Brunei · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Brunei
These are the places worth your time in Brunei, from the golden mosques and water village of the capital to the rainforest of Temburong, the lake at Tasek Merimbun and the oil coast of Belait. Classics sit beside quiet corners many travellers miss, so every kind of visitor finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Bandar Seri Begawan
Arts and Culture
- Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (Old town)
The golden domed mosque beside its lagoon and royal barge, the symbol of Brunei. - Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (Kiarong)
Brunei's largest mosque, with twenty nine golden domes and lavish gardens. - Royal Regalia Museum (Old town)
The Sultan's coronation chariot, crowns and state gifts in a domed gallery. - Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (Kampong Ayer)
Explains life in the water village, with a tower looking over the stilt houses. - Tomb of Sultan Bolkiah (Kota Batu)
The quiet tomb of the fifth sultan, who ruled during Brunei's golden age. - Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre (Jalan Residency)
Where young Bruneians learn silversmithing, weaving and keris making. - Royal Barge replica (Old town)
A stone replica of a sixteenth century royal barge in the mosque lagoon. - Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque at night (Old town)
The floodlit dome reflected in the lagoon is one of Asia's prettiest night views.
Things to Do
- Kampong Ayer water taxi (Waterfront)
A splashy boat ride across the river into the world's largest stilt village. - Brunei River proboscis monkey cruise (Brunei River)
Dusk trips into the mangroves to spot long nosed proboscis monkeys. - Istana Nurul Iman river view (Brunei River)
See the Sultan's vast palace from the water on a river trip. - Istana Nurul Iman Hari Raya open house (Jalan Tutong)
For three days after Ramadan, the public can enter the palace and meet the royal family. - Taman Mahkota Jubli (Waterfront)
A riverside park with views across to Kampong Ayer and evening breezes. - Bandar waterfront promenade (Old town)
An evening stroll with the mosque and water village lit up across the river. - Taman Persiaran Damuan (Jalan Tutong)
A long riverside park with sculptures from ASEAN countries and palace views.
Nature and Outdoors
- Tasek Lama Recreational Park (Tasek Lama)
Forest trails, a small waterfall and macaques minutes from the city centre. - Bukit Subok Recreational Park (Subok)
A ridge walk and canopy bridge with views over Kampong Ayer and the river. - Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park (Jerudong road)
Hilly forest trails and lookout towers loved by early morning runners. - Persiaran Damuan riverside walk (Damuan)
Flat paths for walking and cycling along the river at sunset.
Restaurants
- Aminah Arif (Kiulap)
The best known place in the capital to try ambuyat, Brunei's sago dish. - Excapade Sushi (Gadong)
A long established local Japanese chain, busy with families. - Nasi katok stalls (Gadong)
Brunei's favourite cheap snack: rice, fried chicken and sambal wrapped to go. - Yayasan food court (Old town)
Plenty of local choice in the air conditioned shopping complex.
Cafés
- Kopi at a kedai kopi (Kiulap)
Order sweet coffee with condensed milk and roti in a local coffee shop. - Kiulap café strip (Kiulap)
Brunei's café scene, with specialty coffee, desserts and brunch. - Kuih stalls at Tamu Kianggeh (Kianggeh)
Colourful traditional cakes, wrapped in leaves and best fresh in the morning. - Teh tarik at Gadong (Gadong)
Pulled tea made theatrically at mamak style stalls.
Bars and Nightlife
- Gadong Night Market (Gadong)
The capital's evening social hub, a feast of grilled wings, satay and juices. - Mocktail cafés in Kiulap (Kiulap)
Where young Bruneians go out at night for elaborate alcohol free drinks. - Late night mamak stalls (Gadong)
Roti canai and teh tarik into the night with families and friends. - Old town mosque after dark (Old town)
Quiet evening walks around the lit domes and the lagoon.
Shopping and Markets
- Tamu Kianggeh (Kianggeh)
The riverside market for jungle fruit, herbs, fish and handmade snacks. - The Mall Gadong (Gadong)
The capital's main mall for shopping, food and the cinema. - Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex (Old town)
A shopping centre facing the mosque, with a supermarket and food court. - Hua Ho Department Store (Gadong)
A homegrown store chain popular for snacks, clothes and household goods. - Gadong market produce stalls (Gadong)
Local snacks and souvenir foods to take home, like kelupis and dodol.
