Brunei is a small country located on the island of Borneo, with the population of 467,000 and the territory of 5,765 km², it's ranked as the second smallest country in Southeast Asia after Singapore (735.7 km²). Despite the modest size, Brunei holds significant cultural, historical, and natural value, making it a unique destination for travellers seeking something different from the region’s busier hotspots.

I’m glad my travels finally brought me here to Brunei, and it truly is a beautiful country.

Brunei may be small in size, but it offers a travel experience that feels refreshingly different from its Southeast Asian neighbours. While Vietnam and Thailand are busy and bustling, Brunei is calm and serene. Here are 5 reasons why Brunei deserves a spot on your travel list:

1. Magnificent Islamic Architecture

The country is home to some of the most stunning mosques in the region, such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which features Italian marble, golden domes, and a picturesque lagoon. These landmarks are not only religious sites but also cultural icons.

2. The World’s Largest Water Village

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Kampong Ayer is a historic settlement built on stilts above the Brunei River. With wooden walkways, schools, and mosques all connected by water taxis, it offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional life that has existed for centuries.

3. Untouched Rainforests and Eco-Tourism

Over 70% of Brunei’s land is covered by rainforest, much of it protected. Ulu Temburong National Park allows visitors to experience pristine jungle through canopy walks, river cruises, and wildlife spotting — a rare opportunity in today’s rapidly developing world.

4. Peace, Safety, and Cleanliness

Brunei consistently ranks among the safest countries in Asia. Streets are clean, crime is very low, and the overall pace of life is calm. For travellers, this creates a comfortable environment to explore freely.

5. Unique Culinary Experiences

Food lovers will enjoy trying ambuyat, a sago-based dish eaten with bamboo sticks, as well as local favourites like nasi katok and satay. The Gadong Night Market is the best place to sample a wide variety of dishes at affordable prices.

When I visited, what struck me most was how peaceful Brunei felt compared to other Southeast Asian capitals. Exploring mosques in the morning and ending the day with street food made the experience both serene and memorable.

For most travellers, 3 to 5 days in Brunei is the perfect amount of time. The country is compact, and its main attractions can be explored without rushing. Here’s a quick breakdown:

3 Days in Brunei → Enough to see the highlights:

• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

• Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

• Kampong Ayer (Water Village)

• Gadong Night Market

• Royal Regalia Museum

5 Days in Brunei → Ideal for a deeper experience:

• Everything in the 3-day plan

• Plus a full-day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park

• More time for food adventures and cultural immersion 

During my own trip, I spent 5 days in Brunei. This allowed me to balance city exploration, cultural sites, and a rainforest adventure without feeling rushed.

Verdict: If you’re short on time, 3 days covers the essentials. But if you want to enjoy Brunei at a relaxed pace and add eco-tourism into your journey, 5 days is highly recommended.

Although Brunei is small, it offers a wide range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are the top things to do in Brunei:

1. Visit Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

This iconic mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan is often ranked among the most beautiful in Asia. With its golden dome, marble minarets, and surrounding lagoon, it’s a must-see both during the day and illuminated at night.

2. Explore Kampong Ayer - The Water Village

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Kampong Ayer is the world’s largest water village, home to around 30,000 people. Take a boat tour to see schools, mosques, and homes all built on stilts above the river.

3. Discover Ulu Temburong National Park

For nature lovers, this pristine rainforest is a highlight of Brunei. Activities include river cruises, jungle trekking, and walking across the famous canopy bridge with panoramic views of the jungle.

4. Stroll Through the Royal Regalia Museum

Located in the capital, this museum showcases the history and treasures of Brunei’s royal family, including ceremonial attire, gifts, and regalia used during important state events.

5. Try Local Food at Gadong Night Market

No visit is complete without sampling Brunei’s food culture. The Gadong Night Market is packed with affordable local dishes such as satay, nasi katok, grilled seafood, and traditional desserts.

6. Admire Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Built to honour the current Sultan, this mosque is the largest in Brunei, featuring 29 golden domes and beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s a serene spot for both prayer and photography.

7. Relax at Jerudong Park or Muara Beach

If you’re travelling with family, Jerudong Park offers rides and entertainment, while Muara Beach is a peaceful place to watch the sunset.

During my trip, the combination of cultural sites and rainforest adventure made Brunei feel surprisingly diverse - far more than I expected from such a small country.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions of Bandar Seri Begawan

• Arrive at Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), the capital city.

• Check into your hotel and take a short rest. If your arrival is in the morning, you can have lunch at Yayasan Food Court

• Visit the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque - stunning at golden hour.

• Evening: Stroll around the city centre and enjoy street food at Gadong night market.

• My impression: The city felt peaceful and surprisingly quiet, a sharp contrast to other busy Southeast Asian capitals.

Day 2: Mosques & Museums

• Morning: Visit Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the largest mosque in Brunei.

• Explore the Royal Regalia Museum to learn about the Sultan’s history and treasures.

• Afternoon: Walk along the Brunei River for views of the Kampong Ayer water village.

