With 24 must see destinations in Brunei, this guide will help you find the hidden gems of this unique country on the island of Borneo.
There’s not a great deal of information out there about travelling to Brunei so I hope this helps you. I visited Brunei as a solo female traveller in June 2024 and visited most of these attractions so they are up to date. If you eat plant based, read my Vegan Food Guide to Brunei too.
With an international airport, this country is easy to get to with direct flights from Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Dubai and China.
From the interesting museums to the breathtaking mosques, and the bustling malls to the tranquil beauty of nature that surrounds the landscape, this is definitely a destination to tick off your bucket list!
Keep on reading to find things to see and do in Brunei Darussalam!
MOSQUES
Check out the 6 must visit mosques in Brunei here
1. Omar Ali Saifudien Mosque
Surrounded by a serene artificial lagoon, this mosque is an iconic symbol of Islamic architecture and a prominent landmark in the country. Built in 1958, the mosque is named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and has a grand golden dome, elegant minarets, and marble surfaces imported from Italy. Visit during sunset for the most beautiful experience.
2. Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
One of the country’s largest and most magnificent mosques. Built in 1994 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign, the mosque has 29 golden domes, signifying the 29th Sultan of Brunei, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The interior is covered with intricate carvings, lavish chandeliers and exquisite marble work. Visitors can easily get a DART or public bus here from the waterfront.
3. Ash Shaliheen Mosque
This mosque blends traditional Islamic elements with contemporary design. Completed in 2012, it was designed by Egyptian architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil. It features a unique design with a retractable roof, allowing natural light into the interior.
4. Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque (Kampong Ayer)
Located in Kampong Ayer water village, this mosque can be accessed by boat or by road.
5. Masjid Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota (DPMM) Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah
Located across the river at Kampong Tamoi Tengah water village, this mosque has tall white minarets and a green dome that you can see from quite a distance. You can get here by boat, by walking through the water village or by road.
6. Brunei International Airport Mosque
This mosque you’ll easily see when you land into Brunei airport or if you’re departing. The best views are from the upper level of the car drop off zone at departures.
SIGHTSEEING
7. BIBD Picture Frame
Take an iconic photo here, day or night, of the Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque inside the frame.
8. Brunei Waterfront
Walk a long the waterfront. It’s the best during sunset with stunning Borneo colours.
9. Jalan Roberts – Colourful Buildings
This street has some cute painted buildings that would be really Instagrammable.
10. The Big Wall
This giant wall was designed to liven up the area and incorporate elements of Brunei such as the rainforest and Kampong Ayer. It was completed in January 2021 and stands tall in the city area near the waterfront.
11. Teng Yun Temple
Located near the waterfront, this temple is one of Brunei’s oldest and most significant Chinese temples. It serves as a central place of worship for the local Chinese community, primarily following Buddhism and Taoism.
MARKETS
12. Kianggeh Market
This market is one of Brunei’s oldest markets and is on every day from around 6am. It’s located along the banks of the Kianggeh River in Bandar Seri Begawan and offers a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, traditional snacks, handmade crafts and household items.
13. Gadong Night Market
The famous Gadong Night Market is on every evening and offers a variety of dishes such as satay, nasi katok, ambuyat and a selection of sweet treats.
14. Bandarku Ceria – Sunday Market
Bandarku Ceria, is a weekly car-free event held every Sunday in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. The city streets near the waterfront (primarily Jalan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien) are blocked off and turned into a vibrant space of local food stalls, market stalls, cycling, jogging and street performances. The Sunday market is on from roughly 7am to midday.
MUSEUMS
15. Royal Regalia Museum
This museum is a grand collection of Brunei’s royal heritage and history. Officially opened in 1992 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign, the museum showcases an extensive collection of regalia, including ceremonial armour, gold and silver ceremonial weaponry, and a replica of the Sultan’s throne. There are exhibits detailing the Sultan’s life, the history of the Brunei monarchy, and the nation’s significant events. It costs $5 BND to enter.
16. Brunei History Centre
The Brunei History Centre is located next to the Royal Regalia Museum so it’s easy to visit both on one day. The centre houses an extensive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and archival materials dating back centuries. It offers visitors a comprehensive journey through Brunei’s past, covering periods of ancient civilisations, the rise of the Brunei Sultanate, colonial influences, and the country’s path to independence. It’s free to enter.
17. Brunei Energy Hub Museum
Situated on the waterfront, the Brunei Energy Hub educates the public about the oil and gas industry of the country which has been pivotal to the nation’s economy. It features interactive displays, vintage machinery, and informative exhibits that chronicle the history of oil exploration in Brunei, dating back to the early 20th century. It’s free to enter.
18. Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Museum
This museum is a prestigious institution dedicated to showcasing Brunei’s Islamic heritage and cultural treasures. It houses a large collection of Islamic artifacts, manuscripts, Quran’s, calligraphy, and ancient relics dating back to the early days of Islam in the region. There is a dress code to enter and you must wear suitable modest clothing and head covering for females.
19. Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in Brunei, offers journey through the country’s maritime history and seafaring traditions. Housed in a distinctive ship-shaped building overlooking the Brunei River, the museum showcases a diverse array of exhibits related to Brunei’s maritime heritage, including traditional boats, navigational instruments, fishing tools, and artifacts from ancient trade routes. Visitors can explore interactive displays that highlight Brunei’s role in regional maritime trade, its fishing culture, and the significance of the sea in shaping the nation’s identity. It costs $3 BND to enter.
20. Taman Arkeologi Kota Batu
This is an archaeological park that preserves the remains of an ancient trading port and settlement dating back over a thousand years. The site contains the excavated ruins of a fortified city believed to have been a thriving center of trade in the 14th and 15th centuries, linking Brunei to regional maritime routes. Visitors to Taman Arkeologi Kota Batu can explore reconstructed structures, pottery, and artifacts unearthed during archaeological digs, gaining insights into Brunei’s historical significance as a hub of commerce and cultural exchange in Southeast Asia.
PARKS – NATURE – BEACHES
21. Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas (Eco Corridor)
The Brunei Eco Corridor is a scenic park that opened in 2017. Spanning over 200 acres, it’s renowned for its expansive landscapes, manicured gardens, panoramic views of the city, playgrounds and recreational facilities. Containing the famous BIBD frame, it serves as a popular destination for locals and tourists seeking relaxation and outdoor activities amidst serene surroundings.
22. Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, this beloved urban oasis features well maintained walking trails, jogging paths, and picturesque viewpoints that overlook the city skyline. Families often gather here for picnics, while fitness enthusiasts enjoy activities such as rock climbing and outdoor workouts. With its diverse flora and fauna, including native bird species and tropical plants, Tasek Lama Recreational Park provides a refreshing retreat into nature.
SHOPPING MALLS
23. Yayasan Mall
The Yayasan Mall is a prominent shopping centre near the waterfront. It has an array of retail outlets, dining options and entertainment facilities spread across multiple levels.
24. The Mall Gadong
The largest shopping centre in Brunei is located in the heart of Gadong. It has cinemas, a food court, many retail outlets and there are 3 floors.
FURTHER AWAY FROM BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
These are some other sightseeing options further away from the city centre that you can explore on day trips/overnight:
Jerudong Park
Ulu Temburong National Park
Tungku Beach
Empire Hotel
Billionth Barrel Monument in Seria
Note: KAMPONG AYER
Why I DON’T RECOMMEND visiting the Kampong Ayer – Floating Water Village.
I wrote about my experience on Instagram HERE. But to put it briefly….
In my opinion, if Brunei wants to really promote this as a must see destination, they really need to put some money into it to HELP the people living there. You can’t say “go there” and then not focus on making life liveable for the people who live there when tourists are wandering around their actual home. If I’d known exactly what it was like, I probably wouldn’t have gone. I felt like I was intruding on people’s lives and it felt voyeauristic-like a bit.
I saw some awful things. A floating dead kitten, used baby nappies (diapers), massive amounts of rubbish/furniture/tyres and plastic just dumped everywhere, floating faeces (human?).
The walkways were full on dangerous with large gaps and in so many places I put my foot down and could feel the planks sink underneath my foot and I was so grateful I didn’t weigh more than I do because some of those planks would easily have broken under someone who weighed more than me (60kgs).
I really wanted to enjoy myself and explore and wander but I was so stressed the entire time as I was scared of myself or my phone falling into the water. Maybe my opinion of Kampong Ayer was because I was so stressed?
At the “visitor centre” I learnt that people in Kampong Ayer still do female circumcision (female genital mutilation/FGM) and I didn’t realise this happened there. I’m absolutely against this and have always spoken up against this horrific practice.
But the people who live here really need support to help them understand the waste issue, the walkways definitely need to be made safer, and they need to be supported in every way. Some of these homes are hundreds of years old and have been passed down in the family so you can’t just move them on.
It’s just a really sad place and my heart aches for them. That’s why I WON’T put this water village on the “must see” places in Brunei.
MAP
