Affordable Adventures: Exploring Brunei On A Budget

Although Brunei has a reputation for being expensive, it is possible to visit the country on a budget. One of the biggest expenses is the cost of flights. There are no direct flights to Brunei, but you can find good deals by comparing prices and considering a layover in Kuala Lumpur or the Malaysian states of Sabah or Sarawak. Booking in advance will also help to secure the best deals. Once you arrive, there are several options for cheap accommodation, including hostels, Couchsurfing, and housesitting. Getting around Brunei is affordable, with bus rides costing as little as 80 cents per journey and rental cars starting from around $55 a day. Food is also reasonably priced, with meals available for as little as $1 at street food stalls and night markets. There are plenty of free activities to enjoy, including visits to museums, mosques, and parks. With careful planning and a flexible mindset, you can explore Brunei without breaking the bank.

Compare flight options and consider a layover

When searching for cheap flights to Brunei, comparing flight options and considering a layover can be a great way to save money. Here are some tips to help you find the best deals:

• Be flexible with your travel dates: Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week you choose to fly. Consider departing on a Tuesday or Monday, as these days typically offer cheaper flights to Brunei. Avoid Saturdays, as it is usually the most expensive day to fly.
• Book in advance: Keep an eye on flight prices and try to book your trip to Brunei early. The cheapest time to fly to Brunei is in February, so consider planning your trip around this month to find lower fares.
• Compare prices on different websites: Websites like KAYAK, Expedia, Travelocity, momondo, and Cheapflights offer tools to compare flight prices across multiple airlines and dates. Use these sites to search for flights to Brunei and filter your results based on your preferences, such as price, number of stops, and departure/arrival times.
• Consider flights with layovers: Flights with one or two stops are often cheaper than direct flights. Look for flights with layovers or stopovers, as they can help you save money on your trip to Brunei.
• Choose a low-cost airline: Airlines such as Royal Brunei Airlines, AirAsia, and Cebu Pacific often offer cheaper flights to Brunei. Compare prices from different airlines to find the most affordable option for your travel dates.
• Subscribe to price alerts: Websites like Travelocity and momondo offer price alert features. Set up alerts for flights to Brunei, and you'll receive notifications when prices drop or increase, helping you book at the best time.
• Be flexible with your departure airport: If possible, consider flying out of a different airport that may offer cheaper flights to Brunei. Some popular departure airports for flights to Brunei include Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Singapore (SIN), and Melbourne, VIC (MEL).

By following these tips and comparing flight options, you can increase your chances of finding cheap flights to Brunei, even with a layover. Remember to book in advance, be flexible with your travel dates and departure airport, and take advantage of the tools and alerts offered by travel websites.

Reserve accommodation in advance

Accommodation in Brunei can be expensive, so it is important to reserve your accommodation in advance to get the best deals. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you find cheap accommodation in Brunei:

Compare Prices and Use Booking Platforms

• Compare prices online to find the best deals. Websites like Booking.com, Skyscanner, and TripAdvisor allow you to search for accommodation options and compare prices across different providers.
• Use price alerts and flexibility in your travel dates to find the cheapest options.

Consider Different Types of Accommodation

• Brunei offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels and hostels to apartments and homestays. Consider your budget and preferences when choosing the type of accommodation that suits you best.
• Hostels and guesthouses are typically more affordable than hotels. For example, the CoLiving Hostel Bandar offers beds in an 8-bed dorm for $16 per night, while the 22 Hours hostel offers beds for $13 per night.
• If you're looking for a more unique experience, consider staying in a homestay or a traditional accommodation option like the Kunyit 7 Lodge, located in the floating village of Kampong Ayer.

Look for Included Amenities and Services

• When choosing accommodation, consider the amenities and services included in the price. Some hotels offer free shuttle services, breakfast, or access to recreational facilities like pools and gyms. These added perks can help you save money during your stay.
• Free shuttle services, in particular, can be valuable as they eliminate the need for taxi or ride-sharing services, which can be expensive in Brunei.

Location and Transportation

• Consider the location of your accommodation in relation to the places you want to visit. Staying within walking distance of popular attractions or the city centre can help you save on transportation costs.
• Keep in mind that most hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, are located outside the city centre, which can make getting around more challenging and expensive.
• If you choose a hotel located outside the city, ensure they offer a free shuttle service or have access to public transportation.

