Unmissable Brunei: Top Attractions And Experiences

Brunei, officially Brunei Darussalam, is a small country on the island of Borneo. It is known for its lush rainforests, stunning mosques, and unique cultural attractions. Here are some must-do experiences when visiting Brunei:

- Explore the Ulu Temburong National Park, home to endemic species like the Proboscis monkey, and enjoy the park's pristine jungle and canopy walk.

- Visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a magnificent mosque with a golden dome, set amid a lagoon in the heart of the capital.

- Experience Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village, with over 30,000 residents, and discover its unique way of life.

- Marvel at the grandeur of the Royal Regalia Museum, showcasing the Sultan's lavish lifestyle and an impressive collection of royal artefacts.

- Wander through the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront for stunning views of the river and the mosque, and capture memorable photographs.

- Indulge in the local cuisine at the Gadong Night Market, where you can find a variety of delicious food options at affordable prices.

- Discover the Malay Technology Museum to learn about traditional technology and cultural development in Brunei.

- Admire the beauty of the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the country's largest mosque, with its ornate architecture and symmetrical design.

- Take a relaxing stroll through the Tasek Lama Recreational Park, a natural escape located just a short walk from the city centre.

Marvel at the Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien

The Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien, or the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, is one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific and a must-visit when in Brunei. It is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, and was built to commemorate his silver jubilee as the Sultan. Completed in 1958, it is one of the two state mosques of Brunei and is recognised as a symbol of the country's Islamic faith.

The mosque is located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei, and sits on its own man-made lagoon, giving the impression that it is floating on water. Its design seamlessly blends Mughal and Italian styles, featuring a gleaming white exterior, elegant minarets, and a stunning golden dome that dominates the city's skyline. The mosque's interior is just as breathtaking, adorned with intricate Islamic calligraphy, stunning chandeliers, and beautiful stained glass windows. The floors are made of Italian marble, and the walls of Shanghai granite, while the mosque is surrounded by lush greenery and floral gardens.

The Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien is not just an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of faith and unity for the people of Brunei. It serves as the main mosque for the country, accommodating over 3,000 worshippers. The mosque also houses the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Islamic Studies, playing a significant role in promoting Islamic teachings.

At night, the mosque is illuminated, creating a magical sight with its golden dome and minarets sparkling in the evening sky. The mosque is open to visitors, but it is important to dress appropriately and adhere to the guidelines and dress code.

Explore Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village

Kampong Ayer is a must-visit attraction in Brunei. This water village is a prominent traditional settlement in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is entirely built on stilts above the Brunei River, which splits the village from the modern city centre.

History

The original 'Venice of the East', the village was first introduced to Europeans by Spanish explorer Antonio Pigafetta, who visited Borneo in the 16th century. According to records made by ancient Chinese merchants, Bajau Sea Nomads built houses above the Brunei River more than 1,000 years ago. Over the centuries, this grew and expanded into a series of loosely connected villages and neighbourhoods. By the time the Europeans arrived, Kampong Ayer was the centre of the Bruneian Empire.

What to see and do

Kampong Ayer's 4,200 structures include homes, mosques, restaurants, shops, schools, and even a hospital. You can get to Kampong Ayer by water taxi from the city centre. Once there, explore the village by boat or on foot via the extensive network of wooden walkways, footbridges, and boardwalks.

While its glory days may have passed (most of its population has now moved to the land side of Bandar Seri Begawan), Kampong Ayer maintains its local charm. If you enjoy unique experiences, consider staying in the village during your visit.

Practical information

• Dress conservatively, as you are entering a functioning village where people live.
• Eat before you arrive or bring food with you, as the village does not cater to tourists.
• Watch your step on the boardwalks, as some of the wooden planks are broken.
• Visit the 'Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery' museum to learn more about the village's history and customs.
• Take a Brunei River Mangrove Tour to explore the mangrove forest and see proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and Istana Nurul Iman, the world's largest residential palace.

Visit the Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan is a must-visit to gain insight into the sultan's life and Brunei's royal customs. Originally built as a monument in 1965, the museum was later expanded in 1992, combining constructivist and Melayu Islam Beraja architectural elements.

The main gallery features an impressive recreation of the sultan's coronation, displaying the gilded carriage that carried him through the capital city, along with gold and silver ceremonial armour. The Royal Exhibition Gallery showcases a selection of royal regalia from the sultan's childhood to his coronation, including jewel-encrusted crowns, thrones, and garments.

The Silver Jubilee Gallery celebrates the sultan's 25th ruling year, where you can view film footage and other regalia from the event. The museum also houses the Constitutional History Gallery, which documents the country's constitutional evolution with photographs, films, and recordings.

