Leslie Massey
The Empire Brunei is a 7-star hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. It is one of the world's few 7-star hotels, alongside Dubai's Burj al-Arab and Milano's Galleria Vik. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities, including a theatre, five swimming pools, squash courts, tennis courts, bowling alleys, a grand reception hall, and a private beach. It also features an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, called the Empire Country Club. The hotel has over 500 rooms, including suites and villas, with the most exclusive room being the Emperor Suite, which offers a private pool and cinema. The Empire Brunei provides a variety of dining options, with seven restaurants serving international cuisine and high tea. Visitors can enjoy the hotel's colourful mosaic-style tiled floor, massive golden chandelier, and marble and granite accents in the lobby. Outside, there is a massive swimming pool stretching from the building to the coast, offering a breathtaking view of the South China Sea. The hotel is located in Jerudong, about 20 kilometres from the city centre, and can be easily accessed by taxi, car, bus, or ride-sharing app.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of stars | 5 or 7 |
| Location | Jerudong, Tutong Muara Highway, BG3122 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei |
| Resort facilities | Private beach, airport shuttle, indoor and outdoor pools, spa, cinema, golf course, tennis court, bowling alley, badminton equipment, water sports facilities, children's club |
| Food | Seven international restaurants, including Indian, Italian, and Chinese |
What You'll Learn
Explore the hotel's outer yards, including the coastal walking trail
The Empire Hotel in Brunei is a luxurious tropical retreat. It is located in Jerudong, a suburb of Bandar Seri Begawan, and is surrounded by lush rainforest and an immaculate coastline. The hotel's outer yards showcase this natural beauty, offering a relaxed and easy-going coastal vibe.
One of the first things you'll notice when exploring the outer yards is the massive swimming pool, which stretches from the hotel building to the coast. From certain angles, the pool appears to curve into the South China Sea, offering a breathtaking view. Fringing the perimeter of the pool is a coastal walking trail, providing a short and calming stroll—the perfect way to unwind and take in the stunning scenery.
Along this trail, you'll be treated to signposts that help you orient yourself and provide information about the surrounding area. The trail also offers one of the best spots to catch a Bruneian sunset, making it a truly magical experience. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, the coastal walking trail at The Empire Hotel is definitely worth exploring.
In addition to the walking trail, the outer yards of the hotel also feature private beaches, lagoons, and a championship golf course. With its natural beauty, top-notch amenities, and warm hospitality, The Empire Hotel provides a captivating and memorable experience for guests seeking a tropical getaway.
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Take a dip in one of the five pools
The Empire Hotel in Brunei is a tropical retreat with five pools, surrounded by lush rainforest and a private beach. The hotel's pools offer a relaxing and luxurious experience for guests.
The massive swimming pool is the first thing that catches your eye as you step outside. It stretches from the building to the coast, curving into the South China Sea and offering a breathtaking view. The pool appears to seamlessly blend into the ocean, providing a unique and captivating sight.
The hotel features not just one, but five swimming pools, each offering a slightly different experience. Some pools are located indoors, providing a more secluded and quiet atmosphere. Others are outdoors, allowing you to soak up the sun and take in the surrounding natural beauty.
The pools are spacious and well-maintained, with ample space for swimming laps or simply lounging and enjoying the tropical climate. The water is clean and inviting, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
In addition to the pools, the hotel also offers a variety of water sports and activities, such as stand-up paddle boarding at the Grand Lagoon. The private beach provides a tranquil setting for a relaxing walk or a refreshing swim in the sea.
The Empire Hotel's pools are the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're seeking a quiet dip, a refreshing swim, or a fun-filled day of water activities, the hotel's five pools have something for everyone.
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Play a round of golf on the 18-hole course
The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Brunei is home to a Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course, which has been ranked among Asia's leading golf destinations in the World Travel Awards. The course is floodlit, enabling guests to play all year round, and is suitable for all abilities.
