Exploring Brunei's Night: Activities And Attractions

Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a small country surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. Its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, has the most green space of any Southeast Asian capital.

If you're looking for things to do in Brunei at night, you might want to start by visiting the Gadong Night Market, where you can sample delicious local food at affordable prices. You could also take a stroll along the Brunei River and admire the illuminated mosques, such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.

If you're looking for some evening entertainment, you could visit Jerudong Park, which is open until 11 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and until 11:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Alternatively, you could spend a quiet evening at Games & Lattes or Ner Dee, two board game cafes in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Visit the night market in Gadong for cheap local food

If you're looking for an affordable and delicious dining experience in Brunei, look no further than the Gadong Night Market. Located in the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, this market offers a wide range of local delicacies at unbeatable prices. Here's everything you need to know about this culinary hotspot.

What to Eat

The Gadong Night Market is a food lover's paradise, offering a variety of local and exotic dishes. Here are some highlights:

• Roti John: This sandwich is a Bruneian specialty, created during the British imperial era. It's an omelette served on a baguette with ketchup and other optional ingredients.
• Nasi lemak: A rice dish served with a choice of meat.
• Mee goreng: Noodle dishes that you can pair with your choice of meat.
• Soto: Soup options with a variety of ingredients.
• Beef lungs (Hati buyah): A popular stir-fry option for the adventurous eater.
• Satay: Chicken and lamb skewers marinated in sambal, a mildly spicy peanut sauce.
• Ikan bakar: Grilled fish.
• Sambal pusu: Anchovies covered in sambal.
• Pulut panggang, cucur pisang (banana fritters), and bakso: Popular snacks to accompany your meal.
• Cendol: A sweet, cold dessert made with coconut milk, palm sugar, adzuki beans, and green rice flour jelly.
• Kuih Malaya (apam balik): A pancake-type dessert with a coconut milk base.
• Brunei donuts: Similar to regular donuts but with a cinnamon twist.
• Durian: This strong-smelling fruit is a must-try, and Gadong Market offers a wide selection, including imported varieties from neighbouring Malaysian states.

Practical Information

The Gadong Night Market is open daily from 4 pm to 10 pm or 11 pm. It's best to visit during the late afternoon to early evening when the market is at its busiest and most vibrant. The market is divided into four long rows of vendor stalls, making it easy to navigate. While most vendors may not be fluent in English, many clearly label their products with names and prices. Remember to bring cash, as cards are not accepted. There are ATMs at The Mall, a short walk from the market, if you need to withdraw money.

Getting There

The market is about a 10- to 15-minute drive from the city centre. You can also take a water taxi for a more exotic experience, especially at sunset. The high tide will allow you to be dropped off right next to the market.

Why Visit

The Gadong Night Market is a key attraction in Brunei's Gadong commercial district. It offers an authentic culinary and cultural experience, with food taking centre stage. You can indulge in a variety of Bruneian treats and interact with locals. It's also a great value option, as you can feed yourself generously for just a few Brunei dollars.

So, if you're looking for a taste of Brunei, both literally and culturally, a visit to the Gadong Night Market is a must. Indulge in the delicious local cuisine, interact with friendly vendors, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this unique market.

Take a stroll along the Brunei River for panoramic views of the city

The Brunei River is the shortest major river in the country, flowing through the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and emptying into the Brunei Bay. It is also the major river basin within the Brunei-Muara District, the smallest but most populous district.

A stroll along the Brunei River will take you past Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, which stands on a hill overlooking the river. You will also see Istana Darul Hana, the former palace of the 28th Sultan of Brunei, located on a hill overlooking the river.

The river is home to Kampong Ayer, the traditional village on stilts above the river water, which was the traditional capital of Brunei for centuries. With over 30,000 inhabitants, it is the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia. A boat cruise along the river will take you past mangrove forests, legendary islands, water villages, palaces, and mosques.

