Things to Do in Brunei

About Brunei

Brunei bans alcohol nationwide. This small sultanate on Borneo's north coast mixes gold-domed mosques with dense rainforest, and the contrast works better than you'd expect. Traditional kampong houses sit on stilts above the Brunei River, home to around 30,000 people who've kept the floating village lifestyle alive for centuries. The mosques are impressive. The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque dominate the skyline—marble floors, gold domes, and minarets that call to prayer five times daily. You'll hear hornbills and other jungle birds between the calls. Proboscis monkeys live here. Head to the mangroves at sunset and you'll see them swinging through branches, their pot bellies and long noses unmistakable. The rainforest also shelters orangutans, though sightings can't be guaranteed. The royal palaces are lavish. They coexist with simple stilt villages along the same waterways, a setup that shouldn't work but does. Locals are welcoming—Malay hospitality isn't oversold. Markets sell tropical spices and local produce. The architecture reflects in the calm water when conditions are right. Rainforest treks reveal trees hundreds of years old, predating most of the region's colonial history. Islamic traditions shape daily life. That means no bars, no nightclubs, and modest dress codes at religious sites. It also means quiet streets and a slower pace than neighboring countries. Brunei won't suit everyone. But if you want fewer tourists and don't need nightlife, it delivers something rare in Southeast Asia—actual peace and quiet.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a car for maximum flexibility—driving is on the left, roads are excellent, and parking is free everywhere. Water taxis are essential for Kampong Ayer village tours. Book through your hotel for reliable airport transfers.

Money: Bring Singapore dollars alongside Brunei dollars—both currencies are accepted everywhere at 1:1 exchange rate. Credit cards work in malls and hotels, but carry cash for local markets and water taxi rides.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, especially at mosques. Remove shoes before entering homes and religious sites. Avoid public displays of affection and never point with your index finger—use your thumb instead.

Food Safety: Stick to busy local restaurants and hotel dining for safest options. Try ambuyat (national dish) and fresh tropical fruits. Tap water is safe to drink. Alcohol is prohibited—respect local customs completely.

When to Visit

Brunei's tropical climate offers year-round travel opportunities, with temperatures consistently ranging from 24-32°C (75-90°F). The dry season (February-April) provides the most comfortable weather with minimal rainfall (100-150mm monthly), making it peak season with accommodation prices 20-30% higher. March-April offers perfect conditions for rainforest trekking and river cruises. The wet season (May-January) brings heavy afternoon downpours and higher humidity, but also 15-25% lower prices and fewer crowds. September-November sees the heaviest rainfall (250-400mm monthly) but morning hours often remain clear for sightseeing. Key festivals include Chinese New Year (January/February), Hari Raya Puasa marking end of Ramadan (dates vary), National Day (February 23rd), and the Sultan's Birthday (July 15th) featuring spectacular celebrations. Budget travelers should consider May-August for significant savings and authentic local experiences, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Wildlife ensoiasts will find animals most active during early dry season (February-March) when water sources are limited, concentrating wildlife. Photographers should visit during shoulder months (May, September) for dramatic storm clouds and excellent lighting conditions with moderate crowds.