Exploring Travel Options To Reach The Serene Brunei

Getting to Brunei is possible by air, sea, or land transport. The main airport is Brunei International Airport, which is served by the national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines. From London, flights take around 16 hours 30 minutes, and from New York, around 25 hours. The country is accessible by car from the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah via the Pan Borneo Highway. The main port is Muara, which has ferry services to Malaysia. Buses are also available to and from Brunei, with services handled by Jesselton Express and PHLS.

By air: Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) is the national carrier of Brunei. It is headquartered in the RB Campus in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, and is wholly owned by the Government of Brunei. Its hub is Brunei International Airport in Berakas, just north of the capital.

RB was formed in 1974 with an initial fleet of two Boeing 737-200 aircraft, serving Singapore, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching. The airline has since expanded its fleet and now operates over 30 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Oceania.

Passengers can choose from a range of cabin classes, including Business Class, Economy Class, First Class, and Sky Executive Class (formerly Business Class). RB's Sky Lounge at Brunei International Airport offers a relaxing and comfortable space for passengers to unwind before their journey.

When booking with RB, passengers can take advantage of the airline's online check-in and advance seat selection options. The airline also offers Royal Skies, a loyalty programme where members can earn miles on eligible flights and redeem them for free flights or seat upgrades.

In recent years, RB has undergone restructuring and stabilisation plans to improve its operations, financial performance, and customer service experience. The airline has leased additional aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 787, to strengthen its regional network and international routes.

Reviews of RB on Tripadvisor are generally positive, with travellers praising the comfortable seats, friendly staff, and tasty food. Some travellers also highlight the good value for money offered by the airline, especially when compared to other carriers.

When planning your trip to Brunei with RB, be sure to check the latest travel advisories and requirements for your destination, as well as any relevant COVID-19 guidelines.

By road: Drive from Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah via the Pan Borneo Highway

Driving is a convenient way to reach Brunei from the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah via the Pan-Borneo Highway. The highway, which is 168 kilometres (104 miles) in Brunei and 2,083 kilometres (1,294 miles) in Malaysia, connects the two countries. The Malaysian section of the highway is divided into Federal Route 1 in Sarawak and Federal Routes 1, 22, and 13 in Sabah.

The driving distance from Sarawak to Brunei is 98 miles, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes. The route from Sarawak to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is a straightforward one. The cost of driving from Sarawak to Brunei is estimated to be between $6 and $10.

For those travelling from Sabah, the distance to Bandar Seri Begawan is 161 miles, and the drive takes about 3 hours and 41 minutes. The cost of this route is estimated to be between $10 and $16.

The Pan-Borneo Highway was constructed to address the lack of intercity highway networks on Borneo Island. The highway offers a convenient way to travel between the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah and the country of Brunei.

By rail: Trains are available

Travelling to Brunei by Rail

The Trans-Borneo Railway

The Trans-Borneo Railway is a proposed railway that would traverse the island of Borneo through Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, and the Trans-Borneo Railway would be the first high-speed rail network on the island. The railway would connect major cities in Borneo, with lines also reaching into the interior to be used primarily for mining, with passenger trains sharing the line.

The Two-Phase Construction Plan

The Trans-Borneo Railway project is to be implemented in two phases involving routes spanning 1,620 kilometres. The first phase will connect cities from West to East Kalimantan, beginning in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, and ending in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The route will include cities like Kota Kinabalu, Kimanis/Papar, Beaufort, Sipitang, Lawas, Bangar, Limbang, Bukit Panggal, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Sri Aman, Kuching, Sambas Singkawang, Mempawah, and Pontianak. The second phase will involve North and East Kalimantan, connecting the main route with Samarinda and the new capital of Indonesia, Nusantara. The route includes Long Seridan, Ba Kelalan, Long Bawan, Malinau, Tanjung Selor, Tanjung Redeb, Pengadan, Lubuk Tutung, Bontang, Samarinda, and Balikpapan.

The Four Terminals and 24 Stations

The Trans-Borneo Railway will have four terminals serving as the main hubs for mass transportation, along with 24 stations stretching throughout the island. Both routes will converge in the Tutong district in Brunei, to serve as the central hub for the railway. The average distance between stations will be 150km, and the speed of the train will be between 300 and 350 kilometres per hour, with an estimated average travel time between stations of only 30 minutes.

