Brunei Darussalam is renowned as one of the most prosperous countries in Southeast Asia with strong Islamic influences. Given its richness in natural resources and cultural heritage, Brunei offers a bunch of unique tourist spots that are not to be missed.
From solemn mosques and sultanate palaces, day and night markets brimming with local cuisines, to eye-striking natural wonders, these are some must-see tourist attractions in Brunei, collated from Skyticket, Holidify, and Tripadvisor.
9 Exciting tourist attractions you can visit in Brunei
1. Andulau Forest Reserve
If exploring natural beauty is on your vacation bucket list, then you must not forget to include the Andulau Forest Reserve in your itinerary. Located in Brunei’s Belait district, you can see two breathtaking sights in one place, because this area features a lake called Luagan Lalak and a river named Sungai Liang.
Sungai Liang Park is an ideal spot for family recreation and hiking newbies, since it offers a playground, swimming pool, and well-paved hiking trails. While in Luagan Lalak, you can enjoy a barbecue party in the provided gazebos and pits or chase the scenic sunrise view.
2. Pantai Seri Kenangan
According to Lonely Planet, Pantai Seri Kenangan or also known as Pantai Tutong—named after the city of Tutong, which is close to this beach—is considered as the most gorgeous beaches in Brunei. Surrounded by the Sungai Tutong and South China Sea, this spit of land has a powdery white sand and glistening clear warm water to dive in. When visiting this Island, be sure to bring an insect repellent so you won’t get swarmed by sandflies.
3. Kampong Ayer
Meet Kampong Ayer—the biggest water village in the world that is located in the south of Brunei's capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. This water village is home for almost 40,000 villagers, consisting of about 42 small villages with more than 4,200 buildings. To get around and see the main attractions in the village, visitors can rent a water taxi. Since it’s quite populated, Kampong Ayer is already equipped with adequate facilities, including satellite TV, internet, electricity and air conditioner for a comfortable stay.
4. Malay Technology Museum
Learning can be done anywhere, including at this museum in Brunei called the Malay Technology Museum. This educational tourist attraction provides an insight about Brunei’s ancient craftsmanship, mainly focusing on fishing, alchemy, shipbuilding, and metalworking. There are three sections, namely the Kampong Ayer water village architectural structure, the artisanal technologies and skills used in the village, and traditional techniques of inland tribes such as the Murut, Dusun, and Kedayan. Each intricate exhibit reflects Brunei’s way of life and diverse cultural heritage.
5. Istana Nurul Iman
Constructed back in 1984 in honor of Brunei’s independence, Istana Nurul Iman is acknowledged as one of the largest palaces in the world. Serving both as a royal residence and a hub for state operations, the palace has a total of 257 bathrooms, 1,778 rooms, spacious reception hall that can fit up to 5,000 guests, and a mosque that can accommodate 1,500 people. Exclusively on the three days after the holy Ramadhan month, the palace will host an extravagant feast that is open for locals and tourists. While on usual days, the inside of the palace is generally closed to the public.
6. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque or the old mosque is the nation’s most iconic landmark, making it a must-see for visitors when travelling to Brunei. Established in 1958 by the 28th Sultan, the mosque’s exquisite design is built out of materials imported from all around the world, including from Turkey, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and China.
Although the mosque’s facade features a medieval aesthetic, it is also equipped with modern amenities. This captivating royal mosque is worth visiting at any time of day during its operational hours, with notes that visitors must come by using modest clothing.
7. Kianggeh Market
Kianggeh Market or commonly known as Tamu Kianggeh is a bustling morning market in the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. Here you can buy a wide variety of fresh veggies, seafood, local snacks, and even handmade crafts and small pets like birds, cats, hamsters and reptiles. Even though the market still opens in the afternoon, it’s better to pay a visit on weekend mornings, since there are not many stalls open later in the day.
8. Jerudong Park
Jerudong Place could be the perfect hangout and date spots for youngsters when travelling to Brunei. Regarded as the most expensive amusement park in the Southeast Asia region, Jerudong Park was established to celebrate the Sultan’s 48th birthday and its construction cost a total of 1 billion Brunei dollars.
As one of the most lavish playgrounds in the region, according to Jerudong Park’s official website, visitors can explore over 34 fun rides, such as the carousel, ferris wheel, bumper car, F1 supakart, pirate ship, waterpark, zipline, and many more. For your information, Jerudong Park’s opening hours regularly start in the evenings on weekdays and 10 AM on weekends.
9. Gadong Night Market
Besides the Kianggeh Market, another alternative market you can visit to enjoy the nightlife of Brunei is at Gadong Night Market. Located not far from Gadong area’s shopping mall, the market comes alive at 5 PM as the evening cools down, offering various culinary delights with affordable prices. For example, you can enjoy a fresh grilled satay paired with a refreshing sugarcane and coconut drink.
Unlike most Southeast Asian markets, Gadong Night Market is a relatively enjoyable culinary spot for locals and tourists because of its relaxed shopping atmosphere with less aggressive salespeople.
