Planning a solo trip to Brunei? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- An independent nation located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, Brunei is surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea, with a population of approximately 453,000.
- Known officially as Brunei Darussalam, or “The Abode of Peace,” it is a small, wealthy nation, largely due to its extensive petroleum and natural gas fields.
- The capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, showcases stunning Islamic architecture amidst a backdrop of tranquil waterways and lush greenery.
- Nickname: The Sultanate of Brunei.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND), which is interchangeable with the Singapore Dollar (SGD).
- Spoken Languages: Malay (official), English, Mandarin, and various indigenous languages.
- Best time to visit: December to April for the least rainfall and mild weather; however, expect hot and humid conditions year-round.
- Pollution warning: air quality index often exceeds 150 PSI Sept-Jan due to Indonesian forest fires. Carry N95 masks.
- Arriving via airport: Brunei International Airport (BWN) is located approximately 10 km (6 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan.
– Taxis to the city costs around BND41, but pre-booking via apps like Dart offers fixed rates (e.g., BND7.50 to Omar Ali Mosque).
– Local bus services are also available for a few dollars. - Important:
– All travelers must complete Brunei’s E-Arrival Card online before arrival (by air/land/sea). Exempt only if transiting.
– Additionally, download the BruHealth app and submit an Arrival Declaration Form up to 72 hours pre-entry. Failure to comply may delay departure. - SIM cards: Purchase prepaid SIMs at airport counters:
– Progresif: BND10 for 3GB/3 days
– DST: BND15 for 5GB/week
WHERE TO STAY
- Bandar Seri Begawan offers diverse accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels like the Empire Hotel & Country Club to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels.
- The Kianggeh area features guesthouses and hostels that provide easy access to local food markets and attractions.
- Jerudong, located just outside the capital, has resort-style hotels, perfect for relaxation and leisure activities.
GETTING AROUND
- Brunei’s bus system remains unreliable (only 4-8 buses/day on major routes). A government overhaul plan is underway
– For now, prioritize taxis or rentals.
– Water taxis to Kampong Ayer cost BND2-5 negotiable. - Taxis charge a base fare of BND6 + BND3.50/km.
- Renting a car is an option, but you must have a valid international driving permit.
- Biking around the capital is feasible in the early morning or late evening due to the heat; some hotels offer bike rentals.
BRUNEI NIGHTLIFE
- Brunei’s nightlife is relatively low-key due to Islamic laws, and bars or clubs are not prevalent.
- The drinking age is 18, but alcohol is not widely available.
- Only 3 hotels (Empire, Radisson, Higher) serve alcohol. A cocktail costs BND100 at lobby bars.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is the most iconic symbol of Brunei, featuring stunning dome architecture and surrounded by a lagoon.
- The Royal Regalia Museum showcases the opulence of Brunei’s Sultanate with royal artifacts and historical costumes.
- Ulu Temburong National Park, accessible via boat, offers beautiful rainforests and the chance for outdoor adventures like canopy walks and wildlife spotting.
- Mangrove Sunset Cruise (BND15-25) to spot proboscis monkeys. Guides recommend 4:30 PM departures from Bandar Seri Begawan jetty.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Stroll along the Brunei River to enjoy the views of water villages (Kampong Ayer) and explore the traditional wooden stilt houses.
- Discover the heritage of Brunei with a walk through the city center, where you can enjoy a mix of traditional and modern architecture.
- Visit the Tasek Lama Recreational Park for a nature-friendly hike or walk amidst beautiful greenery and waterfalls.
WHERE TO EAT
- Local food is flavorful and diverse; don’t miss trying dishes like Ambuyat (a starchy dish made from sago) or Soto Brunei (a traditional soup).
- Local night markets, like the Gadong Night Market, are bustling with food stalls offering a variety of local delicacies and snacks.
– Tip: At Gadong Night Market, try Soto Brunei (BND3) and Nasi Katok (rice served with fried chicken and sambal, BND1.50) at stall #23 - Tipping is not customary in Brunei and service charges are often included in bills at restaurants and hotels.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Brunei’s stringent laws prohibit gambling and the sale of alcohol outside of licensed venues, so plan accordingly.
- Average solo traveler budget: BND65/day
– Hostels: BND30
– Meals: BND15
– Transport: BND20 - The friendly locals often enjoy a chat, so don’t hesitate to engage with them.
- Beware of strict regulations regarding photography around government buildings and military installations.
- Dangerous areas: none – Brunei is generally safe.
Recommended trip duration: 3 days suffices for cities; allocate 5 days to include Ulu Temburong canopy walks (BND120 tour) and Seria oil field tours.