Things to Do in Brunei

About Brunei

Tucked away on the northern coast of Borneo, Brunei stands as Southeast Asia's best-kept secret—a nation where gleaming golden domes rise above pristine rainforests and ancient traditions thrive alongside modern prosperity. This tiny sultanate offers a rare glimpse into a world where Islamic heritage shapes every aspect of life, creating an atmosphere distinctly different from its neighbors. Here, serenity and splendor intertwine in a land that has remained largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving an authenticity that has vanished elsewhere in the region.

Travel Tips

• Alcohol restrictions: Brunei strictly prohibits the sale and public consumption of alcohol, so don't expect to find bars or purchase alcohol locally; non-Muslim visitors can bring in a limited personal supply (declared at customs) for private consumption only.

• Cash is essential: Many establishments in Brunei don't accept credit cards, and ATMs can be scarce outside Bandar Seri Begawan, so carry sufficient Brunei dollars (which are interchangeable 1:1 with Singapore dollars).

• Dress modestly at all times: As an Islamic sultanate, Brunei expects conservative dress—cover shoulders and knees in public spaces, and women should bring a headscarf when visiting mosques like the stunning Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

• Public transport is limited: Buses are infrequent and don't run in the evenings or on Fridays, so arrange for a rental car or use ride-hailing apps, or negotiate fares with purple-colored taxis that don't use meters.

When to Visit

Brunei experiences a tropical equatorial climate with temperatures consistently between 24-32°C year-round, but the optimal visiting window is January through May during the drier season when rainfall drops to 150-250mm monthly compared to the wetter months. The wettest period stretches from September through December when monthly rainfall can exceed 400mm, with November being particularly sodden and prone to flooding that can disrupt transportation and outdoor activities at attractions like Ulu Temburong National Park. February brings the vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations (Brunei has a significant Chinese population) and the Sultan's birthday on February 23rd features spectacular parades, while April-May coincides with Ramadan and Hari Raya celebrations offering unique cultural experiences, though note that many restaurants close during daylight hours in Ramadan and government offices operate reduced hours. The trade-off for visiting during June-August is dealing with high humidity (regularly 80-90%) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms despite this being school holiday season when Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and other attractions see more local visitors, making the drier January-March period ideal for weather-sensitive travelers and those planning rainforest trekking or water village explorations. Budget travelers should note that Brunei's prices remain relatively stable year-round since tourism infrastructure is limited, though accommodation may be slightly cheaper during the November-December wet season when visitor numbers drop by approximately 30%.