Belait: Seria, Kuala Belait and the forests of Labi

Why visit Belait

Belait tells the story of modern Brunei: how a small sultanate became one of the richest countries in Asia. It is a working region rather than a tourist one, which is part of the appeal. Expect expatriate oil workers, a long sandy coastline, Chinese shophouses, fishing villages and, inland, forest that few visitors see.

Seria

Seria is the oil town. The Billionth Barrel Monument on the seafront celebrates the billionth barrel of oil produced here, with views over the beach and offshore platforms. Nodding donkeys dot the town, and the Brunei Energy Hub explains the industry with interactive galleries. Anduki Recreational Park, between Seria and the airfield, has a lake, forest and picnic spots.

Kuala Belait

The district capital sits at the mouth of the Belait River, close to the Malaysian border. Its grid of older shophouses holds Chinese temples, bakeries and kopitiam style coffee shops, and the long beach is a favourite for sunset walks. The town has a relaxed, small town feel and a good mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian food.

Labi and the interior

A road leads south from the coast into the Labi hills. Here you can visit the forest at Luagan Lalak, a seasonal lake with a boardwalk, and the Teraja waterfall at the end of the road. Iban longhouses along the way sometimes welcome visitors; go with a guide or ask respectfully. The Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park, on the coast road, has easy trails and a canopy tower.

Where to stay

Kuala Belait has a few business hotels and serviced apartments used by oil workers, and there are simple lodges inland. Most visitors make it a long day trip from the capital, or stay one night before crossing to Miri.

Getting there and the border

The coast highway runs from the capital through Tutong to Seria and Kuala Belait. Buses exist but are slow and irregular, so a taxi, driver or tour is easier. The Sungai Tujoh checkpoint, a short drive from Kuala Belait, crosses to Miri. Allow time for immigration at both ends, especially on weekends and holidays.

A day in the west

A good day out leaves the capital early along the coast highway, stopping at Tutong's beach on the way. In Seria, visit the Billionth Barrel Monument and the Energy Hub, then have lunch in a local coffee shop. In the afternoon, either head inland towards Labi for forest walks at Luagan Lalak, or continue to Kuala Belait to wander the old shophouse streets and watch the sunset from the beach. The drive back to the capital takes around ninety minutes, so leave before dark if you prefer daylight driving. Travellers heading on to Miri can stay overnight and cross the border in the morning.

Local food to try

Belait's coffee shops serve hearty breakfasts of noodles, kaya toast and kopi. Look for Chinese style roast meats in non-halal restaurants, Indian curries in Seria, and grilled fish at evening markets in Kuala Belait.

Plan your visit

Combine Belait with Tutong on a western loop, or use it as the start of a wider Borneo trip. Our places to visit list covers food, parks and stays, and the free trip planner helps you plan the timing.