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: Use local buses for B$1 rides—exact change required as they don't give change. Taxis charge B$25-40 from airport to city center; book through hotels for reliability. Rent cars for B$50-70 daily to explore the country, but bring an international license.

Money: The Brunei dollar is pegged 1:1 with Singapore dollar, and both are accepted. Exchange at BIBD or Standard Chartered banks. Budget B$30-50 daily for meals and activities, excluding accommodation.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, especially near mosques. Remove shoes when entering homes and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Avoid public displays of affection as Brunei follows Islamic customs.

Food: Try ambuyat (sago starch dish) at Aminah Arif Restaurant where traditional meals cost B$8-15. Sample satay from night markets for B$0.50-1 per stick. Drink fresh coconut water for B$2-3 rather than tap water.

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.