Brunei's Best Buys: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide

Brunei is a shopper's paradise, with everything from traditional markets to modern shopping malls. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is the main shopping hub, boasting wide boulevards, smart buildings, and flashy malls.

Silverware and bronze ware are considered the best buys in Brunei, with local artisans creating quality items at competitive prices. Popular items include bracelets, jugs, gongs, and napkin rings. Hand-woven baskets and gold and silversectioned material called jona sarat are also good value.

For high-end fabrics, head to Nazmi Trading or the Silk Shoppe Boutique, which offer imported fabrics and locally made silks. The Tamu market in Bandar Seri Begawan is a great place to pick up cheap handicrafts on Fridays, while the city's malls are the best places to find quality, original handicrafts.

Electronics are also a good buy in Brunei, with excellent value on offer. Most large department stores in Bandar Seri Begawan, as well as those in Seria and Kuala Belait, have electronics sections.

When it comes to food, durian is a specialty in Brunei. This strange fruit, which can be as large as a jackfruit or as small as a marang, is soft and very fragrant. It is used in a variety of products, including pies, candies, ice cream, dried fruit, chocolate, snacks, and drinks.

Traditional fabrics and costumes are also unique to Brunei. The intricate traditional handwoven fabric, Jong Sarat, is made with golden and silver threads and features intricate patterns and motifs. It is available at the manufacturer's main stores, the airport, or the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre in Kota Batu.

Silverware and bronze ware

The art of silver-crafting in Brunei is believed to have originated in the Kampong Ayer (Water Village), with early silversmiths practising their craft in the Kampung Pandai Mas (Goldsmiths' Village). Silver-crafting knowledge was closely guarded and passed down from father to son through the generations. In the 1950s, the government provided artisans with a space to display and sell their creations, and in 1975, the Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Center (BAHTC) was established to teach young men and women the art of silverware and bronze ware crafting.

Today, local artisans continue to create silverware and bronze ware using traditional methods and designs. These items are often adorned with intricate patterns inspired by local plants and flowers, such as the Bunga Air Mulih, which depicts a creeping flowering plant. Popular items to purchase include bracelets, jugs, gongs, napkin rings, and vases. Silverware is valued according to the weight of the metal used, and a silver tea set can cost up to $3,000.

When purchasing silverware and bronze ware in Brunei, it is best to visit the city's shopping malls to find the best-quality original handicrafts. The Tamu market in Bandar Seri Begawan, which takes place on Fridays, also offers a range of cheap handicrafts, including silver and bronze ware.

Hand-woven baskets

The art of basket-weaving is believed to have originated in the villages of Sengkurong and Tanjung Nangka, located about 17km southwest of the capital. To make a basket, flexible young bamboo stalks, called 'bubuh liat', are cut to the required length and split into eight equal parts. These are then scraped until smooth and painted in different colours according to the design. The weaving process begins once the paint is dry.

The rim and framework of the basket are made from 'rattan dahanan', which is double-layered to provide a secure grip for the edges and other parts of the plaited bamboo strips. This grip is further reinforced with 'rattan paladas' or 'rattan manuk'. Some weavers now use strong strings like 'tangsi' or 'catgut' instead of traditional materials.

One type of hand-woven basket in Brunei is called a ''takiding'. It is cylindrical with a square base and four columns to keep it upright, and it has two shoulder straps. Takiding baskets are made by the Murut, Bisaya Brunei, Dusun Brunei and Kedayan people and are used to carry goods and store harvested paddy (unmilled rice). Today, they are also used as home decorations.

Gold and silver threaded material

Gold and silver threaded cotton fabric called jong sarat is considered by locals to be the finest of all textiles available in Brunei. The material is often worn for special occasions such as state functions and weddings. The fabric is made from Jong Sarat yarns, with the gold and silver threads used to create patterns and motifs that contribute to the uniqueness and elegance of the fabric. It is also made with many different patterns and Muslim motifs.

The art of making jong sarat has been preserved by the Bruneians as a cultural heritage and passed on through generations to continue promoting it. In addition to domestic consumers, this fabric has also conquered foreign consumers. The jong sarat threads are also used flexibly in textiles, with colourful fabrics woven from these yarns.

The Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre in Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan, is a good place to buy jong sarat fabric. The centre is located in a historical and populated area in the capital. The Tamu Kianggeh Market in Bandar Seri Begawan is another good option to buy cheap handicrafts on Fridays.

Handicrafts

Brunei is a treasure trove of unique handicrafts that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Here are some insights into the must-buy handicrafts when visiting Brunei:

Traditional Fabrics and Costumes

Brunei boasts a thriving handicraft industry, and its traditional fabrics are a testament to this. One notable fabric is the Jong Sarat, a handwoven cloth made from intricate yarns. The Jong Sarat design showcases the artistic skills and craftsmanship of local artisans. It features golden and silver threads, creating elegant patterns and motifs. The fabric is used to create various items, including Muslim headscarves, known as "tudong", which make meaningful souvenirs. You can find these fabrics at the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre in Kota Batu, or at the manufacturer's main stores.

Silverware and Bronze Ware

Silverware and bronze ware are among the best buys in Brunei. Local artisans excel in creating quality items such as bracelets, jugs, gongs, napkin rings, and vases. These items are available at competitive prices and make for excellent souvenirs or gifts.

Hand-Woven Baskets

Hand-woven baskets are another popular item in the markets of Brunei. These baskets often incorporate silver and golden threads, adding a touch of luxury. You can find a wide variety of hand-woven baskets at the Tamu Kianggeh Market in Bandar Seri Begawan, where you can also discover other unique Bruneian handicrafts.

Wood and Stone Carvings

Brunei is known for its wood and stone carvings, which are used to create both furniture and decorative items. You can find small, intricately carved souvenirs at the night markets, while larger pieces can be found in stores like Ethnics Collection and Knic Knacks.

Antiques

When it comes to antiques, it is advisable to purchase them from reputable sources to ensure their authenticity. One recommended place is the Home Center at Mile 9 on Jalan Tutong, which offers a range of genuine antiques along with the necessary paperwork for export.

While markets are a great option for handicrafts, you can also find quality, original handicrafts in the shopping malls of Bandar Seri Begawan, such as the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex and The Mall in Gadong.

Textiles

A popular speciality textile in Brunei is Jong Sarat (also known as Jona Sarat). This handmade, woven cloth is crafted from gold or silver threads and is known for its intricate patterns and motifs. The effort that goes into making Jong Sarat is immense, and the quality is assured at the manufacturers and main stores. The best prices are available at the outlets, although it can also be purchased at the airport or the Arts and Handicraft Training Centre in Kota Batu.

Another popular textile in Brunei is Kain Tenunan, which is a favourite among textile collectors.

For high-end fabrics, Nazmi Trading and the Silk Shoppe Boutique offer a range of imported fabrics and locally-made silks. The Silk Shoppe Boutique, in particular, carries a variety of overseas fabrics and local silks of very good quality.

If you're looking for ready-to-wear clothing, the night markets, department stores, and shopping malls in Bandar Seri Begawan offer a wide range of options, including copied designer gear such as Diesel jeans and Camel pants.

Frequently asked questions