Traveling In Brunei: A Unique Local Experience

Brunei is a small but wealthy country located in Southeast Asia, with a population of just under half a million. It is officially an Islamic state with hundreds of large, beautiful mosques across the country. The sale of alcohol is banned, and the country has a good education and hygiene system.

The country's economy is centred around oil and gas, and the Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest people in the world, with an estimated personal wealth of around 40 billion dollars. The government provides for all medical services, housing, education and subsidises daily needs like rice.

Brunei has four districts: Brunei and Muara, Tutong, Belait, and Temburong. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is located in the Brunei and Muara district.

In terms of transport, Brunei has a good road system, and road safety is generally good throughout the country. Buses are infrequent, but taxis are available at hotels, shopping centres and the airport. Water taxis are also a common form of transport to and from Kampong Ayer, with fares that are open to negotiation.

Overall, Brunei is a safe country for travellers, with violent crime being rare. However, it is important to note that the country has strict laws and penalties, including the death penalty, for certain offences such as drug trafficking and homosexual acts.

Travel by car

Brunei has a good road network, and driving is a common way to get around the country. Traffic moves on the left side of the road, and the minimum driving age is 18. Foreign visitors with a driving licence from their home country or an International Driving Permit can drive in Brunei for up to three months. After that, they will need to obtain a Brunei driver's licence, which may require passing an oral test.

When driving in Brunei, it is important to always carry your identification (driver's licence, IDP, and passport), vehicle registration documents, and insurance policy. Some road signs are in Malay script, so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the signs before driving.

The speed limits in Brunei are 80 km/h on highways, 60 km/h in built-up areas, and 15 mph in school zones. It is worth noting that driving standards may be more relaxed compared to other developed nations, and speeding and non-use of seatbelts are common.

There are two options for getting a car in Brunei: renting or buying. Renting a car can be expensive, costing around $400 per month for a basic vehicle. It is necessary to have an Identity Card (IC) to buy a car, which may take some time to obtain for foreigners. The process of buying a car involves exchanging ownership papers with the previous owner, transferring insurance, and completing the necessary paperwork at the Land Transport Office.

For those looking to explore Brunei by car, there are several districts and towns worth visiting. These include the capital Bandar Seri Begawan, with its famous mosques and museums; Kuala Belait, known as the oil capital of Brunei; and Tutong, which offers beautiful nature spots such as Tasek Merimbun lake.

Travel by bus

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is home to the country's main bus terminal. Buses are the most budget-friendly way to get around the country, with adult tickets costing BND1.00 per trip and child or senior citizen tickets costing BND0.50. The bus routes cover the key places to visit, connecting the capital to the rural areas.

There are six bus lines, each with their own distinct colour: the Eastern Line (royal blue) and the Northern Line (green) pass through the international airport. The Franchise Bus service runs from 6 am to 8 pm.

While buses are a cheap way to travel, they are not the best option if you are in a hurry. The bus service is also not very reliable, with passengers sometimes having to wait 30 to 45 minutes for a bus.

The TransportBN app provides information on bus routes and times.

Travel by taxi

There are a few things to know about travelling by taxi in Brunei. Firstly, it's worth noting that there are only around 40 taxis in the whole country, so it's a good idea to book in advance. You can do this by calling one of the taxi services in the capital – the numbers are +673 222 2214 or +673 222 6853.

Another option is to use a local transport app such as Dart, which is similar to Grab or Uber. This can be competitively priced and offers the convenience of booking a ride through the app.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you can find them at most hotels and shopping centres, and there are usually some waiting at the airport. It's worth noting that taxis in Brunei are not metered, so it's a good idea to arrange the fare before your trip. The base price is BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, and there are additional charges for things like baggage and the number of passengers.

A taxi from the airport to the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan will cost around BND$25, and the journey takes around 15 minutes. There is also a surcharge of BND$3 for trips to and from the airport, and an additional fee of BND$8 for travelling between the airport and the city centre.

If you're travelling between districts, there is an additional charge of BND$8.

Travel by water taxi

Water taxis are a common mode of transport in Brunei, especially in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the Kampong Ayer, or 'water village'. With 290km of navigable waterways in the country and 273 boats in operation, water taxis are a popular way to get around.

Water taxis are a type of speedboat, and they are used to transport people along the main attractions in the capital. A ride on a water taxi usually costs between BND2-5, but this price can be negotiated. It is recommended to have a local person help with bargaining.

Water taxis can be hailed at jetties along the Brunei River, and they are a great way to explore the famous Kampong Ayer, which is a series of floating villages where 3% of Bruneians live. The Kampong Ayer is over 1,000 years old and is home to around 13,000 people. Within the villages, there are 13 schools, an art gallery, a mosque, post offices, petrol stations, and even a prison.

Water taxis also provide regular services to the Temburong district, operating from 7:45 am to 4:00 pm daily.

Water taxis are a well-established and safe mode of transport in Brunei, with a record of limited accidents. However, there have been some complaints of inconsistency and a low number of water taxis available. Reforms are being implemented to address these issues, with plans to increase the number of water taxis and improve boat designs and safety.

So, if you're looking for a unique and scenic way to get around Brunei, consider travelling by water taxi!

Travel by plane

Bandar Seri Begawan is home to Brunei's sole airport of significance, Brunei International Airport (BWN). The airport is small but clean and functional. It serves as the hub of the national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines, which offers reasonably-priced flights.

There are daily flights to London, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Kota Kinabalu, as well as frequent flights to other destinations in Asia, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Melbourne, and Shanghai.

Other airlines that fly to Brunei include Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and AirAsia. Singapore Airlines flies to Brunei five times a week from Singapore, while Malaysia Airlines offers flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. AirAsia, a discount carrier, flies from Kuala Lumpur to Brunei, with fares as low as $35 one-way.

When departing by plane from Brunei, passengers are required to pay a departure tax, which is typically included in the price of the airline ticket. The tax is B$5 for flights to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, and B$12 for other international destinations.

It is important to note that Brunei has strict laws regarding the importation of certain items. For example, bringing in meat that has not been certified as "halal" is banned. Additionally, the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in the country, and there are restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be brought in by non-Muslim visitors.

Frequently asked questions