Exploring Brunei: A Guide To The Must-Do Activities

Brunei is a small, oil-rich nation on the island of Borneo, known for its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It's a country where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, offering visitors a unique experience.

The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is home to the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of the most impressive mosques in Southeast Asia. The mosque sits at the heart of the city, surrounded by a lagoon and lush greenery. Nearby, you'll find the Royal Regalia Museum, which showcases the Sultan's lavish lifestyle through his collection of gifts and jewels.

Brunei also boasts the world's largest floating village, Kampong Ayer, with over 40 settlements and a population of 13,000 people. This unique village, built on stilts above the Brunei River, offers an experience found nowhere else in the world.

For nature lovers, Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei's first national park, is a must-visit. The park features pristine rainforests, canopy walks, and the chance to spot some of the island's wildlife.

When it comes to food, Brunei offers a delicious blend of Malay, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisines. Be sure to try the local specialties like ambuyat, nasi katok, and satay.

With its mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, Brunei is definitely worth exploring, offering a fascinating glimpse into the treasures of Southeast Asia.

Explore the Kampong Ayer 'Venice of the East'

Explore the Kampong Ayer Venice of the East

Kampong Ayer, meaning "Water Village" in Malay, is a must-see when visiting Brunei. This unique settlement, built on stilts above the Brunei River, is technically part of the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan but has a distinct character and history of its own. With more than 30,000 inhabitants, it is the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia and dates back more than 1,300 years.

To get to Kampong Ayer, you can take a water taxi from in front of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan. The village is made up of around 40 small villages connected by a network of wooden walkways, footbridges, and a 38-kilometre boardwalk. You can walk or take a water taxi to get around, just like the locals.

Kampong Ayer is a self-contained community with its own schools, clinics, post offices, mosques, restaurants, shops, and even a hospital—all built on stilts above the water. This traditional way of life has remained unchanged for centuries, with many inhabitants continuing to work as fishermen, traders, and artisans.

As you explore, take in the mix of traditional and modern architecture. The houses in Kampong Ayer are typically made of wood and built in the style of classic Malay homes. Some luxury cars parked on the riverbank hint at the wealth of some of the residents, while other areas showcase the poverty that persists in this unique community.

Don't miss the chance to gain insight into the local culture and heritage by visiting the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery. Here, you'll find informative displays about the history of this floating city, which was once the seat of power for the Bruneian Sultanate.

If you're looking for a unique and immersive cultural experience in Brunei, be sure to include a visit to Kampong Ayer, the Venice of the East, on your itinerary.

Visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

One of the most famous landmarks in Brunei, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a must-see for anyone visiting the country. Here's everything you need to know about this stunning mosque.

History and Architecture

The mosque was built by the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, and completed in 1958. It is named after the Sultan and is one of the two state mosques in the country. The design of the mosque was influenced by Mughal architecture from India and features a mix of Islamic and Bruneian elements. The mosque is known for its gold dome, which dominates the city's skyline, and its location in the middle of a man-made lagoon with a ceremonial stone barge.

The interior of the mosque is just as impressive as the exterior, with walls made of Italian marble, rugs from Saudi Arabia, and crystal chandeliers from England. The mosque also features pillars with a distinctive Bruneian motif, a thick rope known as "kalat," which reflects the columns in Lapau. The mosque has a capacity of 3,000 worshippers and includes a royal prayer chamber for the royal family.

Visiting the Mosque

The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is located near the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, just a 15-minute drive from the Brunei International Airport. It is easily accessible by taxi or the local taxi app called Dart. The mosque is open to visitors from Monday to Wednesday and Saturday to Sunday, with specific timings to be followed. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, remove their shoes, and maintain silence inside the mosque. While photography is allowed, taking pictures of people in prayer and using flash is prohibited.

Nearby Attractions

After visiting the mosque, there are several other attractions nearby that are worth exploring. These include the Royal Regalia Museum, which showcases the sultan's coronation and exhibits royal regalia; the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, another ornately decorated mosque; and the Kampong Ayer, a water village built on stilts above the Brunei River.

Experience the local culture at the Gadong Night Market

The Gadong Night Market is the perfect place to spend an evening in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital. It is the country's largest market and is a hub of activity, with locals and tourists alike flocking to it every night to indulge in the incredible variety of local and exotic foods on offer.