Events
- Sultan's Birthday celebrations (Nationwide)
Mid July parades, fireworks and events in the capital. - National Day (Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien)
23 February parades and celebrations of independence. - Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Nationwide)
The end of Ramadan, with open houses and the palace open to the public. - Chinese New Year lion dances (Gadong)
Lion dances around shops and temples in Brunei's Chinese community. - Ramadan bazaars (Gadong)
Evening food markets selling dishes for the breaking of the fast.
Stays
- The Rizqun International Hotel (Gadong)
A grand hotel next to The Mall Gadong, close to the night market. - Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam (Old town edge)
A reliable international hotel with a pool, near the old town. - The Centrepoint Hotel (Gadong)
A mid-range base in the shopping district, near food and malls.
Places to Visit in Temburong
Nature and Outdoors
- Ulu Temburong National Park (Batang Duri)
Pristine rainforest reached by longboat, with a canopy walk above the trees. - Ulu Temburong canopy walk (Ulu Temburong)
Steel towers rising above the jungle canopy, magical at sunrise. - Bukit Patoi (Peradayan Forest Reserve)
A steep forest hike to views over Temburong and Brunei Bay. - Peradayan Forest Reserve (Labu)
Lowland forest with trails to two hilltop viewpoints.
Things to Do
- Temburong Bridge (Brunei Bay)
Drive across one of the longest bridges in Southeast Asia over the bay. - Temuai longboat ride (Batang Duri)
Boatmen push through shallow rapids into the national park.
Stays
- Ulu Ulu Resort (Ulu Temburong)
Riverside lodge inside the national park, the classic overnight stay.
Places to Visit in Tutong
Nature and Outdoors
- Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park (Merimbun)
Brunei's largest lake, tea coloured and ringed by forest, with a walkway to an island. - Pantai Seri Kenangan (Tutong)
A sand spit beach between river and sea, busy with weekend picnics.
Shopping and Markets
- Tamu Tutong (Tutong town)
The district's weekly market for jungle fruit, fish and handmade cakes.
Things to Do
- Tutong River sunset (Tutong)
Watch the sun drop over the river mouth from the beach road.
Places to Visit in Kuala Belait
Arts and Culture
- Billionth Barrel Monument (Seria)
A seafront monument marking a billion barrels of oil, with nodding donkeys nearby. - Kuala Belait shophouses (Kuala Belait)
Old Chinese shophouses and temples in the grid of the old town. - Nodding donkeys of Seria (Seria)
Oil pumps working among the houses and along the shore.
Nature and Outdoors
- Kuala Belait beach (Kuala Belait)
A long sandy beach for sunset walks near the river mouth. - Anduki Recreational Park (Seria)
A lake and forest park with picnic spots between Seria and the airfield. - Luagan Lalak Recreational Park (Labi)
A seasonal swamp lake with a boardwalk deep in the Labi hills. - Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park (Sungai Liang)
Easy trails and a canopy tower in lowland forest.
Restaurants
- Kuala Belait kopitiam (Kuala Belait)
Chinese coffee shops for kaya toast, noodles and kopi.
Things to Do
- Sungai Tujoh border to Miri (Sungai Tujoh)
The road crossing into Sarawak for onward Borneo travel.
Places to Visit in Jerudong
Stays
- The Empire Brunei (Jerudong)
A palatial beach resort with marble halls, pools and a golf course.
Things to Do
- Jerudong Park (Jerudong)
The royal playground with rides and gardens, lively in the evening.
Nature and Outdoors
- Pantai Muara (Muara)
A long sandy beach shaded by casuarina trees. - Serasa Beach (Serasa)
The base for water sports, sailing and kayaking. - Pantai Meragang (Meragang)
A long quiet stretch, often called Crocodile Beach, for sunset walks. - Pantai Jerudong at sunset (Jerudong)
Sunset over the South China Sea from the beach road. - Pantai Tungku (Tungku)
A seaside road with food stalls and sunset views close to Gadong.
Restaurants
- Empire Brunei restaurants (Jerudong)
Dining by the sea in the grand resort, open to non guests.
