Exploring Brunei: Fun Places For Families With Kids

Brunei may not be a tourism hotspot, but there are still plenty of attractions to keep kids entertained. Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, is home to the Brunei Museum, Tasek Lama Recreational Park, and the Istana Nurul Iman palace. The guided river cruise is also a great option for families, with the chance to spot wild proboscis monkeys. Outside the city, the Ulu Temburong National Park offers a range of activities, including a long boat ride, a canopy walk, and a waterfall with a fish spa. For a beach day, families can visit Pantai Lumut, which has a small water park and a playground, or the Piasau Boat Club in Miri, which has a playground, beach access, and a variety of food and drink options for adults.

Museums

Royal Regalia Museum

This museum showcases regalia and memorabilia from the early childhood years of His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam up to his coronation day in 1968. It also features a mock-up of the coronation and a Constitutional History Gallery with photos, documents, films, and recordings of the Sultan's life. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on Fridays. The entrance fee for children aged 7-11 years old is $2.

Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

Kampong Ayer, dubbed the 'Venice of the East', is a water village with its own Cultural and Tourism Gallery. The gallery showcases the history, traditions, society, and arts of the village, including antique handicrafts and relics. One of the highlights for visitors is the observation tower, which offers a panoramic view of the water village and the city skyline. The gallery is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and on Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm. It is closed on public holidays and has free admission.

Malay Technology Museum

This museum showcases the history, culture, and way of life of the Malay people in Brunei, as well as the seven ethnic groups from ancient times. Exhibits include architecture, handicrafts, boat-making, and silversmithing. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on Fridays. The entrance fee for children aged 7-11 years old is $1.

Brunei Maritime Museum

Located near the Malay Technology Museum, this museum showcases Brunei's maritime culture and history through different ships and vessels. The main gallery features artefacts from the 'Brunei Shipwreck', a 500-year-old collection of foreign ceramics from the 15th and 16th centuries that highlight the historic trade between Brunei and China. The second permanent gallery displays the development of Kota Batu as a trading centre. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on Fridays. The entrance fee for children aged 7-11 years old is $1.

Brunei History Centre

The Brunei History Centre is more of a research centre than a museum, housing artefacts and historical records of the history of Brunei and Borneo. It also has a well-stocked bookstore with publications on Brunei's history. Do note that some exhibits may not be in English. The centre is open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm and on Sundays from 8 am to 12 pm. It is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Admission is free.

Kota Batu Archaeological Park

The Kota Batu Archaeological Park is a 120-acre outdoor archaeological site that serves as a research centre for the investigation of Brunei's history from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Visitors can explore preserved 700-year-old pottery, structures, and craftwork. The park is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on Fridays.

Water parks

If you're looking for water parks to take your kids to in Brunei, there are a few options to consider.

Jerudong Park Playground

Jerudong Park is the biggest amusement park in Brunei, with over 34 attractions for one price. It has well-maintained playground rides, but be mindful of mosque prayer times as the park rides close during these times. There is also a water park within the park, which is huge and great for kids. It is, however, fully clothed only, which some visitors have found uncomfortable and unhygienic.

Liang Lumut Recreation Club

This club offers a relaxing environment to unwind, enjoy the sea, or go for a swim. It also has a good restaurant.

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

This park is within easy walking distance of the city centre. It has well-maintained paths that cater to all types of walkers, from easy to more demanding routes. You can see monkeys, water lizards, and various birds here.

Ulu Temburong National Park

This national park offers activities such as riding a long boat upstream, climbing the canopy walk, visiting a waterfall with a fish spa, and tubing.

Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas

This park is safe for children to play in and for adults to jog. It offers a great view of Kg Ayer water village and the river traffic. A jog to the bridge and back is around 6km.

Theme parks

If you're looking for theme parks to bring your kids to in Brunei, Jerudong Park is the place to be. Located in the Jerudong area of the Brunei-Muara District, Jerudong Park is the largest and most expensive amusement park in Southeast Asia, with over 34 attractions. The park was built and funded by the Bruneian government for $1 billion in the early 1990s and opened in 1994. During its early years, the park charged no admission or ride fees. However, due to a significant drop in visitors, the park introduced a B$15 admission fee and a ride ticketing system in 2009. Today, the park has reverted to free entry, with fees only for rides and attractions. The ticket system offers an $8 card with 4 slots and 1 free ride, and a $10 card with 5 slots and 3 free rides.

