The 18 Unforgettable Things to Do in Brunei: Discover the Hidden Treasures:

Welcome to an extraordinary adventure in Brunei. Prepare to uncover the hidden treasures of this captivating destination as we present to you things to do in Brunei. From majestic mosques to lush rainforests and cultural experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your heart, Brunei offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler.

Here you will find plenty of free and affordable things to do in Brunei. You can stroll through Kampong Ayer, a traditional water village. You can visit the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of the most stunning mosques in Brunei. Or you can go on a jungle hike in Ulu Temburong National Park, where you can see proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other wildlife.

You will undoubtedly find a lot of fun things to do and see in Brunei. So, here are the 18 best things to do in Brunei to make the most of your time and less of your budget. 

The 16 Best Things to Do in Brunei on your first trip.

1. Visit the Water Village (Kampong Ayer)

The first place to visit in Brunei is Water village or locally known as Kampong Ayer.  Kampong Ayer, recognised as “Venice of the East” is situated at Brunei’s center, Bandar Seri Begawan. This renowned traditional village offers a unique experience.

You will be exploring the nearby mangrove forests to catch glimpses of Brunei’s fascinating riverside animals, including monkeys and crocodiles. Here you can take a walk to the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery and explore it. Or you can take a boat ride to the Gallery. To enjoy the vacation to the fullest consider visiting here when you are in Brunei.

How to get Kampong Ayer: The best way to get to Kampong Ayer is by taking a water taxi from Bandar Seri Begawan. Water taxis are available at the jetty near the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex. The ride to Kampong Ayer takes about 5-10 minutes and offers a scenic view of the water village.

2. Explore the Scenic Brunei River

The second on the list of things to do in Brunei is exploring Brunei River. Here, you can join in the river cruise activity. The tours are usually held for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll be enchanted by the lush mangrove forests and know the history of Brunei’s water village.

Along the way, you will explore intriguing museums that will captivate your imagination. And guess what? You can get meals and coffee, tea, or snacks during the tour. This tour promises an unforgettable time, so hop on board for some Brunei River scenarios! 

3. Enjoy with Your Friends at Ulu Temburong National Park

Ulu Temburong National Park is the nation’s first protected park. It is recognized as “Green Jewel“, situated amidst the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve, it boasts a pristine jungle. The Temburong and Belalong Rivers grace the park, adding to its charm. It is best to get a tour package with your friends or family. By doing that, you can enjoy a thrilling day tour with boat rides.

The most famous reason to visit this park is that there are about 400 types of butterflies. You will encounter here a diverse species, including hornbills. Must include this mesmerizing park on your excursion list. 

How to get to there: To get to Ulu Temburong National Park, you will need to take a boat from Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Once you arrive at the park, you can explore the rainforest and enjoy activities such as canopy walks and river cruises.

4. Visit Beautiful Mosques of Brunei

The mosques in Brunei are symbols of the nation’s rich Islamic history. You can visit some of Brunei’s most stunning mosques mentioned here:

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is the utmost renowned mosque in Brunei and is a must-see for any visitor. It is known for its beautiful white domes and minarets, and its reflection in the serene Kampong Ayer Lake. It is a symbol of Islamic belief in Brunei.

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is an architectural marvel influenced by the Ottoman Empire style. It boasts 29 golden domes, an elegant interior with Italian marble, and regal Turkish-inspired minarets. Those 29 domes represent the nation’s 29^th sultan. Don’t miss its stunning evening lighting! If you are interested in Islamic architecture or just want to experience the beauty of Brunei’s Islamic culture, you must visit this mosque.

Ash Shaliheen Mosque, influenced by Moroccan Andalusian style, features superb zellige mosaics and prominent blue domes. Its interior features a folding roof and imports Italian marble. Designed by renowned architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, it’s located near Bandar Seri Begawan’s city center.

The Brunei International Airport Mosque is a small but beautiful mosque located in the Brunei International Airport. The mosque was designed in a conventional Islamic form and features two towers and a big blue dome. It is a popular spot for tourists to visit, as it is the first mosque that you will see upon arrival in Brunei.

The Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque is located in Bandar Seri Begawan. It was named after the royal Prince, Al-Muhtadee Billah. The mosque is a divine example of modern Islamic architecture, with a remarkable gold dome and four slender minarets. The mosque is constructed on the river. The Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque is a beautiful and significant mosque and is a must-see for you while you are visiting Brunei.

Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque, located in Jerudong, mesmerizes with its green-themed architecture, adorned with various shades from ground to dome. The prayer hall’s distinct lime-green ceiling adds to its uniqueness. While less sophisticated, it remains a beautiful and holds significant allure.

You are free to explore all these magnificent mosques in your Brunei trip. While visiting these mosques, you will get to know about the Islamic culture of the country and will see various kind of interior in every mosque.

5. Hiking through the jungle of Selirong Island

The Selirong Island is a great way to explore the unique ecosystem of Brunei. You can start exploring this island with a boat ride through the mangroves, there you will get to see a range of plants and animals. You will have the chance to go on a short hike through the mangroves. The Selirong Island hiking tour is a great way to encounter the natural beauty and culture of Brunei. It is a fun experience that is suitable for all ages.

How to Get to Selirong Island: To get to Selirong Island, you can take a boat from Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and will take you to the island where you can explore the mangrove forest and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

6. Explore Kuala Belait

Kuala Belait, Brunei’s second-largest metropolitan center. Here you can find some delicious food, a lot of shopping malls, and accommodations, providing various budgets. You can explore the Tudung Saji market for local produce and cuisine, visit the Belait Museum for insights into the region’s unique culture, and chill out at Silver Jubilee Park on Belait Beach. Don’t miss a serene longboat water taxi ride along the Belait River, where you might even spot a crocodile!

7. Visit Some Beautiful Parks in Brunei

Tasek Lama Recreational Park, located in Bandar Seri Begawan’s city center, offers an amazing blend of undamaged nature and urban ambiances. A 10-minute walk from the Royal Regalia Museum, the park feels like an isolated woodland, with the highlight presence of Tasek Lama Waterfall.

Kota Batu Archaeological Park, situated in the eastern part of Bandar Seri Begawan, displays the rich historical significance of Brunei’s prior capital. Serving as the foundation of the Bruneian Empire, this site witnessed the establishment of the first mosque and a grand stone fort. Though much has faded with time, you can still access the leftovers of the stone fort’s foundation, engaging yourself in the origins of Brunei’s renowned past.

Jerudong Park proudly claims to be Southeast Asia’s top amusement park. It stands as the region’s largest amusement park, drawing visitors like Malaysian, Indonesian, and the Philippines. The entry is free here, but you will have to purchase tickets for individual rides. The park’s history has legendary performances by icons like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, adding to its charm as a must-visit attraction in Brunei.

Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park surrounds the country’s largest lake and forest, it gives a serene and calm vibe for everyone. As the only ASEAN Heritage Park, it holds historical and natural significance. You can include this historical park on your visit list.

Silver Jubilee Park in Kuala Belait boasts scenic views of the South China Sea and the district’s stunning beaches. You can enjoy the sunrise, sunset here. And there is a play area for children.

You must make a daytrip to all these parks for the best experience in Brunei.

8. Sunset View from Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas

Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas is a big and new park in Brunei filled with lots of flowers, trees, and water. It was opened on October 22, 2017, by the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. It’s next to the beautiful Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the floating village of Kampong Ayer.

It’s a great place where you can enjoy the sunset. This is the main reason people often come here in evening. You will see their tulips, baobab plants, a playground, and a water fountain. It’s also got a walkway that goes along the river, so you can also take a stroll and enjoy the views of the Kampong Ayer water village. You can walk, bike, or boat around the park, or just sit in ease and enjoy the environment.

9. Learn History and Heritage at the Museums of Brunei

Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum is a historical and educational place where you will find a range of royal artifacts. A stroll through the Royal Regalia Museum in Brunei is like stepping into a past era. You’ll find golden chariots, jewel-encrusted robes, and weapons from centuries ago. The museum’s collection of crown jewels, royal gowns, and gifts from chiefs of state and influential administrators is a testament to the Sultanate’s rich history and culture.

