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Brunei is a shopper's paradise, with everything from high-end stores selling speciality textiles and imported goods to traditional markets and boutiques. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is the main shopping hub, with wide boulevards, smart buildings, and flashy malls. Silverware and bronze ware are often the best buys, along with hand-woven baskets and gold and silver-threaded material called jona sarat. The Gadong Night Market and the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex are great places to start your shopping spree, offering a wide range of products and a vibrant atmosphere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main shopping base | Bandar Seri Begawan |
| Best buys | Silverware, bronze ware, hand-woven baskets, gold and silver threaded material (jona sarat) |
| Best places to shop | Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria, Kuala Belait |
| Best shopping malls | Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, The Mall, Hua Ho Manggis Mall, Times Square Shopping Centre, Rimba Point Brunei, The Airport Mall, Aman Hills Brunei, One City Shopping Centre, Mabohai Shopping Complex, Annajat Complex, Citis Square, Teck Guan Plaza, Mid Valley Shopping Centre |
| Best markets | Tamu (night market), Gadong Night Market, Sumbangsih Mulia Complex, Tamu Tutong Complex, Jerudong Wet Market, Tamu Kianggeh Market |
| Best shops | Yaohan department store, Hua Ho Department Store, Parvati and Veena's department stores, Nazmi Trading, Silk Shoppe Boutique, Ethnics Collection, Knic Knacks, Da Vinci Collection, Sunju Enterprise, Mistik Antiques, Mahkota Crystal, Paul and Elizabeth Book Services |
| Best buys | Electronics, furniture, handicrafts, textiles, clothing, jewellery, gems |
Silverware and bronze ware
Today, silversmiths in Brunei continue to use traditional methods and designs to create a wide range of silverware, from ornamental items to royal regalia. The procedure for making silverware remains fundamentally the same: the silver sheet is measured, cut, and fashioned into the desired shape. The silversmith then draws an intricate design on the article before filling every cavity with hot liquid resin. Once the resin has hardened, the delicate process of chipping the design using a tiny hammer and chisel can begin. The design is usually based on local plants and flowers, patterned according to the artistic skills and imagination of the silversmith.
Popular silverware and bronze ware items to buy in Brunei include bracelets, jugs, gongs, and napkin rings. For those looking to purchase silverware, Bandar Seri Begawan, the country's capital, offers the best shopping experience, with a wide range of options available in both malls and traditional markets.
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Antiques
Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is the main shopping hub for the country. While the city has many shopping malls and department stores, it is not advisable to buy antiques from markets as you may be tricked into buying a fake antique.
One of the best places for genuine antiques is the Home Centre at Mile 9 on Jalan Tutong. It is a huge store that primarily sells furniture and lighting, but it also has a collection of genuine antiques and the necessary paperwork to export them.
Mistik Antiques, located within the Kabin Cafe in Bandar Seri Begawan, is another option for antique shoppers. Mistik Antiques is the only antique shop in the city and offers a range of items, including Kris, vintage cameras, coins, ceramics, and various memorabilia.
For those interested in Bruneian antiques, the Tamu market in Bandar Seri Begawan has a stall near the Chinese temple that offers a selection of such items. However, most shoppers at this market are looking for baskets and ornaments rather than antiques.
Online marketplaces like Bruneida.com also offer a range of antiques and collectibles for sale, including rustic speakers, old suitcases, and various bronze and copper items such as cannons, mini cannons, cookware, kettles, gongs, and bells.
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Clothing
Bandar Seri Begawan is the main shopping hub in Brunei. The city offers a range of shopping experiences, from high-end stores to traditional markets and boutiques.
For clothing, you can find copied designer gear, such as Diesel jeans and Camel pants, in the capital's markets. Standard clothing items can be purchased at department stores like Parvati and Veena's, which also offer specials like Islamic scarves (tudongs). For high-end fabrics, Nazmi Trading and the Silk Shoppe Boutique are recommended, offering imported fabrics and local silks.
If you're looking for a mall experience, the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex is the biggest shopping mall in Bandar Seri Begawan, with a stunning building and many upmarket stores. The Hua Ho Manggis Mall and Hua Ho Department Store are also popular choices, with the latter offering a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, and household items.
For a more traditional experience, the Tamu Kianggeh Market, located near the Brunei River, sells locally-made handicrafts and souvenirs, in addition to fruits, vegetables, and fish. The Gadong Night Market is another great option for street food and local atmosphere.
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Electronics
If you're looking for electronics to buy in Brunei, you're in luck! The country offers excellent value for electronic consumables. While you may not want to purchase a TV to take home, there are plenty of other great options to choose from.
MP3 players and projectors are particularly good buys in Brunei, and you can find them at most large department stores in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, as well as in the towns of Seria and Kuala Belait. Some of the top department stores for electronics include Jaya Hypermart, Hua Ho, and Yaohan. Yaohan, located in Bandar Seri Begawan, is known for its wide variety of products, especially imported clothes, books, and electronics.
If you're looking for the latest gadgets and technology, Brunei has several online shopping networks and e-commerce platforms that offer a wide range of electronic devices and accessories. These include AV Electronics WebStore, QQeStore, and Click.com.bn. AV Electronics WebStore offers a range of Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods. Meanwhile, QQeStore provides a platform for purchasing computers, peripherals, computer parts, and accessories, as well as skincare and bathing products.
For gamers and entertainment enthusiasts, Click.com.bn offers a wide variety of options. They provide video games, gaming consoles, controllers, and accessories, as well as virtual reality systems and Bandai electronic toys. They also offer cellphones and accessories, computer graphics cards, keyboards, and PC internal components.
With competitive prices and good deals, Brunei is an ideal place to shop for electronics, whether you're visiting physical stores or taking advantage of the growing e-commerce platforms.
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Gems and jewellery
When it comes to gems and jewellery, it is recommended that you stick to the large malls and department stores. While the markets have a good supply, not everything is as it seems. There are one or two exceptional stores in the capital that trade in high-end gold and diamond items.
One recommended store is Sunju Enterprise, which offers a wide range of items at various price points. It is described as a "perfect place for souvenir shopping".
For high-end fabrics, you can also try Nazmi Trading or the Silk Shoppe Boutique, which offer fabulous imported fabrics and local silks.
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Frequently asked questions
The best places to shop in Brunei are the Gadong Night Market, the Hua Ho Department Store, the Tamu Kianggeh Market, and the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex.
Silverware and bronze ware are often the best buys in Brunei, with local artisans creating quality items for good prices. Other popular buys include hand-woven baskets, gold and silver threaded material, and handicrafts.
The Tamu Kianggeh Market is a great place to buy fresh tropical fruit, locally-made handicrafts, and souvenirs. The Gadong Night Market is perfect for street food and soaking up the local atmosphere.
The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex is an upscale shopping mall with wide avenues and a fountain. It's also home to designer stores and has one of the best views of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. The Hua Ho Manggis Mall is another great option, with a hotel, a supermarket, and good restaurants.