The Future of Rail in Brunei

While rail travel is not a common mode of transportation in Brunei, and the country currently has a limited rail network primarily used for industrial purposes, the Trans-Borneo Railway project could change that. If completed, the project would make it possible to travel to Brunei by train from other parts of Borneo.

By sea: Take a ferry from the Malaysian island of Labuan

If you're travelling from the Malaysian island of Labuan to Brunei by sea, here's what you need to know:

Ferry Operators

There are three ferry operators connecting Labuan to Brunei: Labuan Point Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Galaxy Ferry, and PKL Jaya Sdn Bhd. You can book your tickets online or at the ticket counters at the respective ferry terminals.

Ferry Terminals

The ferry from Labuan to Brunei departs from the Labuan International Ferry Terminal, which is conveniently located within the city centre. At the terminal, you'll find duty-free shops, public washrooms, restaurants, ticketing counters, souvenir shops, and free parking lots.

The ferry will arrive at the Serasa Ferry Terminal in Muara, Brunei. This terminal is just outside the town of Muara, about 30 kilometres away from the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Schedule and Duration

The ferry schedule varies, but there are usually one or two departures from Labuan around 9:30 am and 3:00 pm, with an additional departure at 12:00 pm on some days. The journey to Brunei takes approximately two hours.

Please note that the schedule may change, so it's advisable to check the latest information on the ferry operators' websites or Facebook pages before your trip.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for adults range from BND$20 to RM63, while children between 3 and 12 years old pay half the adult fare.

Transportation to and from the Ferry Terminals

To get to the Labuan International Ferry Terminal, you can take a five-minute bus ride from the Labuan Central Bus Station inside the UTC Central Market.

Upon arriving at the Serasa Ferry Terminal in Muara, Brunei, you have several options to reach Bandar Seri Begawan. You can take a taxi, which costs around B$20, or opt for the local bus for B$1. Bus number 39 is the express bus that departs once an hour and takes about an hour to reach the capital. Alternatively, buses 33 and 38 also go to the ferry terminal, but sometimes you may need to connect in Muara town.

Additional Tips

• The Brunei dollar is fixed at the same rate as the Singapore dollar, and both currencies are accepted in Brunei.
• It is recommended to book your tickets at least a day in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak periods.
• The express ferry can be quite cold due to air conditioning, so bring something warm to wear.
• There is limited food available on board, so consider bringing your own snacks.
• Labuan is a duty-free zone, so it's a great place to stock up on duty-free items before continuing your journey to Brunei.

Within Brunei: Travel by bus, taxi, or water taxi

Bus

The cheapest way to get around Brunei is by bus. The main bus terminal is located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, with many buses arriving and departing. Bus fares typically cost BND1.00 per trip for adults and BND0.50 for children and seniors. Bus routes cover the key places to visit and connect the capital to rural areas. The Eastern Line (royal blue bus) and the Northern Line (green bus) pass through the international airport. The bus service runs from 6 am to 8 pm.

Taxi

Taxis in Brunei are metered, with a base price of BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, and an additional BND0.20 for every 250 metres or 15 seconds, whichever comes first. There are also surcharges for airport trips, inter-district travel, excess baggage, and additional passengers. Taxis can be hailed from the airport or found at hotels and shopping centres. The main taxi terminal is located at the bus terminal in Bandar Seri Begawan, and you can also call for a taxi at +673 222 2214 or +673 222 6853.

Water Taxi

Water taxis, or boats, are a popular mode of transport in Bandar Seri Begawan, connecting the capital to the floating village of Kampong Ayer. They are also a convenient way to travel between the Sultanate's two separated regions, providing access to places like the Labu Forest Reserve without exiting Brunei and entering Malaysia, which could cause visa issues. Water taxi rides typically cost between BND1.00 and BND5.00, depending on the distance travelled. Some water taxis also offer tours of Kampong Ayer and the mangroves, where you might spot proboscis monkeys or crocodiles. It is recommended to agree on a price before boarding and always request a safety jacket.

Frequently asked questions