One of the museum’s most impressive exhibits is the Golden Chariot, which was used to carry the Sultan during his Silver Jubilee celebration. The chariot is made of pure gold and is decorated with intricate carvings. The Royal Regalia Museum is open from 9am to 5pm. It’s a must-visit during your Brunei vacation.

Malay Technology Museum  

The Malay Technology Museum is a great place to learn about how the Bruneian people used to live in the past. The museum is situated in Kota batu. You’ll see many kinds of tools they used for farming, fishing, and metalworking. There are even some traditional weapons on display.

You will be discovering some galleries, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Brunei technology. It also showcases tools and equipment such as nets, traps, and boats. This museum is recommended for you while your visit in Brunei.

Brunei Museum  

Brunei museum is situated in Kota batu, Bander Seri Begawan. It is nation’s biggest museum. If you visit the Brunei Museum, you can expect to learn about the history and culture of Brunei. You will also see a wide variety of artifacts, including some that are very rare and valuable. Here you can see those valuable arts in front of you, but sad thing is photography is not allowed in museums. The museum is a great place to learn about Brunei’s rich heritage and to see some of the country’s most important cultural treasures.

Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum  

Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum, where you will see the incredible history of Brunei. This museum is situated at Kota Batu. In the museum you will step into the three galleries one by one.

The first one, ‘the Brunei Shipwreck,’ proudly showcases a remarkable selection of artifacts retrieved from a shipwreck site. You will be watching some precious ruins like foreign ceramics from the 15th and 16th centuries there. This gallery stands as the museum’s main attraction and a lasting testament to Brunei’s marine past.

The second gallery, ‘Trading Centre’. Here you will witness the alive history of Kota Batu. At this point, you will see models of foreign ships that once used for trade with Brunei, along with selected local cultural artifacts. The third gallery serves as a flexible space for temporary exhibitions. It shows the Quanzhou Maritime Museum’s fascinating Maritime Silk Road exhibition. If you are very curious about history, you will definitely have fun in this museum.

Belait Museum

Belait Museum is a cultural heritage in Brunei’s picturesque and largest district Belait. Here you will be exploring five interesting galleries. The first showcases the cultural heritage, the second one indicates the progress of Belait district, next gallery features the history of the petroleum Industry, the fourth one showcases the natural heritage, and the last one organizes exciting temporary exhibitions in the museum.

You will get to see all this gallery and know the history of this district here. Isn’t it exciting? You will uncover the unique traditions of the Belait and Tutong people. In this museum, you will be experiencing the rich tapestry of history and nature, reveling Brunei’s past and present.

10. Trekking in Teraja Waterfall

Teraja Waterfall graces Brunei’s Belait District with its pristine beauty. It is found along the Teraja River’s highest point in Mukim Labi. After reaching the river, a captivating trail leads to the mesmerizing waterfall and the breathtaking Teraja Hill’s summit. You can do group trekking here but with safety measures. It ensures a thrilling experience amidst the remote splendor of Teraja Waterfall. This is one of the best things to do in Brunei.

Address: 7CM9+9RJ, Teraja, Brunei

Entrance: 24 Hours

11. Boating in the Belait River

Boarding on a boat ride is a must for every traveler in Brunei. You will get a glimpse into the captivating Iban traditions from neighboring Sarawak, Malaysia. Local tribes use this Belait river for centuries. Remarkably, it is Brunei’s longest river. You can experience some trilling boating adventure here.

There are some special longboats for boating. Longboats provide swift transportation to inland villages due to dense jungles. You can enjoy with your friends here while boating on this beautiful river.

You can take a longboat from Kuala Belait’s jetty. Then explore the mesmerizing riverine scenery by boating and experience a memorable trip here in Brunei. You will surely have a lot of fun during this adventure.

12. Experience the Royalty at Istana Nurul Iman

Istana Nurul Iman, the official home of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. This amazing palace sits on the beautiful banks of the Brunei River, surrounded by green hills. It’s known as the “Palace of the Light of Faith,” combining Malay and Arabic names. This place is massive, holding the title of the world’s largest palace.