Book in Advance for Popular Destinations

• If you're visiting Brunei during peak travel seasons or popular holidays, it's essential to book your accommodation well in advance. Prices tend to increase as demand rises, so securing your reservation early can help you avoid paying higher rates.
• Additionally, some accommodations may offer early bird discounts or special promotions for advance bookings, so keep an eye out for those deals.

By following these tips and planning your accommodation in advance, you can find cheap and comfortable options for your stay in Brunei. Remember to read reviews, compare prices, and consider the location and amenities that best suit your needs and budget.

Take the bus

Taking the bus to Brunei

Within Brunei

Brunei's bus network is the cheapest way to get around the country. The country is small, so everything can be easily accessed. The bus routes cover the key places to visit and go all around the district, connecting the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, to rural areas. The main bus terminal is located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, with many buses arriving and departing. You can find all the information on bus routes and numbers displayed on the colourful signs in the terminal.

There are also numerous bus stands set up all over the country, with a rate of BND1.00 per trip for an adult and BND0.50 for a child or senior citizen.

The bus is not the best option if you're in a hurry, but it's a great way to take your time and travel around on a budget.

International buses to Brunei

There are also international bus services to Brunei from neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

From Sarawak, Malaysia, there are daily buses between Bandar Seri Begawan and Miri, operated by PHLS Express. The journey takes around four hours and costs B$18 one way.

There are also buses between Pontianak, Indonesia, and Kuching, Malaysia, and between Kuching and Bandar Seri Begawan.

Getting to the airport

To get to Brunei International Airport from Bandar Seri Begawan, you can take bus services 23, 24, 34, 36, 38 and Express. These buses cost a flat rate of B$1 and run from around 6 am to 6 pm. The journey takes around 20-45 minutes.

Getting to Brunei by air

Most people travelling to Brunei fly to Bandar Seri Begawan, the country's capital and main city. The national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines, offers direct flights to the city. You can also fly to Kuala Lumpur and then take Air Asia to Bandar Seri Begawan.

There are also flights to Bandar Seri Begawan from Bangkok, Singapore, Manila, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo and several other Asian cities.

Getting around Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is served by a small network of public buses, which reach the main roads of the Brunei-Muara district.

Useful tips

• It can be challenging to find exact schedules online, so it's recommended to visit the bus terminal the day before you want to travel to ask about departure times and fares.
• Most Bruneians understand some English, but if not, you can ask "jam berapa bas ke X esok?" which means "what time is the bus to X tomorrow?" where X is your destination.
• Buses in Brunei are cheap but infrequent and often unreliable, so it's important to plan ahead.
• The Brunei December Festival is a great time to visit the country, but it's important to note that this is the high season for tourism, so prices for plane tickets may be higher.

Dine in local establishments

Brunei has a reputation for being expensive for travellers, but there are plenty of affordable dining options to be found, particularly in the local establishments. Here are some recommendations for dining in local eateries:

Gadong Night Market

The Gadong Night Market is a must-visit destination for food lovers. With stalls selling an array of street food, beverages, and produce, it offers a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. You can indulge in local delicacies like satays and fried snacks, as well as sample an array of fruits, including the notorious durian. Most food items start at just $1, making it a budget-friendly option.

Seri Damai Restaurant & Catering

This restaurant offers a diverse menu of Pakistani cuisine, featuring rich spices and flavours. Their standout dishes include the Seri Damai Special, a combination of boneless chicken, prawns, and vegetables, and the Saat Raang, a briyani rice dish with chicken tikka. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.

Little Audrey's Café

Little Audrey's Café provides a charming atmosphere adorned with photos of Audrey Hepburn. The menu offers a diverse selection, from breakfast items to salads, main courses, and desserts. Visitors praise the warm and cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and delectable food. It's a great spot for a romantic date or casual meetups with friends.

Thien Thien Restaurant Kiulap

Thien Thien Restaurant is a cozy eatery known for its aromatic chicken rice and tender chicken. Their yellow noodles with shredded chicken and beef tripe, paired with Hainanese chili, are highly recommended. The setting exudes an old-school charm, and the food is served promptly.

Aminah Arif Restaurant

Aminah Arif Restaurant is a popular spot among locals, often bustling during lunchtime. They offer a range of local dishes, including ambuyat, a traditional Bruneian dish made from sago palm, and ayam penyet. The ambuyat is best paired with tempoyak, a type of sauce. The restaurant provides a unique dining experience, and the food is delicious and affordable.