Jerudong Park has seen its ups and downs over the years. In the mid-1990s, it was the pride of the region, hosting concerts by Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. The park underwent a revitalization program in 2006, introducing family-oriented entertainment and activities that attracted thousands of people. In 2007, the park became a venue for "Kids' Day" activities, further solidifying its family-friendly appeal. However, by 2011, the park was showing signs of decline, with some of its major rides sold off or abandoned. Despite this, Jerudong Park still offers a range of attractions, including bumper cars, pedal boats, an electric train, and a petting zoo with animals from around the world.

So, if you're looking for a theme park experience in Brunei, Jerudong Park is your best bet. With its range of rides and attractions, as well as its history of hosting famous concerts, it's sure to provide a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Playgrounds

There are several playgrounds in Brunei that are perfect for kids. Here are some options:

Jerudong Park Playground

Jerudong Park is a famous theme park in Brunei that has something for everyone in the family. It features a carousel, pedal boats, bumper cars, mini-golf, a Ferris wheel, a huge outdoor playground, a train, and a mini pirate ship, among other attractions. The park is currently undergoing renovations, with plans to restore it to its former glory. It is important to note that the heat can be a limiting factor, making the late afternoon and early evening the best times to visit. The park offers unlimited rides for a family of four for $50, and there are plenty of food options available, including Burger King and KFC.

Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas

This park is located in the heart of the city and offers a safe and clean environment for children to play and adults to jog. It provides a beautiful view of the Kg Ayer water village and the river traffic.

Muara Beach Recreational Park

Muara Beach Recreational Park is a large playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames. It also has well-maintained bike and scooter paths. The park is fairly shaded, but it can still get hot during the middle of the day. Picnic and BBQ facilities are available, and the beach is clean and free of sand fly problems. Clean toilets and showers are also available for those who plan to use the beach.

Youth Park (Taman Belia Skate Park)

The Youth Park is a clean skate park located on Stadium Road in Bandar. It provides a nice space for kids to ride, scoot, or skate. The trees keep the area shaded until about 8 am, making it a great spot to visit in the early morning.

Royal Brunei Recreation Complex

The Royal Brunei Recreation Complex is a fantastic place for parents to exercise while their kids play nearby. It features a gym, tennis court, football pitches, running track, swimming pools, indoor squash and badminton courts, and two small playgrounds. The pools are great for little ones, but supervision is recommended as there is no shade over the pools during the middle of the day. The complex offers monthly memberships for $100 per family or single-entry for $5 per family member. There is also a restaurant on-site serving affordable meals.

National Stadium Playground

The National Stadium Playground is a newly constructed playground located within the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium. It has a section for young kids and a slightly larger area for more confident climbers. However, it is not well-shaded, so it is best to avoid visiting during the hottest hours of the day. There are some local snack stalls in the nearby car park.

Guided river cruises

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital, is not a popular tourist destination. However, the guided river cruise is a tourist attraction that the whole family can enjoy.

The Cruise

The Brunei River Cruise offers a 2-hour sightseeing cruise along the historical Brunei River. The cruise takes you past iconic landmarks such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge, Kampong Ayer (the 'Venice of the East'), the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and Jong Batu. You can also opt for a 4-hour evening cruise, which sails past the town to the palace and the Petrochemical Refinery Island.

Booking

You can book the cruise online through the Brunei River Cruise website. The cruise can be chartered for private events or larger groups, and meals can be arranged onboard. The MV Sentosa cruise ship has a maximum capacity of 60 passengers.

Reviews

Reviews for the Brunei River Cruise are mixed. Some people enjoyed the cruise, especially the opportunity to take photographs and the comfortable seating. However, others found it underwhelming, with complaints about the lack of wildlife sightings and the presence of boat fumes.

Private Tours

If you're looking for a more personalised experience, private guides can be arranged. These tours offer more flexibility in terms of duration and itinerary. For example, you can arrange a private tour to spot proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife.

Frequently asked questions