non-Muslim visitors can bring a limited amount of alcohol for personal consumption, but be sure to declare it at customs upon arrival.
Be prepared for limited public transportation: Public transportation options in Brunei are limited, with infrequent bus services and no trains. Consider renting a car or using taxis and ride-hailing apps like Dart to get around more efficiently.
Visit the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre: Gain insight into Brunei’s oil and gas industry by visiting the interactive Oil and Gas Discovery Centre in Seria. The center features hands-on exhibits, multimedia displays, and educational programs that showcase the science and technology behind the industry that fuels the nation’s economy.
Learn about Brunei’s biodiversity at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre: Located in Ulu Temburong National Park, the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre is dedicated to research and education on Brunei’s diverse ecosystems. Visitors can participate in guided tours and workshops to learn about the flora and fauna of Borneo’s rainforests.
Attend a traditional Bruneian wedding: If you have the opportunity to attend a traditional Bruneian wedding, don’t miss the chance to experience the customs, rituals, and lavish celebrations that accompany these events. Be sure to dress appropriately and follow any etiquette guidelines provided by your hosts.
Explore Brunei’s pristine beaches: While Brunei may not be famous for its beaches, the country boasts several unspoiled stretches of sand that are worth exploring. Visit beaches like Muara Beach, Serasa Beach, or Pantai Meragang for a quiet escape from the bustling city life.
Best time to visit Brunei by month
January in Brunei
Traveling to Brunei in January offers visitors the chance to experience the country during its northeast monsoon season. This period typically lasts from November to March and is characterized by more frequent rainfall than the rest of the year. While this may not seem like the ideal time to visit, there are still some advantages and unique experiences during this month.
The weather in January tends to be warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 31°C (88°F). Despite the increased likelihood of rain, the showers are usually short and heavy, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening, leaving much of the day dry and suitable for outdoor activities. When venturing out, it is essential to be prepared for sudden downpours by carrying an umbrella or raincoat.
One of the benefits of visiting Brunei in January is the potential for fewer tourists, which can lead to a more authentic and less crowded experience at popular attractions. Moreover, the lush vegetation flourishes during the rainy season, making it an excellent time to explore Brunei’s rainforests and national parks, such as Ulu Temburong National Park.
February in Brunei
Traveling to Brunei in February provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the country during the tail-end of the northeast monsoon season. While rainfall remains relatively frequent during this month, the weather gradually begins to improve as the dry season approaches. Despite the occasional rain, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions that Brunei has to offer.
February’s temperatures in Brunei are consistently warm and humid, with average highs of around 30°C (86°F) and lows of approximately 23°C (73°F). While rain showers can still occur, they tend to be short and heavy, typically taking place in the late afternoon or evening. This leaves the majority of the day suitable for outdoor activities, but it’s wise to carry an umbrella or raincoat as a precaution against sudden downpours.
One advantage of visiting Brunei in February is the possibility of encountering fewer tourists, which can lead to a more authentic and less crowded experience at popular attractions. Additionally, the abundant rainfall during this season ensures that the country’s rainforests and national parks, such as Ulu Temburong National Park, remain lush and vibrant.
March in Brunei
March is a great time to visit Brunei – temperatures are mild, with an average of around 25°C (77°F) during the day. March marks the beginning of the dry season, meaning days are generally sunny and pleasant.
When it comes to festivals, visitors may be lucky enough to experience the titah ceremony, in which the Sultan reads out his new commands for the year at the Istana Darul Hana Palace. Aside from this unique experience, there are also two Islamic holidays celebrated in Brunei – Maulidur Rasul and Isra Mi’raj – both of which involve processions and other festivities.
April in Brunei
April is a wonderful time to visit Brunei – temperatures are a pleasant 27°C (81°F) during the day, making it perfect for exploring the outdoors. April also marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, meaning many food stalls and certain establishments close until sunset.
Festivities-wise, the Water Village Festival takes place in April, celebrating the traditional stilt houses and culture that’s so unique to this country. Many other festivities take place throughout Brunei during this time as well, such as fireworks displays on national holidays and religious celebrations like Isra Mi’raj.
May in Brunei
May is a lovely time to visit Brunei – temperatures are a pleasant 29°C (84°F) during the day, making it ideal for exploring the outdoors. May marks the end of Ramadan, so expect plenty of feasting and festivities around this time.
Festivities-wise, visitors can also witness the ceremonial titah ceremony at Istana Darul Hana Palace, in which the Sultan reads out his new commands for the year. In addition to this unique experience, there are also several other religious celebrations held throughout Brunei in May, such as Isra Mi’raj and Nuzul Al-Quran.
Overall, May is an excellent time to visit Brunei – perfect for those looking to take advantage of warm weather and explore all sides of this beautiful country.