The course is characterised by distinct elevation changes, superior playing surfaces, and flood lighting. It has 18 holes, a par of 71, a rating of 74.1, yardage of 7029, and a slope of 137. It also offers a driving range with 26 covered bays, a putting and chipping green, and a golf academy for those looking to improve their game.
The course winds through tree-lined avenues with spectacular views of the South China Sea. The front nine holes overlook the ocean from higher ground, while the back nine reach down to the sea. The large double-green shared by the par-4 9th and 18th holes is situated close to the seashore, presenting a memorable view of the sea and the hotel's six-storey glass atrium.
The signature hole is the 549-yard par-5 15th, which runs directly along the beach with sprawling bunkers looming large from the tee and on your approach to the heavily defended green. The course also features a plethora of strategically placed bunkers, ready to catch wayward drives that might miss the often tightish fairways.
After your round, you can enjoy a casual meal at the Bunker Bistro, located in the neighbouring Country Club, which offers a menu of international and local dishes.
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Enjoy a meal at one of the seven restaurants
The Empire Hotel in Brunei offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your appetite. Here are some details to help you enjoy a meal at one of their seven restaurants:
Atrium Restaurant
The Atrium Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its grand architecture and unique atmosphere. It serves a range of international dishes, including vegetarian options like vegetarian lasagna. The restaurant provides a buffet-style dining experience and is located on Level 3 of the Main Atrium.
Beachfront Restaurant
This restaurant is located on the beachfront, offering a stunning view of the ocean while you dine. It serves a daily breakfast buffet and an à la carte lunch menu. You can also enjoy afternoon tea here on public holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Empire Arcade
The Empire Arcade is a 24-hour dining option located on Level 5 of the Empire Hotel. It offers light meals, beverages, pastries, and desserts to satisfy your cravings any time of the day.
Main Atrium Level 5
On Level 5 of the Main Atrium, you'll find another dining option serving light meals, beverages, pastries, and desserts. This location provides an à la carte menu daily from 12 pm to 10 pm.
In addition to these options, the Empire Hotel also has other restaurants and lounges serving a variety of cuisines. All restaurants require advanced booking, and they are closed for Friday prayers from 12 noon to 2 pm according to Brunei's national regulations.
Please note that the hotel's restaurants may have changed since some older reviews. It is always a good idea to check the latest information on the hotel's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date details.
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Go scuba diving or hiking with one of the hotel's activity packages
The Empire Hotel Brunei offers a wide variety of tours and activity packages to its guests, including hiking and scuba diving. The hotel is located in Jerudong, a suburb of Bandar Seri Begawan, and is surrounded by lush rainforests and the South China Sea.
For those interested in hiking, the hotel can arrange guided hikes in the nearby rainforest, where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna of Brunei. The hotel also offers organised trips to Kampong Ayer and Ulu Temburong, providing guests with the opportunity to experience the local culture and natural beauty of the country.
Scuba diving enthusiasts can take advantage of the hotel's scuba diving packages, which include trips to some of the best dive sites in the area. Brunei is known for its immaculate coastline and rare wildlife, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving. The hotel can also help guests arrange other water-based activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking in the Grand Lagoon.
In addition to these activities, the Empire Hotel Brunei offers a range of other amenities and facilities for its guests. These include a theatre, bowling alleys, tennis and squash courts, and a private beach. The hotel also has an 18-hole golf course, designed by the famous golf legend Jack Nicklaus, which is widely regarded as one of Asia's best courses.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the amenities at The Empire Brunei include an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, a fitness centre, squash courts, tennis courts, bowling alleys, a grand reception hall, a private beach, and an 18-hole golf course.
Some nearby restaurants include Spaghettini, i-Lotus, and Pantai.
Nearby attractions include Rimba Garden Central, The Empire Theatre & Cinemas, and Jerudong Park Playground.
Room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV.
The Empire Brunei offers a wide variety of tours and activity packages to its guests, including hiking, scuba diving, and organised trips to Kampong Ayer and Ulu Temburong.
