📅 Brunei Public Holidays & Travel Tips: Plan Around Events, Closures & Festivals 🇧🇳

Planning a trip to Brunei? Don’t forget to check their public holidays and national events! While they do celebrate Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year like other countries, Brunei also honors unique Islamic and national observances that can greatly affect your travel plans.

💡 TRAVEL TIP: Many shops, restaurants, and even public transport may be closed or limited during holidays. It’s best to know the dates and prepare accordingly—something I wish I had done on our trip!

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🟨 Major Public Holidays in Brunei

🎉 His Majesty the Sultan's Birthday (July 15–16)

During this grand celebration, the whole nation becomes festive! Streets are decked out in banners and lights, with each district contributing via parades, entertainment, and fairs. It’s a patriotic and colorful event honoring one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs.

📝 I remember seeing beautifully lit buildings all around Bandar Seri Begawan—such a proud moment for the locals!

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🇧🇳 National Day (February 23)

This marks Brunei’s full independence from the UK in 1984. Expect large-scale parades by military, civil servants, students, and colorful cultural performances. The day always ends with fireworks lighting up the sky!

🎆 We caught the festivities during our trip—it was energetic and inspiring!

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🌙 Israk Mikraj (May – Islamic Calendar)

Also known as the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension to Heaven. Mosques remain lit all night, and locals commemorate with evening prayers. It's observed on 27th Rajab in the Islamic calendar.

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🪖 Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day (May 31)

Held in Taman Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, this day is marked by military parades and public displays honoring Brunei’s armed forces.

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🍢 Gerai Ramadan (First Day of Ramadan)

The fasting month begins with vibrant food markets (Gerai Ramadan) selling delicacies for iftar (evening breaking of the fast). Expect shortened business hours during this holy month.

🥘 Even if you’re not fasting, the food stalls are worth exploring—you’ll find delicious kuehs and grilled treats!

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📖 Nuzul Al-Quran (Qur'an Revelation Day)

Celebrates the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. Many Muslims gather for prayers and Qur'an recitations at mosques.

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🎊 Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid ul-Fitri)

A joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Families open their homes to visitors, and sweets, festive meals, and traditional dress fill the air. It’s one of Brunei’s most vibrant holidays.

🕌 This is also the ONLY time when Istana Nurul Iman—the Sultan’s palace—is open to the public!

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🐏 Hari Raya Aidil Adha (Eid al-Adha)

The most sacred Muslim holiday commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son. Families attend mosque services and share meat with the less fortunate.

💡 If you’re lucky to be around, you might witness traditional ceremonies or even palace open-house events.

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🕋 Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)

Unlike the Gregorian New Year, this day is solemn and reflective. Muslims offer prayers in mosques and quietly welcome the new Hijri year.

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🕘 Business Hours in Brunei

Service Type	Hours
🏛️ Government Offices	7:45 AM – 12:15 PM
💼 Private Offices	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Weekdays)
🛍️ Shopping Centres	10:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Daily)

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🧳 Brunei may be small, but its calendar is packed with meaningful celebrations and religious observances that reflect its deep-rooted Islamic and royal traditions. Planning your trip around Brunei's public holidays can either enhance your experience—like witnessing colorful parades—or cause hiccups if you're unaware of closures. That’s why it pays to check the calendar before you book that flight!

Whether you're aiming to join the Sultan’s birthday festivities, explore Jame'Asr Mosque during a quiet morning, or avoid Friday prayer closures, a little pre-planning goes a long way in making your Brunei trip smooth, respectful, and enriching.

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✈️ Planning your Brunei getaway?

Don’t forget to bookmark this Public Holiday & Travel Tips guide so you can time your visit right—whether you're chasing festivals or craving a peaceful escape.

🕌 Travel smart, travel respectfully—Brunei style!

📅 Check updated holidays now and avoid last-minute surprises.