I had no idea that Brunei wasn’t exactly a popular destination. Not because it lacks beauty — it’s clean, peaceful, and quite regal — but because it’s not very tourist-friendly in terms of transportation and accessibility.
Still, I was excited — except for one thing: flying. I’ve always been scared of turbulence after a rough flight experience, but thankfully, our flight to Brunei was smooth. I slept off the fear and woke up just as we landed.
When we arrived in Brunei, we discovered that a lot of Filipinos work there and the first thing they asked us was “Why Brunei?” We were taken aback with that question and what we can only say is because the fare is cheap.
But after a day of walking past golden mosques, floating villages, and untouched rainforests, I had a better answer: Brunei is where time slows down, and everything feels sacred—especially the silence.
This guide is for travelers like me—those who love DIY trips, cultural gems, nature, and finding beauty in places off the typical tourist radar.
🌏 A Little Info About the Sultanate
🕌 Brunei Darussalam, or formally Negara Brunei Darussalam, is a small yet incredibly wealthy country nestled on the northern coast of Borneo 🗺️. Despite its size, Brunei offers free education 🎓, healthcare 🏥, housing 🏘️, and no income tax 💰 to its citizens—impressive perks that speak volumes about its wealth and governance.
📜 Historically, its sovereignty once extended across Borneo and even some parts of the Philippines 🇵🇭. While today it’s much smaller in size, it still has a wealth of hidden jewels 💎 for those willing to explore.
- Population: ~343,000
- Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 993
- Fire: 995
- Ambulance: 991
- Flight Info: 2331747
- Directory: 113
- Royal Brunei Airlines: 2339225
🗺️ Brunei’s 4 Districts
Brunei is divided into four administrative districts:
- Belait – The largest district, known for oil and gas production.
- Tutong – A quiet area with nature spots and cultural attractions.
- Temburong – Home to pristine rainforests and eco-tourism gems.
- Brunei-Muara – The smallest but most developed, where you’ll find the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.
I personally only had the chance to explore Brunei-Muara, but let me tell you—it’s packed with cultural sites, historical landmarks, and tranquil parks. You’ll need more than three days to really see it all.
Check these posts for Must-See Attractions in these 4 Districts:
➡️ 🌿
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 »
✈️ Getting There: Airfare That is Too Cheap to Resist 💸
💡 Airport to City Tip: The airport is just 15 minutes from Bandar Seri Begawan (the capital). A taxi or Grab (if available) will cost around BND 20 (~₱800–900). Always check with you hotel if they have free Airport pick-up.
👉 Click here for Getting Around Brunei
🛬 Brunei International Airport
- 📍 Located about 11 km (15-minute drive) from the capital
- 💸 Airport Tax (International Departure): B$12
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most travelers enjoy visa-free entry. Here's a quick breakdown:
- 🇵🇭 Philippines: 14 days visa-free
- 🇺🇸 USA: 90 days visa-free
- 🇬🇧 UK (w/ right of abode): 30 days
- 🇯🇵 🇰🇷 🇹🇭 🇫🇷 🇨🇦 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 🇸🇬 etc.: 14 days visa-free
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Visa on arrival (14 days)
⚠️ Always double-check the latest requirements before travel.
🧾 Visitors must have an onward ticket or sufficient funds for their stay.
🧳 Customs Allowances
- ✅ 2 bottles of liquor or 12 cans of beer (non-Muslims only)
- ✅ Reasonable amount of perfume
- 🚫 Drugs and pornography are strictly prohibited
🏨 Accommodation: Jubilee Hotel – Affordable & Friendly
What's Included:
- Free breakfast 🍳
- Free airport pickup/drop-off (until 11 PM) 🚐
- Free nightly transfer to nearby attractions 🚏
- Free 45-minute city overview tour 🏙️
- Free WiFi 🌐
- Extended checkout at 1 PM 🕐
Even better: when we arrived at 2:00 AM, they let us check in early for free and even upgraded us to a Family Suite — no extra charge! The staff was friendly and helpful. Highly recommended for budget travelers!
👉 Check my honest review about Jubilee Hotel
✨ DIY Tip: Brunei doesn’t have a ton of hotels, but check Airbnb or Agoda for clean, local guesthouses. Most places offer free airport pickup.
