✨ Our last night in Brunei was meant to be chill — a stroll through a night market and maybe a quick bite before flying back to Manila. What we didn’t expect was how something so simple — like a cup of Teh Tarik — could leave such a lasting impression. This post is about the unexpected warmth, a little bit of shopping, and our encounter with fellow Filipinos in the heart of Gadong.
✨ One of the best things about staying at Jubilee Hotel in Brunei is its perfect location — close to many of Bandar Seri Begawan’s must-see sites. On our last full day, we decided to walk to Tamu Selera, a local food court that offers an authentic taste of Bruneian dishes. It was a quiet 10-minute walk that felt oddly luxurious — imagine walking in the city with barely any cars around. Brunei’s streets are so peaceful, we joked that it felt like we owned the road (LOL). 😄
✨ Unplanned detours often make the best travel memories.
While walking to the Catholic Church in Bandar Seri Begawan, we stumbled upon Tamu Selera — an old-school food court nestled under colorful parasols, buzzing with local life. After mass, we decided to drop by for dinner... and I’m so glad we did.
🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam: 3D2N Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (Updated 2025)
🌟 Brunei isn’t just oil wealth and opulent mosques—it’s serenity, culture, and subtle charm. Despite being compact, it’s filled with historical, religious, and architectural gems you can explore in just a few days. While nightlife here is quiet due to the country's Islamic values, a 3D2N trip is more than enough to get a glimpse of its wonders.
If you're planning your first trip to this peaceful nation, here's a sample itinerary based on our own experience—complete with tips, key attractions, and honest impressions.
✈️ Getting There
Brunei is served by Brunei International Airport (BWN) in Bandar Seri Begawan, with direct flights from major cities like Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore via Royal Brunei Airlines, AirAsia, and others.
🏨 Where to Stay
We stayed at Jubilee Hotel, a budget-friendly option located near the city center. It’s walkable to major spots like the Royal Regalia Museum and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. They offer a complimentary return trip to select destinations—a huge plus!
📍 Jalan Kampong Kianggeh,
Bandar Seri Begawan
☎️ +673 2228070
🏨 Hotels in Bandar Seri
Begawan: 2025 Guide with Contact & Tips
🏨 Top Hotels Outside
Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam 2025 | Best Stays & Contact Info
🏨 Where to Stay in Brunei
Darussalam – Hotels, Homestays & Budget Options (2025)
🏨 Top Hotels Outside
Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam 2025 | Best Stays & Contact Info
🚕 Getting Around
🗓️ SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS (Prepared Before the Trip)
📅 DAY 1: FEBRUARY 23, 2014 (Sunday)
🕐 1:40am – Arrival
at Brunei International Airport
🏨
2:00am–6:00am – Arrival at Jubilee Hotel | Wait at lounge
🛏️
6:00am–8:00am – Check-in | Rest | Breakfast
🎉
8:30am–10:00am – Watch National Day Celebration
🚗
10:15am–11:00am – Quick City Drive-By
🍽️
12:00pm–3:00pm – Lunch/View at Empire Hotel & Country Club
🎢
3:15pm–3:45pm – Jerudong Park (optional, based on time/budget)
🚘
4:00pm–4:45pm – Travel back to hotel
⛪
5:15pm–6:30pm – Attend Mass at Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
🍛
7:00pm–8:00pm – Dinner at Kainggeh Tamuh (Nasi Katok/Nasi Lemak
for B$1)
📅 DAY 2: FEBRUARY 24, 2014 (Monday)
🌅 6:30am – Wake-Up
Call
🥐
7:30am–8:30am – Breakfast
🏛️
9:00am–9:30am – Brunei History Center