June in Brunei
June is an ideal time to visit Brunei – temperatures are comfortably warm at 31°C (88°F) during the day. June also marks the beginning of the annual Sungei Liang Festival, which celebrates Brunei’s traditional boats and seafaring culture with parades, performances, cultural dances and activities.
Other festivities taking place throughout Brunei in June include Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and His Majesty’s Golden Jubilee. The latter event commemorates His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s 50th year on the throne – it involves grand parades, fireworks displays and many other fun activities for visitors to enjoy.
Overall, June is an excellent time to visit Brunei – perfect for those looking to soak up some sunshine while experiencing all of the amazing sights that this wonderful country has to offer.
July in Brunei
July is an ideal time to visit Brunei – temperatures are hot and humid, reaching up to 33°C (91°F) during the day. For visitors looking for some respite from the heat, there are many air-conditioned attractions such as museums, galleries, shopping centres and cinemas.
One of the main festivities taking place in Brunei during July is Hari Raya Aidiladha. This religious holiday celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God and is marked by animal sacrifices, prayers and feasts. There are also several other cultural activities held throughout Brunei during this time of year, such as dragon boat races, Regatta Lepas Labuan Races and various festivals in Temburong district.
Overall, July is an excellent time to visit Brunei – perfect for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while enjoying all that this wonderful country has to offer.
August in Brunei
August is an ideal time to visit Brunei – temperatures are hot and humid, reaching up to 33°C (91°F) during the day. It’s also worth noting that August is the beginning of the monsoon season in Brunei, so visitors should be prepared for rain and thunderstorms.
During this period visitors can experience a plethora of festivities including Ramadan, National Day and Royal Birthday Celebrations. The latter event commemorates His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s 72nd birthday – it involves grand parades, fireworks displays and many other fun activities for visitors to enjoy.
Overall, August is an excellent time to visit Brunei – perfect for those looking to both escape from sweltering heat and get a closer look at this amazing country’s culture.
September in Brunei
September is an ideal time to visit Brunei – temperatures are warm and pleasant, typically ranging between 22°C (72°F) and 34°C (93°F). It’s also worth noting that this month marks the peak of the monsoon season in Brunei, so visitors should be prepared for rain and thunderstorms.
September marks the end of Ramadan and celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a religious holiday which commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Medina. Other cultural events taking place during this time include National Day Celebrations, royal birthdays, and international competitions such as Regatta Lepas Labuan Race.
Overall, September is an excellent time to visit Brunei – perfect for both those looking to enjoy some cooler weather and those wanting to immerse themselves in local culture.
October in Brunei
October is an ideal time to visit Brunei – temperatures are cool and comfortable, usually ranging between 21°C (70°F) and 33°C (91°F). As with the previous months, visitors should be prepared for rain and thunderstorms due to the monsoon season.
October marks several important festivals in Brunei, including Hari Raya Haji, a religious holiday commemorating Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac; Chinese Mooncake Festival; and Deepavali, a festival of lights celebrating knowledge over ignorance. There are also plenty of cultural events taking place during this period such as National Day Celebrations and international sailing competitions.
Overall, October is an excellent time to visit Brunei – perfect for those seeking cooler weather and wishing to explore local culture.
November in Brunei
November is a great time to visit Brunei – temperatures are mild and comfortable, typically ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 32°C (90°F). As with the other months of the monsoon season, visitors should be prepared for rain and thunderstorms.
November marks several important festivals in Brunei, including Chinese Mooncake Festival and Deepavali, a festival of lights celebrating knowledge over ignorance. There are also plenty of cultural events taking place during this period such as National Day Celebrations and international sailing competitions.
Overall, November is an excellent time to visit Brunei – perfect for those seeking mild weather and wishing to explore local culture.
December in Brunei
December is a great time to visit Brunei – the temperature is mild and pleasant, usually around 21°C (70°F) to 30°C (86°F). The monsoon season is still in effect so visitors should be prepared for rain and thunderstorms.
December marks several important festivals in Brunei, including Hari Raya Haji, which commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac; Chinese Mooncake Festival; and Deepavali, a festival of lights celebrating knowledge over ignorance. There are also plenty of cultural events taking place during this period such as National Day Celebrations and international sailing competitions.
Overall, December is an excellent time to visit Brunei – perfect for those seeking mild weather and wishing to explore local culture.
Getting around Brunei
Getting around Brunei can be an interesting experience due to the country’s relatively limited public transportation options. However, there are several ways to explore the nation, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
Public buses: Brunei has a public bus system, primarily concentrated in the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. Buses are an affordable means of transportation, but the routes and schedules can be infrequent and challenging to navigate for visitors. While they can be a[……]