• Evening: Experience the local restaurant

Day 3: Kampong Ayer & River Cruise

• Take a water taxi tour or just hitch hike on a local boat (we paid 1$) through Kampong Ayer, the world’s largest water village.

• Visit a local home to learn about traditional stilt-house life. We strongly recommend Adresto for the best Ambuyat experience we've ever had. Not only was the food authentic and delicious, but the hospitality and warm welcome made the meal unforgettable. 

• Afternoon: Go on a proboscis monkey river cruise — a highlight for wildlife lovers.

• Sunset by the riverside for breathtaking views.

Day 4: Ulu Temburong National Park Adventure

• Full-day eco-tour to Ulu Temburong National Park.

• Longboat ride through pristine jungle rivers.

• Trekking and climbing the canopy walk for incredible rainforest views.

• Return in the evening to BSB for a relaxed dinner.

• This was the most memorable part of my trip — Brunei’s rainforest feels untouched, making it very different from other Southeast Asia destinations.

Day 5: Leisure & Departure

• Morning: Visit Kianggeh Market for local handicrafts and snacks.

• Relax at Muara Beach or Jerudong Park if you have extra time.

Bruneian Cuisine

Bruneian food is a reflection of its Malay roots, with influences from Chinese, Indian, and even Middle Eastern cuisines. Meals are flavourful but not overly spicy, often featuring rice, noodles, and fresh seafood.

Must-Try Dishes in Brunei:

• Ambuyat: Brunei’s national dish made from sago starch, eaten with a bamboo stick and dipped into savoury sauces. It’s more about the experience than the flavour!

• Nasi Katok: Simple but beloved — steamed rice, fried chicken, and sambal, often sold for just one dollar.

• Satay: Skewered and grilled meat, served with peanut sauce.

• Kelupis: Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, perfect as a snack.

• Kuih Melayu: Traditional colourful cakes and desserts, often found in markets.

Tip: For the best ambuyat experience, we recommend Adresto, where the food is authentic and the service comes with a warm Bruneian welcome.

Bruneian Culture

• Brunei’s culture is deeply rooted in Malay traditions and Islamic values, with a strong emphasis on community, respect, and hospitality.

• Religion & Architecture: Islam plays a central role, and this is reflected in the country’s majestic mosques and the daily rhythm of life.

• Language: The official language is Malay, but English is widely understood, especially in the capital.

• Lifestyle: Brunei is known for being peaceful, safe, and family-oriented. You’ll notice a slower pace of life compared to its Southeast Asian neighbours.

• Festivals: Major celebrations include Hari Raya Aidilfitri (end of Ramadan) and the Sultan’s Birthday, which are marked with public events, decorations, and community gatherings.

During my trip, I was struck by the warmth of the people. From chatting with boatmen in Kampong Ayer to being welcomed in restaurants, Bruneians made the journey feel more personal and memorable.

To make the most of your trip to Brunei, here are some useful tips every traveller should know:

1. Best Time to Visit

• Brunei has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round.

• The dry season (January-May) is the most comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

• Avoid heavy rains in October-December, though attractions are still open.

2. Visa & Entry Requirements

• Many nationalities, including the UK, EU, US, and ASEAN countries, enjoy visa-free entry for short stays.

• Always check the latest entry requirements before travelling.

3. Currency & Payments

• The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is interchangeable with the Singapore Dollar (SGD).

• Credit cards are accepted in hotels and malls, but keep cash for night markets and taxis.

4. Transportation

• Public transport is limited, and taxis can be expensive.

• Hiring a car or booking a driver is the most convenient way to explore, especially if you plan to visit Ulu Temburong National Park.

• In Bandar Seri Begawan, many attractions are close together and walkable.

5. Dress Code & Etiquette

• Brunei is a conservative Islamic country. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques (covered shoulders and knees).

• Remove shoes before entering homes or places of worship.

• Alcohol is not sold publicly, and drinking in public is illegal.

6. Food & Dining

• Street food is safe and affordable, with many options at night markets.

• Don’t miss local dishes like nasi katok and ambuyat.

• Restaurants close early compared to other Southeast Asian countries, so plan your meals accordingly.

7. Safety

• Brunei is one of the safest countries in Asia, with very low crime rates.

• Locals are friendly and helpful, making solo travel worry-free.

My tip: Plan your evenings around night markets or early dinners - the city becomes very quiet after dark, and most places close earlier than expected.

Brunei may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to Southeast Asia, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Its peaceful atmosphere, magnificent mosques, welcoming people, and slow pace of life set it apart from its busier neighbours.

Spending 5 days in Brunei gave me the chance to see a different side of the region. From exploring the historic Kampong Ayer water village, admiring the beauty of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, to tasting the national dish ambuyat at Adresto and enjoying the flavours of the Gadong Night Market, every day offered something new to discover.

What stood out most to me was the hospitality of the Bruneian people. Whether it was chatting with locals at the markets or being warmly welcomed at restaurants, their kindness made the trip feel more personal and memorable.

If you’re looking for a destination that combines safety, culture, and authentic experiences without the overwhelming crowds, Brunei Darussalam is absolutely worth a visit.

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