💼 After two days of exploring Bandar Seri Begawan's culture and local life, our third and final day in Brunei was saved for the grandest attractions: the luxurious Empire Hotel, the regal Istana Nurul Iman, and the magnificent Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.
Despite having a midnight flight, we managed to pack in a full day's worth of adventure, surprises, and unforgettable moments. This post is a mix of tips, personal stories, and the kind of unexpected thrills only travel can bring.
🥐 7:00 AM — Breakfast at
Jubilee Hotel
We woke up early for the hotel's free breakfast. Not much variety, but hey — free is free! We needed the energy for what would be another epic day.
🚌 8:15 AM — 45-Minute City Tour (Free with Jubilee Hotel)
One of the perks of staying at Jubilee Hotel was their complimentary
city viewing tour. Though it was a drive-by experience, it gave us a quick
glance at landmarks and neighborhoods we hadn’t explored.
⛔ The driver doesn't stop for pictures (except one, thankfully), so be ready with your camera.
📸 I managed to sneak a few shots at Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, though I did take a little longer than a "minute" — sorry fellow guests!
📝 [More about this freebie: Jubilee Hotel & Plaza]
👑 9:25 AM — Istana Nurul Iman (Sultan’s Palace)
We used our free drop-off ride (another hotel perk!) to
visit the Sultan's official residence, only open to the public during
Hari Raya.
Although we couldn't go inside, we politely asked our driver to wait while we snapped some photos. He agreed — yay! The place felt majestic even from afar.
🌐 [Read more: IstanaNurul Iman: Palace of the Light of the Faith]
🎨 10:15 AM — Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre
Next stop: this cultural gem showcasing intricate textiles
woven with real gold and silver threads. Unfortunately, photos weren’t
allowed inside — I tried, but my camera failed me.
💸 Souvenirs here are pricey, but you’ll understand why when you see them.
📍 Still worth the stop even if you're not buying!
🔗 [More info: Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre]
😱 10:40 AM —
(Mis)Adventure: Brunei Museum is Closed!
We planned to visit the Brunei Museum, but it was under renovation. A local man offered us a ride to a nearby museum, and although we accepted, we immediately regretted it. Get a glimpse here>>
🚨 Three girls. One unknown driver. An empty road. No signal. 😰
Just when we thought we were in a real-life horror film, we saw it... the Malay Technological Museum! We were so relieved I almost jumped out of the car.
🛖 10:45 AM — Malay Technological Museum
🚙 Hitchhiked back to Bandar Seri with a kind student — after a lot of begging! We later learned it’s illegal for a man to be alone with unrelated women in a car in Brunei. Oops. 😬
📝 [More about this museum: Malay Technological Museum]
🍽️ 12:00 PM — Lunch at Kopi Bandar
🥤 Must-tries:
- Teh Tarek
- Fresh Lychee Juice
- Fried Rice (seriously, it’s divine!)
📍 [More about my favorite eatery: Kopi Bandar]
🕌 1:05 PM — Mircu Dirgahayu 60 Monument
We stumbled upon this monument dedicated to the Sultan's
60th birthday. A fitting tribute from a country that enjoys free healthcare,
education, housing, and no taxes. #Jealous
📸 1:30 PM — Rest + Random Photoshoot at Jubilee
🍦Bonus: Their café serves surprisingly good ice cream while you wait.
🏨 4:30 PM — Empire Hotel
& Country Club
This 6-star hotel in Jerudong is something else. We wandered around for hours, met fellow Filipinos, and were lucky enough to get photos taken by both guests and staff (even in a restricted area, oops!).
🌇 Don’t leave without seeing it at sunset or nighttime — the lights make the place glow like a palace.
📸 [More: The Empire Hotel & Country Club]
🕌 7:20 PM — Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (Night Visit)
✨ If there’s one thing you do in Brunei, make sure to visit major landmarks both day and night — it’s worth it.
🔗 [Visit: Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque]
🍛 8:15 PM — Dinner at The
Mall's Food Court
With limited food options at the night market, we walked to The Mall and had dinner at the food court.
🇵🇭 We met more Filipinos who gave us free drinks (Teh Tarek again!). A sweet ending to a very eventful day.
🍽️ [More about the mall: The Mall’s Food Court]
✈️ 10:30 PM — Hotel to Airport
🙌 I left Brunei feeling grateful, exhausted, and full of memories — both beautiful and bizarre.
✍️ Brunei may be small, but it gave us big adventures. From royal palaces to local markets, chance encounters to unexpected kindness — this trip taught me that sometimes the unplanned moments make the best memories.
📌 More of Our Brunei Adventures:
➡️ 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 1: National Day, Tamu Kianggeh, Tamu Selera & Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
➡️ 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 2: Royal Regalia 🏛 | Tasek Lama 🌿 | Kampong Ayer 🚤 | Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque 🕌tyhukj,m,
📌 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]
📣 💬 Have you been to Brunei or planning to?
Share your experience or drop your questions in the comments — I’d love to hear your travel stories!
📌 Don’t forget to bookmark this for your future Brunei trip or share it with a friend planning theirs!
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