If you want to splurge a little (or more), check these
hotels:
🏨
Radisson Hotel, Brunei: A Comfortable Stay
in the Heart of BSB
🏨
The Empire Hotel & Country Club: The
Most Elegant Hotel in Brunei
Or if you'd rather have an adventure, check this home stay
in the middle of Kampong Ayer:
🏡
Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay: A Warm (and
Unexpected) Welcome in Brunei's Water Village
For the complete list of hotels in Badar Seri and Around
Brunei check my posts below:
🏨
Where to Stay in Brunei Darussalam –
Hotels, Homestays & Budget Options (2025)
🏨 Hotels
in Bandar Seri Begawan: 2025 Guide with Contact & Tips
🏨Where to Stay in Bandar Seri Begawan (2025
Guide) – Top Hotels & Budget Stays in Brunei
🏨
Top Hotels Outside Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei Darussalam 2025 | Best Stays & Contact Info
🚗 Transportation in Brunei: Tricky Without a Car
They do have a bus system, but the buses only stop at designated locations — often far from key attractions. As a group of women, it was difficult (and awkward) to ride the bus, which was usually full of men who didn’t acknowledge us.
My Experiences:
- ✅ The free hotel shuttle and city tour were lifesavers
- 🚶♀️ We walked… a LOT
- 🙃 We hitchhiked — twice! (which we later learned wasn’t appropriate for women with male drivers)
- ⚠️ One local group of Filipinas overcharged us B$20 for a short trip — while the actual bus fare back was just B$1.00.
The only upside? No traffic at all — drivers zoom around like there’s no speed limit 😂They are very courteous with pedestrians, though. They stop as soon as they see people on the side of the streets. no wonder, there's no pedestrian lanes in Brunei.
📍 Language Barrier & Getting Around
Locals are generally nice, but not very helpful when asking for directions — mostly due to the language barrier. Even policemen weren’t able to help us.
I remember sitting on the grass outside a huge stadium because we couldn’t find the bus stop and nobody would talk to us. We probably looked insane to passersby 😅
👉 Check my post about Do's And Don'ts When in Brunei.
🗣️ Useful Malay Phrases for Travelers
| English | Malay |
|---|---|
| Good Morning | Selamat Pagi |
| Where is the toilet? | Di mana tandas? |
| Thank you | Terima Kasih |
| You're welcome | Sama-sama |
| Turn right / Turn left | Belok Kanan / Belok Kiri |
| Go straight | Jalan Terus |
| How much? | Berapa? |
| My name is … | Nama saya … |
📅 National Holidays: Plan Ahead!
Avoid visiting Brunei during national holidays, like National Day. Everything shuts down — shops, buses, even taxis. Only coffee shops are open, and there's zero public transportation.
We learned this the hard way. If you must travel on a holiday, pre-arrange transport with your hotel in advance.
Check this post for the list of events and holidays in
Brunei.
📅
Brunei Public Holidays & Travel Tips:
Plan Around Events, Closures & Festivals 🇧🇳
Get a glimpse of the National Holiday we observe when we
visited below
🇧🇳
Brunei National Day: What It’s Like to
Celebrate February 23 in Bandar Seri Begawan
💱 Currency Exchange
- B$1.00 = ~₱36.00 (2025 rate)
- Don’t be surprised if you’re given Singapore dollars as change — they’re accepted and have the same value in Brunei.
🌤️ Weather & Dress Code
It’s hot and humid like the Philippines, but more uncomfortable because you’ll need to wear long sleeves, pants, and sometimes a shawl or head cover — especially in mosques.
🧕 Muslim modesty laws are strictly observed. Avoid revealing clothes, and always carry a shawl.
🕌 Cultural Reminders
- Bruneians love and respect their king — never speak negatively about him
- Be mindful of local etiquette, especially around religion
- Respect prayer times and avoid loud behavior in public
- Don’t expect nightlife — alcohol is banned, and bars/clubs don’t exist (We actually met one American on our way to the Mosque and he's looking for a bar. When we got back we saw him again, so I guess he didn't find one)
🕰️ Business Hours
Monday–Thursday & Saturday:
7:45 AM – 12:00 NN, then 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Closed on Fridays and Sundays
Some hotel restaurants also follow this schedule. One night, we were too late to get food and had to eat instant noodles from the hotel’s mini grocery 😅
Check this post for the list of events and holidays in
Brunei.