The market is divided into four long rows of stalls, with a wide range of food options, from rice and noodle dishes to grilled fish and satay. You can also find snacks like pulut panggang, cucur pisang, and bakso, as well as Western foods like fries and burgers. But the real highlight is the dessert—don't miss the cendol, kuih malaya, and Brunei donuts.

The Gadong Night Market is also a great place to try durian, with vendors selling both local and imported varieties. You can buy it by the slice (tapau), by weight, or as a collection of a few durians tied together (ikat). If you're feeling adventurous, ask for the red durian (otak udang galah), which has a bright red pulp and sells for a premium.

The market is open daily from 4 pm to 10 pm, with some stalls opening and closing an hour earlier or later. It's best to visit during the late afternoon or early evening when the market is at its busiest and most vibrant. Remember to bring cash, as vendors don't accept card payments. There are ATMs at The Mall, which is just a short walk away.

The Gadong Night Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the local culture and cuisine of Brunei. With its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and low prices, it's sure to be a memorable part of your trip!

Discover the Ulu Temburong National Park

Ulu Temburong National Park is the first national park established in Brunei, protected since 1991. Covering about 40% of the Temburong District in eastern Brunei, the park is known as the "Green Jewel of Brunei" and is an important ecotourism centre in the country.

The park can only be reached by river, with visitors taking a longboat from the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangar Town. From there, it's a road trip to Batang Duri, the starting point for longboat travel along the Temburong River and into the park. The boats are navigated by experienced Iban people, winding through sandbars, logs, and boulders.

An extensive network of boardwalks, bridges, and stairways, totalling 7 kilometres in length, allows visitors to explore the park. Interpretation boards along the way provide information about the regional flora and fauna.

The park features tropical lowland rainforests with species such as Shorea, Dryobalanops, and Dipterocarpus trees. The primary lowland and hill forests are Dipterocarp forests, while the lower montane forests are mainly in the southern part. Mangroves can be found in the coastal areas, and rattan species are common at the ground level. Other varieties include gingers, begonias, gesneriads, aroids, and Ixora blooms. Along the river courses, palm, fern, moss, and lichen species thrive.

The park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, reptiles, butterflies, insects, and birds. The Eastern grey gibbon, with its grey colour and forest canopy habitat, is a popular species. Squirrels, such as the tiny plain pygmy squirrel near human habitations, and the black-spotted rock frog are also present. Orchids and snakes, particularly the colourful Wagler's pit viper, can be spotted in the tree tops. The Temburong River is home to otters like the Smooth-coated otter.

With over 400 species of butterflies, including the rare Rajah Brooke's birdwing and the tree nymph, the park is a butterfly enthusiast's dream. The area is also home to centipedes, giant forest ants, lantern bugs, and termites.

Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of bird species, including the bushy-crested hornbill, rhinoceros hornbill, black-and-yellow broadbill, and swiftlets.

For those seeking an immersive experience, the Ulu Ulu Resort, the only accommodation inside the park, offers a low-density, environmentally friendly stay. Visitors can choose from standard (dormitory), superior (twin share and family suites), and deluxe (double bed) rooms.

A trip to Ulu Temburong National Park promises a unique opportunity to explore pristine rainforests, discover diverse flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Brunei.

Admire the architecture of the Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Brunei. Located in the heart of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, the museum is a tribute to the sultan and the grand trappings of royalty. The building's architecture and design pay homage to Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), with a unique crescent form and ancient and modern elements combining to signify both innovation and continuity.

The museum's main doors are modelled on the kalasak (long blade) design, and the interior features a Black Assoluto granite floor. The main gallery houses the Royal Regalia Gallery, which displays ceremonial objects used at the 1968 Coronation Ceremony, including handwoven carpets with elaborate designs. Adorning the interior ribs of the dome are thirteen sets of royal decorations, passed down through Brunei's royalty. The gallery's most prized possessions include a replica of the 1992 usongan diraja (royal chariot) and the singgahsana (throne room).

The museum also showcases the Sultan's mementos, with exhibits detailing the country's constitutional history. Visitors can view documents, photographs, film and recordings, as well as a gallery devoted to the Sultan's life up until his coronation. One of the most interesting sections is the life-sized replica of the Sultan's silver jubilee celebrations in 1992, complete with a to-scale model of his parade float and uniformed mannequins representing his honour guard.

Another fascinating room displays military honours and decorations from over twenty different countries, exemplifying the Sultan's apparent military prowess. With free entry, the Royal Regalia Museum offers a well-documented and fascinating insight into the life and successes of the Bruneian Sultan.

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