Exploring Brunei: A Stopover Travel Guide

Brunei is a small but affluent country in Southeast Asia, known for its lovely architecture and culture. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is just a 15-minute drive from the airport, making it an ideal place to visit during a stopover.

Bandar Seri Begawan has a lot to offer within a short distance, including the stunning Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the water village of Kampong Ayer, and the Kianggeh Market, one of the oldest markets in the country. The city is also a great base for exploring the beautiful Borneo jungle and spotting proboscis monkeys.

Brunei has excellent footpaths and a compact, walkable downtown area, making it easy to get around on foot. However, taxis and public transport are limited and can be expensive, so it's best to stay in a central location.

With its friendly locals, clean environment, and lack of tourists, Brunei is an excellent destination for a 2-3 day stopover to get a taste of this unique country.

Explore the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, on foot

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is a great place to explore on foot. Here are some suggestions for things to see and do on your walking tour of the city:

• Start your walk in the downtown area, which is compact and very walkable. Check out the beautiful architecture and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
• Visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia, with its glittering gold domes and modern Islamic architecture. It is within walking distance from the downtown area.
• Stroll along the Brunei River and take in the views of Kampong Ayer, the largest 'water village' in the world, nicknamed the "Venice of the East". This ancient settlement, built on stilts over the river, is a fascinating sight with its colourful houses, schools, and even a police station on stilts.
• Explore the nearby streets and discover the mix of old and new architecture, with colourful houses and convenient stores. The locals are very friendly and welcoming, so feel free to interact with them.
• Head to Jalan McArthur, where you'll find the Royal Regalia Museum. Here, you can learn about the current Sultan and admire the intricate jewellery and detailed clothing on display. Please note that bags and phones must be stored in lockers, and shoes must be removed before entering.
• Wander through the Brunei History Centre, located next to the Royal Regalia Museum, to delve into the country's fascinating history.
• Stop by the Teng Yun Chinese Temple, tucked behind a parking garage and across from the Tamu Kianggeh Market. It's the only Chinese temple in Bandar Seri Begawan, and while it's small, it's definitely worth a visit.
• If you're visiting on a Friday, be aware that Bandar Seri Begawan shuts down from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm for prayers. Make sure you plan your exploration accordingly and grab any food or essentials before noon.

Take a water taxi to the stilt village of Kampong Ayer

Taking a water taxi to the stilt village of Kampong Ayer is a must-do during your Brunei layover. Known as the "Venice of the East", Kampong Ayer is the world's largest settlement on water, with over 10,000 people living in the village. It is an eye-opening experience to see how life is like on the water.

Water taxis are the main form of transportation in the village and can be easily found on the riverside. The ride is cheap, at $1 BND (about $0.70 USD). The water taxi will drop you off across the water unless you specify a destination.

Once you arrive, you can explore the area on foot. Start by visiting the Kampong Ayer Culture and Tourism Gallery for tourist information. You will notice a mix of newer and older housing areas, as well as schools, mosques, and even a police station on stilts. The locals are very friendly and welcoming.

If you have more time, you can hire a water taxi to take you on a Mangrove Tour. This will take you down the canals of the river to see mangroves, birds, crocodiles, and the proboscis monkey.

• Negotiate the price with the water taxi captain before departing.
• Bring wildlife spotting equipment such as binoculars to get a better view of the monkeys.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking.
• Be mindful of the cultural and religious sensitivities of the local community.
• Enjoy interacting with the locals and learning about their way of life.

Taking a water taxi to Kampong Ayer will surely be a memorable experience during your Brunei stopover.

Visit the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is one of the two state mosques in Brunei and is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific. It is a must-see during your stopover in Brunei. Here's why:

Architecture and Design

The mosque is an example of modern Islamic architecture, fusing Mughal architecture with Malay and Italian Renaissance styles. Its most recognisable feature is its main dome, covered in pure gold, which dominates the skyline of Bandar Seri Begawan. The mosque also features marble minarets, a courtyard, and a man-made lagoon with a ceremonial barge. The interior is adorned with Islamic art, including Arabic calligraphy, geometric patterns, floral motifs, arches, and Quranic passages. The mosque's prayer hall is located beneath the golden dome and is decorated with handcrafted carpets from Saudi Arabia and Belgium.