Talking about grandeur! Inside, there are rooms fixed for royal shindigs. There is even a fancy throne chamber! Though it is not usually open to the public every day, it welcomes visitors during special celebration like Eid-ul-fitr. This is a lifetime experience which you can not wish to miss.

13. Savour the Food of Brunei

Calling all foodies! If you find yourself in Southeast Asia, you’ve got to try the delicious snack, pulut panggang! It’s a delightful combo of steamed sticky rice and hot sambal filling, all wrapped up in banana leaves and grilled to perfection. Mei Fang Cafe and Puteh Restaurant in Pekan Tutong, Brunei, have become famous for their mouthwatering varieties of this delicacy.

But watch out, they’re so popular that they might sell out before noon! And don’t miss out on Kelupis too – a similar treat but steamed and wrapped in Nyirik leaves. Grab these treats at hawker stalls or night markets and gulp them warm for the ultimate mouthwatering experience!

Nasi Katok – a legendary, tasty treat! This Bruneian delight has become the nation’s favorite fast food, always reasonably priced and easy to find. It is packed with rice, fried chicken, and the flavorful sambal for just BND1!

Ambuyat, Brunei’s national dish, it is served sticky with a sour and spiced dip called cacah. A V-shaped bamboo stick called candas is used to eat the ambuyat. When in central Bandar Seri Begawan, prepare for a street food feast! Food stalls offer delectable satay, grilled fish, and mouthwatering desserts.

For a true food adventure, head to Gadong Night Market, where you can find a unique treat – ayam tungking, satay and many other testy foods! Surprisingly, they’re a big hit! You can also savor delicious foods in Tamu Tutong market.

You can teste Brunei’s delicious tropical fruits at Gadong Night Market. Don’t skip the famous “King of Fruits” – durian, and other favorites like tarap, rambutan, kembayau, bambangan, langsat, and kundong. You should try these unique and nutritious fruits of Brunei while your trip.

14. Visit Teng Yun Temple

In downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, you’ll find the Teng Yun Temple, the ancient Chinese temple in Brunei. People from the Chinese community, about 10% of the population, visit this special place. During Lunar New Year, there are exciting lion dances that you should watch for a lifetime experience.  

It stands out with its red walls and green roof amid tall buildings. Inside, you’ll see beautiful hand-painted tiling with Chinese stories and smell the fragrance of burning prayer sticks. You should not miss this colorful and cultural experience!

15. Billionth Barrel Monument

Billionth Barrel Monument in Seria, Brunei is built in 1991 to celebrate an epic achievement, the production of one billion barrels of oil from the Seria onshore oil field. Honored by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah himself, the monument stands tall with five pipes forming an arch, adorned with a golden coat of arms.

Each pipe symbolizes the Five Pillars of Islam, reflecting the nation’s faith. This site holds a special place in Brunei’s heart. The intricate floor tiles, inspired by Islamic designs, add charm to the monument’s appeal. Designed by a talented local architect, it’s a must-see landmark showcasing Brunei’s achievements in the oil industry. Do not skip this landmark while roaming in Brunei.

16. Stand-Up Paddle Board

If you’re looking for an exciting activity in Brunei, stand-up paddle boarding is the solution. It will be a fantastic experience. Firstly, Head to Ikas Lake, near Bandar Seri Begawan, where SUP Surfari operates. Then you will be starting the exciting paddle boarding tour with your buddies. You will get to relax in nature and have a wonderful time exploring the tranquil waters on this stand-up paddle boarding adventure!

In conclusion, Brunei is a fascinating destination that offers a wonderful mix of cultural richness and natural beauty. From the picturesque Kampong Ayer water village to the majestic mosques and lush Ulu Temburong National Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You will get to know Brunei’s history and heritage at the Royal Regalia Museum and Malay Technology Museum and try the mouthwatering local cuisine.

You can witness the magnificence of Istana Nurul Iman, the world’s biggest palace, and experience the tranquility of Teng Yun Temple. Whether you’re exploring the scenic Brunei River or marveling at the Billionth Barrel Monument, this enchanting country promises a remarkable journey filled with wonder and charisma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)