Brunei Attractions

What to see in Brunei

Brunei’s not an ultra-modern stronghold nor is it a fundamental Muslim-dominated emirate. Though stilt villages still dominate its capital city (Bandar Seri Begawan), Brunei is not a backwater oil rig. In fact there are plenty of spaceship-like mosques, museums and a myriad of monuments to keep you occupied for a few days in and around the micro-nation. Most of Brunei’s sightseeing attractions are located within the Bandar Seri Begawan city limits including the Royal Regalia Museum, Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Brunei Museum and Kampong Ayer. Nevertheless there are a few well-worth-a-visit sights several kilometres away from the capital – including the ostentatious Empire Hotel & Country Club, Batang Duri River in Temburong and the Oil & Gas Discovery Centre in Seria.

The Empire Hotel And Country Club

Superior Room
SGD209
BOOK NOW!

Arts & Handicrafts Centre

Within walking distance from town, the Arts & Handicrafts Centre was built to encourage local craftwork. The structure sits on the waterfront facing the Brunei Museum and there’s a collection of silverwork and weaving; you can purchase handicrafts and souvenirs here but just be aware that most items come with a high price tag.

Opening Hours: 07:45 – 12:15, 13:30 – 16:30 Monday – Thursday & Saturday; 08:30 – 14:30 Friday & Sunday
Location: Jalan Kota Baru
Tel: +673 224 0676

Brunei Museum

Overlooking Sungai Brunei, the Brunei Museum is located approximately five kilometres east of central Bandar Seri Begawan. The Islamic Art Gallery is particularly interesting as it has some stunning exhibits including rare Islamic manuscripts and artefacts dating back to the ninth and tenth centuries.

Opening Hours: 09:30 – 17:00 Sunday – Thursday; 09:00 – 11:30, 14:30 – 16:30 Friday
Location: Jalan Kota Batu
Tel: +673 222 3235
Price Range: Free of charge

Empire Hotel & Country Club

We’re not expecting you to spring for a night at this whooping US$1.1 billion venture, but do make your way down to explore the gorgeous resort. Originally commissioned by the extravagant former finance minister and brother of the sultan, Prince Jefri, as lodging for his guests, this opulent and fanciful establishment was transformed into an upscale resort to recover some of its cost. Featuring camel-shaped lamps made from Baccarat crystals topped with solid gold accruements and gold-plated power points, it is home to the world’s most opulent indoor swimming pool.

Location: Muara-Tutong Highway, Kampung Jerudong
Tel: +673 241 8888

Istana Nurul Iman

Three times larger than the Palace of Versailles and out sizing Buckingham Palace by four times, Istana Nurul Iman is the largest residential palace in the world. This US$350 million structure has 1788 rooms and 257 bathrooms; designed by Filipino architect Leandro Locsin, the palace is only open to the public three days in a year during Hari Raya but if you want to catch a glimpse of it at any other time of the year, then check it out from Taman Persiaran Damuan.

Location: Jalan Tutong

Jalan Labi

The best place to see a sample of Brunei’s longhouse communities. Located in the interior, within a section of primary rainforest, Jalan Labi is a little out of the way but it’s a good stopover. There are walking trails through the forest and there’s a Forestry Museum here that has exhibits detailing the history of logging and conservation in the area.

Location: Tutong & Belait district

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Erected in 1992 to commemorate the 25-year reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the largest mosque in the country. The mosque is a jaw-dropping sight with four main minarets and two golden domes – its landscape is a mixture of artfully landscaped gardens and fountains.

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 18:00, 20:00 – 21:00 Saturday – Wednesday
Location: Jalan Hassan Bolkiah, Gadong
Tel: +673 223 8741
Price Range: Free of charge

Kampong Ayer

Made up of 28 water villages, Kampong Ayer is considered the largest water village in the world; locals refer to it as the ‘Venice of East’ but there’s really no comparison. It’s spread out on either side of the Sungai Brunei and the rickety shacks are connected to one another by a series of wooden planks.

Location: Bandar Seri Begawan

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Built in 1958, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque sits near the Sungai Kedayan and is the tallest building in central Bandar Seri Begawan. Featuring a 44-metre high minaret, the interior of this house of worship is elegant with Italian marble flooring, stained-glass windows and a 3.5 million-piece Venetian mosaic inside the main dome.

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 18:00, 20:00 – 21:00 Saturday – Wednesday
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
Tel: +673 222 2623
Price Range: Free of charge

Oil & Gas Discovery Centre (Seria)

An educational attraction opposite the town centre, the newly-built Oil & Gas Discovery Centre will appeal to science buffs. It’s a flashy complex with an exhibition hall, gallery, theatre, education centre and a playground with a skate park.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 Tuesday – Thursday; 10:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 18:00 Friday; 10:00 – 18:00 Saturday & Sunday
Location: Jalan Tengah
Tel: +673 337 7200

Royal Regalia Museum

Featuring a collection of artefacts gifted to members of the royal family ranging from a huge gilded cart and an abalone-shell chest to priceless gold and jewels, the Royal Regalia Museum is basically homage to the members of Brunei royalty and a surprisingly must-visit stopover.

Opening Hours: 08:30 – 16:30 Sunday – Thursday; 09:00 – 11:00 Friday
Location: Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan
Tel: + 673 222 8358
Price Range: Free of charge

Hotel Quick Finder

Location :
Hotel :
Check In :

for night(s)
Check Out :

Rooms : Adults : Children :

Hotel Quick Finder

Area
From

Options

Home