📅
Brunei Public Holidays & Travel Tips:
Plan Around Events, Closures & Festivals 🇧🇳
📸 What to See in Brunei (DIY-Style)
There’s not much “touristy” stuff, but if you love culture and quiet parks, Brunei offers a unique charm. Some must-see spots:
🥭 1. Tamu Kianggeh (Kianggeh Market)
This was actually my very first stop after settling into Jubilee Hotel, and what a great way to start the trip! Tamu Kianggeh gave me my first taste of local life—literally. The market is colorful, lively, and full of charm. I loved how locals smiled warmly as I passed by their stalls, and I couldn’t resist buying some freshly made kueh cincin and jala for breakfast snacks.
Don’t miss:
🍈 Sampling fruits I’ve never heard of before like tarap and membangan
🎁 Bargaining for local crafts like the beautiful tudung dulay
🛶 Taking a spontaneous water taxi ride to Kampung Ayer—it’s right
there!
🗺️ Read More »
🕌 2. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
This mosque stopped me in my tracks—literally. I first saw it from afar while walking in Yayasan, and I was drawn to its majestic glow. The golden dome, the serene water surrounding it, and the elegant minarets are absolutely unforgettable. As a non-Muslim, I appreciated how welcoming they were, offering robes and guidance to visitors.
Travel Tip:
✨ Visit at night—this place glows like a lantern in the dark
🧕🏼 Women must wear the provided robe and head covering inside
📷 Snap a photo with the mahligai barge outside—it’s like stepping into
history!
🗺️ Read More »
🛍️ 3. Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex
After my visit to the mosque, I headed to Yayasan for a quick breather and ended up staying way longer than planned. This place isn’t huge, but it has everything—from a nice grocery (perfect for pasalubong!) to cute cafes where I cooled down with a milk tea.
I was so thrilled to spot Boncafé coffee—the one I’d been looking for back home in Manila for months. Plus, I scored Cadbury Dark with Mint which I rarely see elsewhere!
What I loved most:
🛍️ Convenient shopping with the mosque as a gorgeous backdrop
☕️ My surprise “coffee treasure hunt” success!
📸 That granite walkway is perfect for Instagram shots
🎉 4. Mercu Dirgahayu 60 Monument
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🍽️ Dine at Kopi Bandar nearby—We ordered their curry and couldn’t believe how affordable it was!
🌊 5. Kampung Ayer (Water Village)
Kampung Ayer was the highlight of my trip—hands down. I remember thinking, How is this even real? Entire neighborhoods built on stilts, complete with schools, clinics, and mosques! I took a water taxi just before sunset, and that view of Istana Nurul Iman glimmering in the golden hour? Absolutely unforgettable.
💡 Insider Tip:
🏡 Ask your boatman to swing by Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay—so
peaceful and authentic!
🎟️ Visit the Cultural & Tourism Gallery for free exhibits
and cool souvenirs
🌅 Don’t miss the sunset ride—pure magic
👑 6. The Lapau & Dewan Majlis
This building is rich with royal history—it's where Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was crowned in 1968! I didn’t go inside because we didn’t schedule a visit, but even from the outside, it felt grand and historic. I remember standing there imagining how regal the coronation must’ve been.
👑 Travel Tip: If you’re into royal history, try to schedule a tour inside through Brunei Tourism ahead of time.
🗺️ Read More »
📚 7. Brunei History Centre
This was right next to the Royal Regalia Museum, but unfortunately, it was closed when we visited. I had planned to learn more about Brunei’s royal lineage and ancient sultanate stories here. I’ll definitely return for this next time.
📌 Note: Opening hours may vary—check before your visit!
🗺️ Read More »
👑 8. Royal Regalia Building
This museum totally blew me away. It’s regal, elegant, and—surprisingly—free! After removing our shoes and securing our bags in a locker, we stepped into a world of royal gifts, ceremonial regalia, and even a replica of the Sultan’s throne.
🎁 Must Do: Take photos in the outer gallery (only place allowed!), then just soak in the royal splendor inside.
🗺️ Read More »
🌳 9. Tasek Lama Recreational Park
We stumbled upon this spot looking for a nature break, and it was one of the most pleasant surprises! You wouldn’t expect to find a forest trail and waterfall right in the city center. We didn’t have a guide, but following the path was easy and fun.
🌿 Try this: If you’re up for a mini adventure, follow the trail to the waterfall—or just relax and people-watch near the playground.
🏰 10. Istana Nurul Iman
This is not just a palace—it’s the largest residential palace in the world, and it’s designed by a fellow Filipino, Leandro Locsin. 🇵🇭 It made me proud seeing Filipino excellence on this grand scale. We couldn't enter (it's only open during Hari Raya), but even from the outside, it was impressive.
