The Complete Guide to Brunei

Brunei is an underrated destination located on the island of Borneo, shared by Malaysia and Indonesia. Nestled between the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei appeals to travelers with its serene landscapes, historical landmarks, and warm hospitality. Most visitors opt for a layover in the city of Bandar Seri Begawan, but I recommend exploring the outskirts since the jungle makes up for 70% of the country.

Things to Do

Ulu Tempurong National Park

Ulu Tempurong is the heart of Borneo and only accessible by longboat, creating an immersive experience in Brunei's untouched wilderness. There are a variety of tours that provide day or overnight trips into the Park.

Recommended Tour: Freme. A tour through the National Park will include hotel pickup from Barndar Seri Begawan at 7 AM, a longboat ride, the canopy walkway, a waterfall, and a water actviity to come back to the lodge - rafting, kayaking, or tubing. You'll be back in Bandar Seri Begawan around 3 PM.

Kapong Ayer

Just a boat ride away from the capital lies Kampong Ayer, a water village that has preserved its traditional charm for centuries. It's an intricate network of wooden walkways and stilt houses over croodile-filled waters. There are multiple ways to explore this village: walk the boardwalks, hire a water taxi for a tour, or eat at one of the floating restaurants.

Mosques

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: Sitting on the banks of the Brunei River, this mosque is known for its golden dome, marble minarets where you can hear the call to prayer echoed throughout the city, and artifical lagoon that wraps around the back side creating a reflection of the mosque.

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. It can accommodate thousands of people, making it a central hub for worship, education, and cultural events in Brunei.

Markets

Day and night markets are an integral part of Asian culture and for this reason, shouldn't be missed.

Gadong Night Market: Experience Brueni's street food culture at this market for locals and visitors. You'll find illuminated stalls offering their specialty dishes from skewered satay to sweet treats.

Kianggeh Market: Explore the lively stalls of this morning market filled with fresh produce, exotic spices, and locally sourced ingredients. Local craftsmen display their handmade items, ranging from traditional textiles to woodwork pieces and jewelry.

Cuisine

Brunei's cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous influences. Spices are often integrated into their meals - the most prominent being sambal. To navigate the food scene in Brunei, some helpful words to know are:

Nasi = Rice

Mee = Noodles

Goreng = Fried

Ambuyat: This is a traditional sago palm-based delicacy. Over time, the dish became a cultural symbol, representing shared meals and traditional gatherings. It doesn't have much flavor on its own, but it's meant to be dipped in a variety of condiments using a dip and swirl method with chandas (similar to chopsticks). You won't find this at the Night Market, but the best place to get it is at the Aminah Arif Restaurant.

Nasi Katok: A common street-food dish consisting of a combination of rice, fried chicken, and sambal. The story behind it was that a hungry traveler went door to door knocking (Katok) for food and was eventually served rice and chicken and the name stuck.

Whether you're wandering through the historic capital, immersing yourself in the jungle of Ulu Temburong, or exploring the water village of Kampong Ayer, Brunei offers an escape for those seeking a unique travel experience.