6 Places to Visit in Brunei + Things To Do for First-Timers

You may have already known of Brunei as a small yet wealthy nation.

If not, this easily missed sultanate is known for having the largest oil fields in Southeast Asia one of the world’s highest standards of living.

Laid-back capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, gleams with magnificent mosques that contrast with a massive stilt house water village and lush mangrove forests nearby.

Inspire your trip in Brunei with these must-visit places and things to do for first-time travelers.

1. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

View of Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque & ceremonial stone boat in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Location: Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8711, Brunei. Save on Google Maps.

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque towers over the laid-back city of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital. This lavish mosque is the country’s most famous landmark and among Southeast Asia’s most beautiful places of worship.

How to go:

Located along Jalan McArthur, smack dab in the center Bandar Seri Begawan, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is really easy to spot thanks to its towering golden-topped towers. It is an easy 5 to 15 minute way away from most hotels in the city center.

See also: Places to visit in Malaysia | Where to go in Indonesia.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my Instagram feed. Use Instagram’s save feature for quick access to your travel/feed goals.

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2. Kampung Ayer

Local boat crossing the Brunei River to Kampung Ayer (Water Village) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Save on Google Maps.

Kampung Ayer, which means “water village” in Malay, is one of the largest stilt house settlements in the world. It is located across the river from the city center of Bandar Seri Begawan. Flag a water taxi (ferry) from the waterfront for a quick tour around Kampung Ayer to see local life in the village.

How to go:

Kampung Ayer is located across the river from the city center. You can already see it standing on one of many riverside promenades. A ferry crossing to the other side costs BND 1. From there, you can walk around the stilt-supported pathways and see the village up close.

3. Brunei River & Proboscis Monkey

Boat tour along the Brunei River in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Mosque at the stilt village in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Proboscis monkey spotted along the Brunei River in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Save on Google Maps.

After a quick spin around the water village, venture out of the city center and explore the scenic mangrove-lined Brunei River. The highlight of this trip, if you are lucky, is getting to see Proboscis monkeys in the wild.

How to go:

Either join an organized tour or charter a river taxi from the city center. If you are lucky, you can spot Proboscis Monkeys hanging on the mangrove forest, a couple of kilometers down the Brunei river. River taxi charters usually cost less than BND 20.

4. Brunei Museums

Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

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Bandar Seri Begawan is home to many museums that showcase the colorful history, culture, and grandeur of the monarchy. Popular museums include the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum and Royal Regalia Museum.

Many of Brunei’s museums are located within or a short taxi/bus ride away from Bandar Seri Begawan city center. See the list below for opening times, location & travel tips.

5. Brunei City Center

City Center Riverside in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex with Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Save on Google Maps.

Bandar Seri Begawan’s city center is small, very compact, easily explored on foot. Occupying much of the city is a sprawling shopping mall called Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, which reflects a mix of traditional and modern architectural styles. Head to the waterfront for a nice view of the Brunei River.

How to go:

Start your tour at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, located on Jalan Pretty – Jalan McArthur, near the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. From here it’s an easy walk to the waterfront parks & museums.

6. Kianggeh Market

Kianggeh Market in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Location: Jln Sungai Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8111, Brunei. Save on Google Maps.

This market, especially busy during the early morning hours, is a great way to see and photograph local life in the city. It also has many food stalls that prepare ready-cooked local food.

How to go:

Kg Kianggeh Open Air Market is located along Jln Sungai Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan. From the waterfront, simply take a turn at Jln Sungai Kianggeh and follow the road. The Open Air Market is on the right ride and can be reached by crossing the foot bridges.

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Brunei that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Brunei

Brunei tourist spots, things to do in Brunei, where to go in Brunei & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Book your way to Brunei

How much does it cost to travel to Brunei? Click below to compare flight, ferry & buses fares posted on these booking sites:

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Where to Stay in Brunei

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Brunei Essentials & Top Discounts

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