If you're looking for panoramic views of the city, head to the pedestrian bridge in Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas park. Located along the riverfront in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, the park offers uninterrupted views of the river, water village, and RIPAS Bridge. The pedestrian bridge provides a perfect vantage point for panoramic views of the entire park, with the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque as a backdrop.

For a different perspective, you can also take a boat ride along the river. Boat tours typically last around two hours and offer the chance to see crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of birds. You can also explore the mangrove forests and get a closer look at the proboscis monkeys that call this river home.

So, if you're looking for a relaxing evening stroll or an adventurous boat ride, the Brunei River offers a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.

Explore the Jerudong amusement park, which has hosted the likes of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston

Jerudong Park is the largest and most expensive amusement park in Southeast Asia. It was built and funded by the Bruneian government for $1 billion. The park was designed by an Australian, Perth-based architecture and landscape design firm.

The park opened in 1994, and for its first few years of operation, there were no admission fees and rides were free. In 1996, the park hosted a free concert by Michael Jackson to celebrate the 50th birthday of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. Jackson performed again at the park on New Year's Eve 1996 as part of his HIStory World Tour; the Sultan was in attendance.

On 24 August 1996, singer Whitney Houston performed at the park for the wedding of Princess Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, the eldest daughter of the Sultan of Brunei. Houston was paid $7 million by the Sultan's brother, Prince Jefri.

In 2009, it was reported that visitor numbers had dropped significantly. The owners introduced an admission fee and a ride ticketing system. Today, the park is once again free to enter, but there is a fee to use the rides.

Admire the glow of the Omar Ali Saiffudien and Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosques at night

Brunei is home to two state mosques: the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. Both are located in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan and are impressive examples of Islamic architecture. The former is one of the most striking mosques in the Far East, while the latter is the biggest mosque in Brunei and is featured on the $10 Bruneian Dollar note.

At night, both mosques are illuminated, showcasing their beauty and grandeur. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, completed in 1958, is recognisable by its gold dome that dominates the city's skyline. It is situated in the middle of a man-made lagoon, with a ceremonial stone barge and lush greenery surrounding it. The mosque brings together the world's best materials, including Italian marble, Shanghai granite, British chandeliers, and Saudi Arabian carpets, creating a fusion of modernism and Mughal architecture.

The Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, built in 1994, features 29 golden domes and four 60-metre-tall minarets. The domes commemorate the 29 Bruneian Sultans, while the marble stairs, with 29 steps, honour the current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah. The mosque is ornately decorated, with intricate patterns, floral motifs, and Quranic calligraphy adorning its interior. The exterior is just as impressive, with landscaped gardens and fountains surrounding the mosque.

Admiring the glow of these mosques at night is a magical experience. The golden domes and minarets shine brightly, creating a breathtaking sight. The illumination highlights the intricate details and architectural beauty of these structures, making them stand out against the night sky. It is a unique opportunity to appreciate the fusion of Islamic architecture and modern design elements, as well as the cultural and religious significance they hold for the country.

Whether you are a photography enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply looking for a peaceful evening walk, visiting these mosques after dark will surely be a memorable part of your time in Brunei.

Enjoy a late-night supper at a Javanese eatery in Kiulap

If you're looking for a late-night supper in Brunei, head to Kiulap, where you'll find a Javanese eatery that's open until 4 am. This restaurant offers a mouth-waterfalling selected-menu, with an ambience that transports you straight to an antique Balinese hideaway, for a moment till you’re done with your supper, like a pit-stop.

The eatery is located in Kiulap, a commercial area in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. Kiulap is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and complexes, offering a range of culinary delights. It's the perfect place to satisfy your late-night cravings and enjoy a unique dining experience.

While you're in the area, you might also want to check out the nearby Kiulap Plaza Hotel, which offers a convenient place to rest after your supper. There are also several other hotels nearby, such as the Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam and The Capital Residence Suites, providing a range of accommodation options to suit your needs.

Frequently asked questions