The capital
Almost every trip begins in Bandar Seri Begawan, a quiet, green capital on the Brunei River. The golden dome of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque rises over a lagoon in the old town, the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque glitters in Kiarong, and the Royal Regalia Museum tells the story of the sultanate. In the evening, the Gadong night market is the place to eat. Give it two days.
The water village
Across the river from the old town, Kampong Ayer is a village of houses, schools, mosques and boardwalks built on stilts over the water, home to thousands of people for centuries. Water taxis cross in minutes, and a homestay night here is one of the most memorable things you can do in the country.
The rainforest
Brunei's separate eastern district, Temburong, is mostly protected jungle. Since the long Temburong Bridge opened, it is under an hour's drive from the capital. Ulu Temburong National Park, reached by longboat and a climb to a canopy walkway above the trees, is the country's greatest natural highlight.
Lakes, beaches and oil country
West of the capital, Tutong has the black water lake of Tasek Merimbun, a lively weekly market and the beach at Seri Kenangan between river and sea. Further west, Belait is oil country: Seria's nodding donkeys and the Billionth Barrel Monument, the old town of Kuala Belait and forest trails around Labi.
The coast near the capital
North of the city, Jerudong and the coast bring together the grand Empire hotel, the Jerudong Park playground, the beaches of Muara and Serasa, and seafood by the sea at sunset. It is an easy half day out.
How to fit it together
Three days covers the capital, Kampong Ayer and a long day in Temburong. With five days you can sleep in the rainforest and add a western loop to Tutong and Seria. Public buses are limited, so plan taxis, ride-hailing or tours. The free trip planner helps you shape it.