Things to Do in Seria

Seria might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Brunei, but this unassuming town in the Belait District has a fascinating story to tell. Built around the oil industry that transformed Brunei into one of the world's wealthiest nations, Seria offers a glimpse into the country's economic backbone while maintaining a surprisingly laid-back, small-town atmosphere. The place has an interesting mix of industrial heritage and natural beauty - you'll find oil derricks standing alongside pristine beaches and mangrove forests. What makes Seria genuinely appealing is its authentic, lived-in feel compared to the more polished capital of Bandar Seri Begawan. The town serves as a gateway to some excellent coastal areas and gives you a sense of how ordinary Bruneians live and work. It's also considerably less touristy, which means you're more likely to have genuine interactions with locals and see a side of Brunei that most visitors miss entirely.

Seria's food scene is refreshingly unpretentious and focused on local flavors rather than tourist expectations. You'll find excellent Malay and Chinese cuisine at local coffee shops and restaurants, with particularly good seafood given the coastal location. The night markets are where the real action happens - try the grilled fish, satay, and various rice dishes. For a more formal dining experience, several restaurants in town serve decent international cuisine alongside local specialties. Prices are generally reasonable, with most meals costing B$5-15 per person at local establishments.

Seria has a tropical climate year-round, so there's no dramatically bad time to visit, though you'll want to work around the monsoon patterns. The drier months from February to April tend to be most pleasant, with less rainfall and slightly lower humidity. That said, even during wetter months, rain often comes in short, intense bursts rather than all-day downpours. The hottest period is typically March to May, while November to January can be quite wet. For outdoor activities like mangrove exploration, aim for the drier months when water levels are more predictable.