Chop Jing Chew

Chop Jing Chew is a well-known coffee shop that has been a household name since the early '70s. Open daily from 5:30 am to 7 pm, it's famous for its tea time treats and freshly baked goods. Their roti kacang kahwin with teh tarik is a favourite among locals. The café has a traditional atmosphere, and the service is quick.

I-Lotus Restaurant

I-Lotus Restaurant offers upscale Chinese cuisine with a touch of Thai influence. It's a popular spot for Chinese expats and visitors, known for its Halal dishes. The Curry Prawns in Coconut Shell are highly recommended, and the restaurant provides a quiet, elegant ambiance.

My Town Eating House

My Town Eating House offers a diverse menu featuring various international cuisines, including Filipino, Malaysian, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Indonesian dishes. The Ayam Penyet is recommended for its super crispy chicken. The ordering system is simple: write down your order at your table and pay at the counter. The food is generally tasty, and it's usually easy to find a seat.

Nurwanita Thai Restaurant

Nurwanita Thai Restaurant is a hotspot for lovers of spicy food. They offer a range of northern Thai cuisine and Chiang Mai favourites. The Panang Chicken Curry and mango sticky rice pudding are highly recommended. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, providing an elevated dining experience.

Old Time Kopitiam

Old Time Kopitiam is a popular eatery among locals, known for its delectable noodle dishes. The extensive menu boasts a wide array of options, including local, Malaysian, and Chinese cuisine. The portions are generous, and the Filipino staff is amiable. It's a great spot for a traditional Asian dining experience.

Le Keris Resturant & Cafe

Le Keris Resturant & Cafe combines modern cooking techniques with traditional Brunei dishes, creating delicious fusion cuisine. The skilled chefs gained popularity at Empire for their molecular gastronomy creations. The restaurant offers a limited but satisfying menu, and the service is commendable. It's a great spot to try innovative takes on local dishes.

Vanda Chinese Restaurant

Vanda Chinese Restaurant offers a diverse dim sum menu, best enjoyed on Sunday mornings. Ordering is done by jotting down choices on paper, and the food is brought out in batches. However, some items, like egg tarts, may run out by the third batch. It's a good option for a leisurely dim sum brunch.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. This classic pizzeria offers a unique pizza flavour exclusively available in Brunei, which has garnered high praise for its taste. The small dining space provides an intimate setting, and you can witness the pizza-

Visit free attractions

Brunei has a reputation for being expensive for travellers, but there are plenty of free activities and attractions to enjoy. Here are some ideas for free things to see and do during your visit:

• Visit the Royal Regalia Museum: This museum offers a well-kept and well-documented look at the life and successes of the Bruneian Sultan. It features an impressive recreation of the coronation of His Majesty The Sultan, including the gilded carriage used in the ceremony.
• Explore the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: This magnificent mosque is one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia. Set amid its own lagoon, the mosque seems to float, surrounded by lush greenery and floral gardens. Its glittering dome, covered in real gold, soars above the skyline.
• Discover the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: This ornately decorated mosque, built in 1994, is surrounded by landscaped gardens and fountains. It is a fine example of Islamic architecture with a devotion to detail.
• Walk through Kampong Ayer: Known as the "Venice of the East," Kampong Ayer is the world's largest water village. Built on stilts above the Brunei River, it is home to over 30,000 people and a variety of structures, including homes, mosques, restaurants, shops, and even a hospital.
• Admire the Istana Nurul Iman: With 1,788 rooms, a 1,500-person capacity mosque, and sweeping rooflines, the Sultan of Brunei's lavish royal palace offers an awe-inspiring view, even from a distance. While the palace is only accessible to those on official business, it is open to the public for three days a year during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri religious festival.
• Enjoy the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront: This new public space was created to uplift the nightlife in Brunei's capital. Spanning 1.8 hectares, it offers a vibrant atmosphere and stunning views.
• Learn at the Malay Technology Museum: Located on the Kota Batu Road in Bandar Seri Bengawan, this museum focuses on the traditional use of technology in Brunei. It is a great place to learn about the country's technological and cultural development.
• Stroll through Tasek Lama Recreational Park: This beautifully constructed park features a natural waterfall, a lake, jungle trails, picnic spots, and an observation tower. It is a peaceful place to spend a few hours and is also the source of the city's drinking water.

Frequently asked questions