🌇 My favorite view: From the water taxi during sunset—the golden dome glows beautifully. Don’t miss that.
🗺️ Read More »
🎨 11. Arts & Handicrafts Centre
This riverside centre preserves Brunei’s traditional crafts like weaving and brasswork. It’s not super touristy, but that’s what I loved—it felt genuine and peaceful.
🎁 If budget allows: Pick up handmade souvenirs here—they’re more authentic than those in malls.
🗺️ Read More »
🏛️ 12. Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum
Although smaller than other national museums I’ve seen, this one had some interesting Islamic art and maritime relics. We were not able to get inside because it was closed when we visited. If you have time, make sure to visit this Museum.
💡 Tip: Combine this with a visit to the Malay Technological Museum—they’re very close!
🧰 13. Malay Technological Museum
This museum was one of the highlights of my second day. It’s all about how ancient Bruneians lived, worked, and built things. I found the boat-making and goldsmithing displays fascinating. Great way to understand the roots of Brunei’s culture.
🎟️ No entrance fee, and very well curated!
🗺️ Read More »
🕌 14. Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
This is hands-down the most majestic mosque I’ve seen in Brunei. I couldn’t help but stare at the towering minarets and the golden domes—especially when they lit up at night. It's so big that you can see it from the highway on the way to the airport.
If you can time your visit when the mosque is open to the public, go inside. I wasn’t able to enter, but even just viewing it from the outside was worth the drive.
✨ Night visit highly recommended—those domes are magical when lit up.
🗺️ Read More »
🛍️ 15. The Mall (Gadong)
After all the sightseeing, I needed some AC and a good meal, so we headed to The Mall in Gadong. This 8-story complex is a one-stop spot for shopping, movies, and food cravings. I was happy to finally try Ambuyat, Brunei’s national dish, at the food court. Add a Teh Tarek (milky pulled tea) and you're good to go!
🍽️ Try the local eats—even at the food court, they’re authentic and flavorful.
🏨 16. The Empire Hotel & Country Club
💡 You can walk around and
explore as a visitor, just respect the restricted guest-only areas.
🌅 Go during golden hour for the full luxury experience!
🗺️ Read More »
🏟️ 17. Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium
We didn’t spend too much time here, but this stadium is where major public events and sports competitions are held, especially Brunei National Day. Locals also use it for jogging and workouts.
🚶 Worth a quick stop if you’re into sports or architecture.
🎤 18. International Convention Centre
This was more of a drive-by view, but it looked really impressive from the outside! We passed by it after visiting the stadium on our way back to the hotel. It hosts political events and international conventions.
📍 Can skip if short on time, but still interesting to see.
🍛 Food in Brunei: What to Expect
- No pork — Brunei is a Muslim country
- Some local food stalls have no English menus
- Just point at something that looks good 😂
- We tried some vegetable balls that were… um, weird 😝
- Don’t leave without trying Teh Tarik — the frothy local milk tea!
💡 Tip: Look for local eateries in malls — we met some fellow Filipinos at Jerudong Mall who were happy to serve us and even gave us free drinks!
🚕 Getting Around Brunei
- Taxis & Private Cars – Limited and pricey. I mostly used Dart (Brunei’s version of Grab).
- Buses – Cheap but not very reliable; useful during the day.
- Walking – Perfectly safe in Bandar Seri Begawan, especially in daylight.
🗓️ My 3D/2N DIY Itinerary in Brunei
🌟 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.
🗺️ ✈️ 3 Days in Brunei Itinerary – What We Planned vs. What Really Happened
💡 Practical Tips
- 💸 Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND); 1 BND ≈ 40–42 PHP. Singapore Dollars are accepted too!
- 📱 SIM card: Get one at the airport for cheap internet (DST or Progresif)
- 🧴 Dress modestly, especially near mosques or public spaces
- 😴 It’s quiet at night – no bars or nightlife; Brunei is peaceful and family-oriented
✅ Brunei may not be the easiest country for backpackers, especially women, but it was definitely memorable. Despite the transport challenges, language barriers, and heat, I found myself falling in love with the quiet charm, cultural depth, and the warm hospitality of the people at our hotel.
If I ever return to Brunei, I’d love to explore the countryside instead of the city.
📣 ✈️ Planning your Brunei adventure?
Save this DIY travel guide for later and explore the best of Bandar Seri Begawan—from royal palaces to floating villages—on your own terms!
📌 Don’t forget to check the itinerary, tips, and maps before you go. 🇧🇳✨
🧳 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
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