History and Significance

The mosque was built by Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and is named after him. It was completed in 1958 at a cost of US$5 million. The mosque is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of the Islamic faith in Brunei. It has hosted several important occasions, including royal weddings and mass prayers of gratitude on National Day.

Visitor Information

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, and is easily accessible from the airport. It is open to visitors from Monday to Wednesday and Saturday to Sunday, with specific timings: 8:30 am-12:00 pm, 1:30 pm-3:00 pm, and 4:30 pm-5:30 pm. On Thursdays, it is only open from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Remember to dress appropriately, removing your shoes and covering your shoulders and knees. Robes are provided for visitors to wear inside. Silence must be observed, and photography of people in prayer is not allowed.

See the proboscis monkeys in the Borneo jungle

Brunei is a great place for a stopover, especially if you want to see the proboscis monkeys in the Borneo jungle. Here's a guide on how to make the most of your time and see these fascinating creatures.

Getting to Brunei

First, you'll need to book a flight with a stopover in Brunei. Royal Brunei Airlines is a great option, and the airline offers transit tours ranging from 2 to 7 hours. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is just a 15-minute drive from the airport, making it very convenient for a short stopover.

Exploring Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is a walkable city, so you can easily explore the downtown area on foot. There are plenty of attractions within walking distance, and the city isn't crowded with tourists. The friendly locals will make you feel welcome.

Some must-see places in Bandar Seri Begawan include the Kampong Ayer, a large water village often referred to as the "Venice of the East." You can take a water taxi to explore this unique settlement, where over 10,000 people live, work, and go to school on stilts above the water.

Another highlight is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, known for its beautiful gold domes and Islamic architecture. Remember to dress modestly if you plan to enter the mosque, and check the prayer times before your visit as it may be closed to non-Muslims at certain times.

Venture into the Rainforest

Now, for the main event—seeing the proboscis monkeys in the Borneo jungle! Brunei has some of the best rainforests in Borneo, with over 70% of its primary rainforests still intact. One of the best places to spot proboscis monkeys is the Ulu Temburong National Park. Getting there is an adventure in itself, involving a speedboat ride, a car drive, and a long boat ride. It's definitely worth spending a couple of days exploring the national park and the surrounding jungle.

Another option for monkey-watching is a boat tour along the mangroves. You can hire a water taxi along the Brunei River, which will take you through the mangroves and give you the chance to spot proboscis monkeys, birds, and even crocodiles. Keep in mind that the monkeys can be hard to find, so bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to get a better view.

Where to Stay and Eat

There are limited hotel options in the downtown area, but some recommended places include the Terrace Hotel and the Empire Hotel and Country Club. For food, you'll find that Brunei offers delicious and cheap options, mostly at markets like the Taman Salera night market.

So, if you're looking for a unique stopover experience, Brunei is a great choice. With its convenient location, friendly locals, and the chance to see the fascinating proboscis monkeys, you're sure to have a memorable time.

Relax at one of the country's affordable health and wellness spas

If you're looking to relax and unwind during your stopover in Brunei, there are several spas and wellness centres to choose from. Here are some of the top-rated options:

Thann Sanctuary Spa

This spa has been voted as one of the top best spas in the world by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. It offers a wide variety of treatments and premium in-house aromatherapy products for the ultimate pampering experience. Visitors have praised its cleanliness, beautiful interior, and excellent massage services. It is also fully Covid-compliant.

Tenderly Touch Wellness & Beauty House

This spa is known for its experienced massage therapists who offer a range of massage techniques, including Swedish and Thai styles. Visitors can request a specific therapist based on their preferences for massage pressure and style.

Zen Spa Health Care

Zen Spa is a newer establishment with modern furnishings. It offers various packages, such as the Lavender Package, which includes a vanilla coconut scrub, honey oatmeal body masque, and massage. Visitors can expect disposable briefs and scent-free products, which are ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Trueliving Spa & Studio

This is a wellness centre exclusively for women, offering a range of facilities such as a spa, studio, gym, lap pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and more.

The Spa @ The Empire

While there are limited reviews for this spa, it is located within the Empire Hotel and Country Club, which was recommended as a special treat and an attraction in itself for accommodation.

These spas provide a range of services and amenities to help you relax and rejuvenate during your stopover in Brunei. Be sure to check their websites or contact them directly for more information and to make reservations if needed.

Frequently asked questions