Seria, Brunei - Things to Do in Seria

Things to Do in Seria

Seria, Brunei - Complete Travel Guide

Seria is Brunei's oil town, located in the Belait District on the country's western coast. Known as the birthplace of Brunei's petroleum industry, this coastal town offers visitors a unique glimpse into the nation's oil heritage alongside beautiful beaches and traditional Malay culture. The town serves as a gateway to some of Brunei's most pristine natural attractions and provides an authentic local experience away from the capital's bustle. While smaller than Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria maintains its own distinct character with a blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty. The town's proximity to both the South China Sea and lush tropical forests makes it an excellent base for exploring Brunei's diverse landscapes, from oil derricks silhouetted against sunset skies to untouched mangrove ecosystems and traditional fishing villages.

Top Things to Do in Seria

Seria Oil and Gas Discovery Centre

This interactive museum showcases Brunei's petroleum industry history and the science behind oil and gas exploration. Visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, simulators, and displays that explain the country's economic foundation. The centre offers educational insights into how oil transformed Brunei from a small sultanate into a prosperous nation.

Booking Tip: Entry is free and the centre is open Tuesday to Sunday. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds and better interaction with exhibits. Allow 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit.

Kuala Belait Beach and Coastal Areas

The nearby coastline offers beautiful sandy beaches perfect for sunset viewing and leisurely walks. The area features traditional fishing boats, local seafood stalls, and stunning views across the South China Sea. It's an ideal spot for photography and experiencing local coastal life.

Booking Tip: Best visited during late afternoon for spectacular sunsets. No entrance fees required. Bring insect repellent and sun protection. Local food stalls operate from late afternoon onwards.

Billionth Barrel Monument

This iconic monument commemorates the production of Brunei's billionth barrel of oil in 1991. The site offers panoramic views of active oil fields and serves as a symbol of the country's petroleum wealth. The surrounding area provides insight into ongoing oil operations with offshore platforms visible in the distance.

Booking Tip: Free to visit and accessible by car or taxi. Best photographed during golden hour. Combine with visits to nearby oil industry sites for a comprehensive petroleum heritage tour.

Seria Energy Lab and Nodding Donkey Oil Pumps

Witness the famous 'nodding donkey' oil pumps that dot the landscape around Seria, creating a unique industrial scenery. The area showcases active petroleum extraction operations and offers visitors a rare glimpse into a working oil field. These iconic pumps have become symbols of Brunei's oil industry.

Booking Tip: Viewing is free from public roads and designated areas. Best visited during cooler morning or evening hours. Respect safety barriers and no-entry zones around active operations.

Traditional Markets and Local Food Scene

Explore Seria's local markets and food courts to experience authentic Bruneian cuisine and daily life. The town offers excellent local dishes including fresh seafood, traditional Malay curries, and unique Brunei specialties. Markets showcase local produce, handicrafts, and provide opportunities to interact with friendly locals.

Booking Tip: Markets are most active in early morning and late afternoon. Bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards. Try local specialties like ambuyat and fresh grilled fish. Prices are very reasonable.

Getting There

Seria is located approximately 65 kilometers southwest of Bandar Seri Begawan and is easily accessible by car or bus. Regular bus services connect Seria with the capital city, with journey times of about 1.5 hours. The town is also accessible from Miri, Malaysia, making it a convenient stop for those exploring both countries. Taxis and rental cars are available, with the drive offering scenic views of Brunei's countryside and oil installations.

Getting Around

Seria is a compact town that can be explored on foot for central areas, though having a car or using taxis is recommended for visiting outlying attractions like the Billionth Barrel Monument and coastal areas. Local buses connect different parts of town, and bicycle rentals may be available from some accommodations. Taxis are affordable and drivers often speak English, making them a convenient option for tourists. Walking is pleasant in the cooler morning and evening hours.

Where to Stay

Seria Town Center
Kuala Belait Area
Panaga Beach Resort Area
Lumut Area
Kampong Sungai Teraban
Near Oil and Gas Discovery Centre

Food & Dining

Seria's food scene reflects authentic Bruneian flavors with numerous local restaurants, coffee shops, and food courts serving traditional Malay cuisine. Fresh seafood is abundant due to the coastal location, with grilled fish, prawns, and crab being local specialties. The town offers everything from street food stalls to family-run restaurants, with dishes like nasi lemak, mee goreng, and the national dish ambuyat readily available. Many eateries are halal, reflecting the local Muslim culture, and prices are generally very affordable for international visitors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Brunei

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Excapade Japanese Restaurant Kuala Belait

4.5 /5
(471 reviews)

Churchill Lounge

4.9 /5
(395 reviews)
bar night_club

Excapade Japanese Restaurant Rimba Point

4.6 /5
(383 reviews)

Excapade Japanese Restaurant Bunut

4.6 /5
(312 reviews)

Excapade Japanese Restaurant One Riverside

4.6 /5
(289 reviews)

Reka:Bar

4.8 /5
(244 reviews)
bar
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When to Visit

Seria enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with the best visiting conditions typically from February to April and June to August when rainfall is lower. The dry season offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing, though temperatures can be warm and humid. The wet season from September to January brings afternoon showers but also lush green landscapes. Early morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times for outdoor exploration regardless of season, with spectacular sunsets best viewed from November to March.

Insider Tips

Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting residential areas or interacting with locals in this conservative Muslim community
The town essentially shuts down on Fridays during prayer time, so plan activities accordingly and be patient with any delays in services
Combine your visit to Seria with nearby Kuala Belait for a more comprehensive experience of Brunei's Belait District, as they're only 20 minutes apart by car

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