🏰
9:45am–10:15am – Royal Regalia Building
📸
10:30am–11:00am – View The Lapau & Dewan Majlis (exterior only)
🌳
11:15am–11:45am – Visit Tasek Lama Park (optional)
🍴
12:00pm–1:00pm – Lunch at local eateries
🕌
1:30pm–2:30pm – Visit Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
🏘️
3:00pm–4:00pm – Explore Kampung Ayer & Cultural Gallery
👑
4:30pm–6:00pm – Stop by Istana Nurul Iman from riverside
🌙
7:00pm onwards – Free Time | City walk
📅 DAY 3: FEBRUARY 25, 2014 (Tuesday)
🌅 6:30am – Wake-Up
Call
🥐
7:30am–8:30am – Breakfast
🕌
9:00am–10:00am – Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
🏛️
10:30am–11:00am – Malay Technology Museum
🏛️
11:15am–11:45am – Brunei Museum
🍴
12:00pm–1:00pm – Lunch
⚰️
1:15pm–1:45pm – Sultan Bolkiah Mausoleum
🧳
2:00pm–3:00pm – Refresh | Check-out
🧵
3:30pm–4:00pm – Arts & Handicrafts Centre
🏡
4:15pm–4:45pm – House of Twelve Roofs
🛍️
4:30pm–10:00pm – Final City Exploration
✈️
10:30pm – Transfer to Airport
🎒 ACTUAL ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS (What Really Happened)
📅 DAY 1: FEBRUARY 23, 2014 (Sunday)
🛬 1:40am – Arrival
at Airport
🚖
2:15am – Check-in at Jubilee Hotel
☕
2:30am–8:45am – Rest | Breakfast
🛍️
8:50am–9:00am – Visit Kampung Kianggeh Market
🍳
9:15am–10:15am – Breakfast at DeRoy@le Café
🚐
10:25am–12:00pm – Attend National Day at Stadium
😵
12:00pm–2:00pm – Walk aimlessly (figuring out transport 😅)
🍜
2:00pm–5:00pm – Light lunch | Rest
⛪
5:15pm–6:30pm – Mass
🍽️
7:00pm–7:45pm – Dinner at Kainggeh Tamuh
🕌
8:15pm–9:15pm – Evening stroll at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
🛏️
9:30pm – Bedtime
📅 DAY 2: FEBRUARY 24, 2014 (Monday)
🥐 8:30am–9:30am –
Breakfast
🏛️
9:30am–10:00am – Walk | Photos of History Center, The Lapau
👑
10:00am–11:20am – Royal Regalia Museum
🌳
11:50am–12:30pm – Tasek Lama Park
🍱
1:00pm–2:30pm – Lunch at Kaizen Sushi
🏘️
3:30pm–4:30pm – Explore Kampung Ayer
🕌
5:00pm–5:15pm – Mosque visit
🛍️
7:15pm–8:15pm – Window Shopping at Yayasan Complex
🕌
8:15pm–9:15pm – Return to Mosque for Night View
🛏️
9:30pm – Bedtime
📅 DAY 3: FEBRUARY 25, 2014 (Tuesday)
🕌 8:00am–9:00am –
City Drive-By
👑
9:30am–9:45am – View Istana Nurul Iman
🧵
10:00am–10:20am – Handicrafts Centre
🏛️
10:40am–11:30am – Malay Technology Museum
🎉
11:40am–11:45am – Stop by 60th Monument
🍽️
12:00pm–1:00pm – Lunch at Kopi Bandar
☕
3:00pm–4:00pm – Snack at Café
🌟
5:00pm–7:00pm – Visit Empire Hotel & Country Club
🕌
7:20pm–7:50pm – Visit Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
🍱
8:15pm–9:15pm – Dinner at The Mall’s food court
🧳
10:30pm – Check-out | Transfer to Airport
✨ Brunei is clean, peaceful, and culturally rich, but nightlife is limited. The actual itinerary ended up being more laid-back, giving us time to enjoy the city's calmness. Some sites were unexpectedly closed or limited, so flexibility was key!
📝 Travel Tips
🚌 Transport: Taxi
is expensive; walking is common
🕌
Dress Modestly: Especially in religious sites
📵
Quiet Evenings: Most shops close early
💰
Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND) – Same value as SGD
Brunei may not be your usual Southeast Asian adventure, but its peaceful charm, grand architecture, and cultural depth make it a unique stop. It’s safe, clean, and offers a refreshing pause from the hustle of its neighbors. Three days are enough—but it’s the kind of place that stays with you longer.
🗨️ Have a question or need help planning your Brunei trip? Drop a comment below! I’d be happy to help you tailor your own itinerary.
Save this post, share it with your travel buddy, or leave a comment if you’ve been to Brunei! I'd love to hear your experience. 💬👇