A tiny, oil-rich sultanate on Borneo’s coast, Brunei dazzles with opulent mosques, untouched rainforests, and a pace of life so serene it feels like a secret.
🔥 Highlight
Where else can you sip tea with proboscis monkeys, marvel at a mosque plated in 24k gold, and kayak through jungle rivers—all in one day? Brunei’s paradox: humble hospitality meets royal extravagance.
🏙️ Cities and Regions Worth Exploring
- Bandar Seri Begawan: The capital, home to the jaw-dropping Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the water village Kampong Ayer (Asia’s “Venice”).
- Temburong: A jungle-clad district for eco-adventures.
🏝️ Nature and Adventure
- Ulu Temburong National Park: Canopy walks, waterfalls, and rare wildlife (think hornbills and pygmy elephants).
- Muara Beach: Brunei’s best sandy escape.
🚶♀️ Exploring Countryside
- Kampong Ayer: Stilt villages where time stands still. Chat with locals or visit the Water Village Cultural Gallery.
🚢 Exploring by Sea / River
- Mangrove boat tours: Spot crocodiles and fireflies at dusk.
🌮 Food and Drink (+ Prices)
- Ambuyat (starchy sago dip, $3–5) – Brunei’s national dish.
- Nasi Katok (rice + fried chicken, $1–2) – The ultimate budget meal.
🛏️ Accommodation Costs
- Budget: Guesthouses ($20–40/night).
- Luxury: The Empire Hotel (from $200/night; yes, it has a gold-tiled lobby).
🎉 Festivals and Culture
- Sultan’s Birthday (July): Parades and free cake!
- Ramadan: Night markets burst with bubur lambuk (spiced porridge).
🚄 Transportation
- Buses are rare; taxis (use Dart app) or rented cars are best.
💴 Currency
Brunei Dollar (BND, pegged to SGD). ATMs widely available.
🌱 Sustainability / Ecotourism
- No deforestation: 70% of Brunei is protected rainforest.
- Eco-lodges in Temburong.
♿ Accessibility
Limited in rural areas; major attractions like mosques are wheelchair-friendly.
📶 Internet & Connectivity
4G coverage is solid. Free Wi-Fi in malls/cafés.
🏥 Health
Tap water is safe. Hospitals are modern (but travel insurance advised).
🛂 Visas & Entry Requirements
Visa-free for 90 days (EU/US/ASEAN). Check updates for other nationalities.
👨👩👧👦 Family / Kids Tips
- Jerudong Park: Free amusement park (weekends only).
- Safe, clean, and kid-friendly.
🌙 Nightlife
Almost nonexistent (alcohol is banned). Try teh tarik (pulled tea) at night markets instead.
🏳️🌈 LGBT+ Friendly
Same-sex relations are illegal. Discretion advised.
🌇 Best Time to Visit
Dry season (Jan–May): Ideal for jungle treks. Avoid Ramadan if dining midday is key.
⚠️ Travel Safety & Tips
- Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees at mosques).
- Tipping isn’t expected—service charges are included.
🧳 Why to Visit?
Brunei is for travelers who crave the unexpected: a place where billion-dollar mosques glow at sunset, proboscis monkeys gossip in the mangroves, and the air smells like rainforest and fried bananas. It’s not a party destination—it’s a whispered invitation to slow down and savor a kingdom where tradition and nature still rule.