The museum's architecture is a fusion of ancient and modern design, with the dome being the main feature. The dome is decorated with golden flower mosaics, mirroring the clothing of the sultan, and its spire symbolises protection and vigilance.

The museum provides an extensive display of gifts given to the sultan by various heads of state, along with information about his life, interests, and family. It is a highlight of any trip to Brunei and offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural legacy.

Take a Brunei River Mangrove Tour

The Brunei River Mangrove Tour is one of the top attractions for visitors to Brunei. The tour offers a natural escape without straying too far from the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour begins at the main jetty in Bandar Seri Begawan, where you'll board a boat and head up the river. As you leave the city behind, you'll enter narrowing distributary streams and make your way into the tranquil mangrove forest. Here, you'll have the chance to spot various wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and unique bird species.

The proboscis monkeys are a highlight of the tour. These endangered monkeys are endemic to Borneo, and are known for their protruding, bulbous noses and reddish-brown hair. They typically live in two types of groups: the first is led by an alpha male, while the second group consists of "beta males." The best time to spot these monkeys is during the morning or late afternoon, when they are more active and easier to find.

In addition to wildlife, the tour also offers stunning views of architectural landmarks such as the Istana Nurul Iman, the world's largest residential palace, and the Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque, with its bright yellow and green minarets.

Booking the Tour

There are two main ways to book the Brunei River Mangrove Tour: through a travel agency or by hiring a boat driver independently. Booking through an agency ensures a more experienced guide but may cost more. On the other hand, hiring a boat driver independently gives you more flexibility to personalize your experience and negotiate the price.

The typical price for the tour is between 15 and 35 BND per person for an hour-long ride, including a visit to the mangrove forest.

Practical Information

The Brunei River has been a lifeline for local Bruneians for centuries. The country's long history of fishing and trading is reflected in the water village of Kampong Ayer, which is built entirely on stilts and is home to over 30,000 people. Bandar Seri Begawan, on the other side of the river, showcases a blend of tradition and modernity, with opulent buildings and lush green spaces.

Brunei's oil wealth has allowed the country to avoid deforestation, and most of the country is still covered by dense rainforest, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Indulge in delicious local fruits

Brunei's tropical climate supports the growth of a wide variety of fruits. The country's local fruits are an essential part of the staple diet and are loaded with nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the delicious local fruits you can indulge in when visiting Brunei:

Durian

Nicknamed the "King of Fruits", durian is considered one of the most nutritious fruits due to its high level of nutrients compared to most other fruits. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, thiamine, manganese, riboflavin, magnesium and niacin. According to studies, durian can help reduce the risk of cancer, prevent heart disease, counter infections and reduce blood sugar. It can also improve digestive health and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. You can find durian at the Gadong Night Market, one of the best places to indulge in local fruits.

Rambutan

Rambutan is a tropical and seasonal fruit, named after the Malay word for hair, due to its hairy appearance. It is considered a 'super fruit' as it can help reduce unwanted fat, be a source of iron, and aid in skin and hair care. Rambutans are rich in vitamins A and C, which help keep the eyes healthy and prevent anaemia. They also contain phosphorous, which helps to detoxify the kidneys, and can help to reduce bad cholesterol. You can find rambutans at the Gadong Night Market.

Tarap

Tarap is a tropical fruit that contains a variety of vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C and niacin, as well as important minerals such as zinc, iron, protein and magnesium. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and is rich in antioxidants. Tarap is said to help cure and prevent various ailments, from relieving constipation to reducing cholesterol levels and preventing cancer.

Langsat

Langsat is a tropical fruit that can aid weight loss as it contains riboflavin, which helps the body release energy from carbohydrates. It is also rich in nutrients, minerals, fibres and vitamins, which are said to be useful in treating diseases associated with the digestive system, and can help reduce fever. Langsat can also help counter diabetes mellitus as it contains thiamine, which lowers blood sugar levels.

Kundong

Kundong, also known as the Brunei cherry or 'asam aur aur', is a fruit that has potential as a natural source of antioxidants and anti-Alzheimer's agents. It has a high concentration of phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants, which are useful in countering many diseases. The peel of the fruit also contains high levels of carotenoids and has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a highly nutritious fruit that is low in calories yet provides many essential nutrients, including magnesium, manganese, vitamin B and fibre. These vitamins and minerals are vital for maintaining proper body functions, such as DNA production, muscle contractions, healing wounds and a healthy immune system. Mangosteen is also rich in powerful antioxidants and can aid weight loss.

Frequently asked questions