🇧🇳 14 Things to See & Do in Belait District, Brunei’s Oil-Rich Region

| Saturday, October 08, 2016

🌿 A Personal Glimpse: Why Belait Deserves a Day (or Two)

Although Belait District is the largest in Brunei, many tourists tend to overlook it in favor of Muara District where the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is located. But for those seeking something different—a mix of nature, culture, oil industry heritage, and authentic local life—Belait offers a surprisingly rich experience.

We had the chance to explore the area, and what we found were local markets bustling in the early morning, peaceful recreational parks, beaches you’ll have to yourself, and even ancestral longhouses tucked deep into the jungle.

If you ever plan to visit Belait, here are the top 14 attractions that made our trip both memorable and meaningful:

🗺️ Top Attractions in Belait District, Brunei

1. Tamu Kuala Belait

An open-air market operating every Sunday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Jalan Padang. Just a 5-minute walk from downtown Kuala Belait, it’s perfect for early risers who want a taste of local produce and snacks.

2. Silver Jubilee Park

Built to celebrate the Sultan’s Silver Jubilee, the park features a monument, arched entrance (pintu gerbang), exhibition huts, and a children’s playground. Located just 1 km from the town proper.

3. Billionth Barrel Monument

A proud symbol of Brunei’s oil heritage, this monument near Seria commemorates the billionth barrel of oil produced by Brunei Shell Petroleum.

4. Tamu Seria

Another Saturday morning market, just 15 minutes from Seria town, offering fresh vegetables, poultry, and local goods.

5. Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park

Located 80 km from Bandar, this family-friendly park features a lagoon and wide open spaces—another generous contribution by Brunei Shell Petroleum.

6. Lumut Beach

A lesser-known beach where you can relax under beach huts and enjoy a peaceful picnic with friends or family.

7. Sungai Liang / Andulau Forest Recreation Park

The largest forest park in Brunei. With well-marked jungle trails, it’s perfect for nature walks and birdwatching. Botanists will love the observation posts at treetop levels!

8. Luagan Lalak Lake / Recreation Park

A rare alluvial freshwater swamp (empran). A wooden walkway lets visitors explore this seasonal wonder safely.

9. Wasai Wong Kadir Recreational Park

A 45-minute jungle trek leads you to refreshing waterfalls and cool river pools—a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

10. Labi Longhouses

Literally a “village under one roof.” These communal longhouses, once home to Iban headhunters, are still occupied today. Visitors must bring a small gift, ask for permission, and remove footwear before entering—a beautiful cultural practice still observed with respect.

11. Seria Town

Where it all began—oil was first discovered here in 1929. You can still see the “Nodding Donkey” oil pumps working the land.

12. Oil & Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC)

Operated by Brunei Shell Petroleum, this interactive center explores the wonders of science and the oil industry.

  • 🕒 Hours:
    • Tue–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Fri: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Weekend/Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • 🎟️ Admission Fee: B$5 (Adults), B$1 (Children over 5)

13. Kuala Belait Town

Also known as KB, this is the commercial heart of Belait and home to Istana Mangelela, the Sultan’s residence when in the district.

14. River Safari to Kampung Sukang & Kampung Melilas

Take a river journey into Brunei’s jungle interior to visit traditional Penan, Dusun, and Iban communities. Continue further to see waterfalls and hot springs—the kind of raw adventure that makes travel unforgettable.

🚗 How to Get to Belait District

  • By Coastal Road:
    Takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Bandar Seri Begawan. Ideal to rent a car or book with a local tour operator.
  • From Miri, Malaysia:
    Accessible via a toll bridge between Kuala Belait and Miri, Sarawak.

📌 Also Explore Other Districts:

🧳 Our 3-Day Brunei Adventure Series:

➡️ 🇧🇳 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, 
➡️ 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 3: A Royal Finale with Empire Hotel, Istana Nurul Iman & Jame'Asr Mosque

💬 Belait may be known as Brunei’s oil powerhouse, but it offers so much more than industry—from tranquil jungle walks to vibrant traditional markets, scenic beaches, and rich cultural encounters. It’s the kind of place that rewards the curious traveler.

🧭 Planning a trip to Brunei?
Save this post for your itinerary or share it with a friend who's traveling soon!

💬 If you’ve been to Belait or have updates to the places listed, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience and update the guide. 🌿

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