🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 1: National Day, Tamu Kianggeh, Tamu Selera & Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Brunei was my very first international trip—and oh, what a mix of excitement, fear, and wide-eyed wonder it was! I had flown before, but never for this long, and never outside the Philippines. From the moment we landed at Brunei International Airport, I knew this trip would be something unforgettable. 💛
For the full itinerary, check this out 👉 Brunei Darussalam 3 Days & 2 Nights Itinerary
📌 Also read:
➡️ 🌿 8 Things to Do in Temburong District, Brunei – Hidden Rainforest Wonders »
➡️✨Top Attractions in Brunei-Muara District: Complete Travel Guide from Bandar Seri Begawan »
➡️ 🇧🇳 14 Things to See & Do in Belait District, Brunei’s Oil-Rich Region »
➡️🏞️ 4 Things to See in Tutong District, Brunei – Nature, Culture & Peace »
We landed safe and sound after a smooth flight. I give kudos to Jubilee Hotel for arranging our late-night pick-up—despite it being way past their regular hours. The driver, though limited in English, welcomed us warmly and even shared a few tourist suggestions. He also offered to drive us around (for a fee, of course), just in case our DIY plan hit a snag.
👣 For tips on getting around, read: Getting Around Brunei
🏨 2:30 AM – Early Hotel Check-In at Jubilee Hotel
We didn’t plan to go during a major celebration, but it just so happened that our trip coincided with Brunei’s National Day 🇧🇳—a grand annual celebration we wouldn’t have wanted to miss.
👉 Read more herefor my review on Jubilee Hotel>>
Check these posts for list of hotels in Brunei:
🏨 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
I had originally set our wake-up time for 6 AM, but after a long flight and late-night arrival, we were exhausted. So after our usual "girls getting ready" rituals (you know what I mean! 😉), we finally set off at 8:45 AM—armed with my printed itinerary, camera, sunglasses, and a hat to shield me from Brunei’s scorching sun.
🛍️ 8:54 AM – Tamu Kianggeh (Kampung Kianggeh Open Air Market)
Here, locals sell fresh produce and street food like:
- 🍗 Nasi Katok – fried chicken + rice + sambal (B$1)
- 🍛 Nasi Lemak
- 🌿 Nasi Daun Silat (Brunei’s version of our Binalot!)
We didn’t eat here because we didn’t realize there were food stalls, but I highly recommend trying the local dishes if you go early.
🔗 Read more: Tamu Kianggeh – Brunei's Cheapest Food & Local Produce
Because it was a public holiday, most places were closed—including malls and restaurants. Thankfully, we found De Roy@lle Cafe near Coffee Bean.
It was cozy, the coffee was great, and most staff were Filipinos! 🇵🇭 They were surprised that we chose to visit Brunei—especially during a national holiday! As for the food? Honestly, I can’t remember what I ordered, so I’ll just say it was okay. 😅
Here’s the thing—transport in Brunei on holidays is tough. Buses are limited, taxis are few, and hitching a ride can feel impossible.
We waited, wandered, debated... until I spotted a Filipina lady (thank you, kabayan instincts!) carrying groceries. Long story short: her friend picked her up, we asked to hitch a ride, and she kindly agreed (for B$5 each… a bit steep compared to the B$1 bus fare, but hey, we were desperate!).
📌 Helpful Tip: Cover up and dress modestly—especially as a tourist woman. It helps avoid stares and shows respect for the local culture.
We arrived just in time for the festivities! The arena was already buzzing with excitement, music, and national pride. I even managed to get a mini Brunei flag from a local and posed for photos with them! 🇧🇳
The moment the Sultan arrived, the crowd erupted with cheers. It was colorful, intense, and HOT. Literally. ☀️
🔗 Full story: Negara BruneiDarussalam National Day Celebration
We were exhausted and sore from standing and walking. Luckily, we found a bus (again, heaven-sent!) that agreed to take us back—even though it wasn’t supposed to leave until later in the day.
B$1 chicken rice sounded promising... until we opened the paper bag. 😖 Oily chicken and a pungent sambal sauce made us regret not eating at De Roy@lle again. Lesson learned!
🙏 5:00 PM – Walk to Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church
We also passed by:
- 📸 Lapau Dewan Majilis
- 🏨 Radisson Hotel
- 🍽️ Tamu Selera (Brunei's hawker center)
🔗 More: Our Lady of AssumptionChurch Mass Schedule
We wanted to try something local, so we ventured into Tamu Selera. A bit gritty, a little noisy, and hard to order (no English menus!), but we managed.
We got:
- Nasi Katok (of course)
- Some kind of vegetable balls (regret... 😅)
🔗 More info: Tamu Selera FoodCenter
This mosque is the crown jewel of Bandar Seri Begawan—and the moment I saw it up close, I fell in love. 😍
It felt like love at first sight, and truly one of the most stunning mosques in Southeast Asia. Its gleaming golden dome and serene reflection on the water were breathtaking.
📸 Tip: Visit at night to see it fully lit—like a golden flame in the darkness.
🔗 More: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
🍦 9:22 PM – Side Trip to
Jollibee
We passed Jollibee on the way back and my friend had to take a selfie with it for her boyfriend. 😂 She wanted to eat there too, but we convinced her to support local food instead. Just a sundae for now.
After a full day of walking, hitchhiking, parading, and photo-taking, we were ready to crash. But I already knew—this trip was going to be unforgettable. 💫
💬 Brunei might be small, but it’s full of surprises. From spontaneous parades to generous kabayans and the unforgettable beauty of its mosques—it gave me a first-time travel experience I will always cherish.
If you have questions about your own Brunei itinerary, leave a comment below—I’d be happy to help!
📌 Plan Your Trip: Helpful Resources
🔗 [Brunei 3D2N Itinerary]
🔗 [Must-See Attractions in Brunei]
🔗 [Getting Around Brunei]
🔗 [Brunei Do’s & Don’ts for First-Time Visitors]
📌 More of Our Brunei Adventures:
➡️ 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 2: Royal Regalia 🏛 | Tasek Lama 🌿 | Kampong Ayer 🚤 | Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque 🕌tyhukj,m,
➡️ 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 3: A Royal Finale with Empire Hotel, Istana Nurul Iman & Jame'Asr Mosque
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