Bars and Nightlife
- Jerudong Park by night (Jerudong)
The playground's lights and evening rides draw families after dark.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Brunei Museum (Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan)
The national museum of history, Islamic art and natural history on the riverbank. - Malay Technology Museum (Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Life size reconstructions of traditional stilt houses, boats and crafts. - Bubungan Dua Belas (Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan)
One of the oldest colonial buildings, the former British Residency. - Masjid Kampong Ayer (Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A mosque built over the water, the spiritual centre of the village. - Kampong Ayer homestay (Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Sleep in a family house on stilts and watch the village wake at dawn. - Arch of the Royal Regalia (Old town, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Photograph the old town's ceremonial arches and colonial era streets. - Berakas Forest Reserve (Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Quiet heath forest trails near the airport, good for birdwatching. - Pulau Selirong Forest Recreation Park (Brunei Bay, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A mangrove island with boardwalks, reached only by boat. - Pondok Sari Wangi (Kiarong, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A long running local favourite for Malay dishes and ambuyat sets. - Tarindak D'Seri Begawan (Old town, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Traditional Bruneian dishes served in a heritage style setting. - Fratini's (Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A popular family Italian restaurant for pizza and pasta. - Kaizen Sushi (Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A smart Japanese restaurant favoured for special occasions. - Tamu Selera (Jalan Tasek, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Open air hawker stalls for satay, noodles and grilled seafood. - Kianggeh food stalls (Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Simple riverside stalls serving breakfast noodles and kuih. - Seafood restaurants at Tungku (Tungku, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Grilled fish and prawns on the seafront at sunset. - De Royalle Cafe (Old town, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A late opening café in the old town, handy after an evening stroll. - Kampong Ayer handicraft sellers (Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Woven goods and brassware sold from homes in the water village. - Times Square Shopping Centre (Jalan Tutong, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A mall with shops and food outlets on the way to the airport. - Teng Yun Temple (Old town, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A small Chinese temple near the river, a quiet contrast to the mosques. - Sheraton Utama Hotel (Old town edge, Bandar Seri Begawan)
A smart modern hotel close to the old town. - Kampong Ayer homestays (Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan)
Simple family rooms on stilts for a night in the water village. - The Brunei Hotel (Old town, Bandar Seri Begawan)
An older hotel right in the old town, walking distance to the mosque. - Wasai Wong Kadir (Labu, Temburong)
A small waterfall and pool for a cool swim after a hike. - Temburong River tubing (Ulu Temburong, Temburong)
Float back down the clear river on a tube after the park visit. - Bangar mangrove trip (Bangar, Temburong)
Look for proboscis monkeys and kingfishers along the mangrove rivers. - Sumbiling Eco Village (Batang Duri, Temburong)
A community run riverside camp with jungle cooking and walks. - Iban longhouse visits (Batang Duri, Temburong)
Meet longhouse families and learn about Iban culture with a guide. - Bangar town mosque (Bangar, Temburong)
The district town's mosque by the river, calm at dusk. - Tamu Bangar (Bangar, Temburong)
A small market for jungle produce and local snacks. - Bangar food stalls (Bangar, Temburong)
Simple local eateries for nasi katok and noodles before the drive back. - Freme Rainforest Lodge (Batang Duri, Temburong)
A simple jungle lodge with river views near the park entrance. - Bangar guesthouses (Bangar, Temburong)
Basic rooms for an early start to the national park. - Riverside café stops in Bangar (Bangar, Temburong)
Coffee and kuih before heading into the forest. - Sungai Basong Recreational Park (Tutong, Tutong)
A shady forest park near town with simple walking trails. - Bukit Ambug (Tutong, Tutong)
A forest recreation area with a viewpoint, popular with local walkers. - Seri Kenangan food stalls (Tutong, Tutong)
Grilled snacks and drinks with a view of the sea. - Tutong town coffee shops (Tutong town, Tutong)
Local breakfasts of noodles and kopi in small shophouses. - Dusun villages (Lamunin, Tutong)
Rural villages of the Dusun people, best visited with a guide. - Tutong town mosque (Tutong town, Tutong)
A handsome district mosque beside the river. - Lodges near Tasek Merimbun (Merimbun, Tutong)
Simple rural stays for a quiet night by the lake. - Tutong Thursday night market (Tutong town, Tutong)
Evening market crowds, grilled food and local sweets. - Brunei Energy Hub (Seria, Kuala Belait)
Interactive galleries on how oil and gas shaped Brunei. - Teraja waterfall (Labi, Kuala Belait)
A forest waterfall at the end of the Labi road. - Andulau Forest Reserve (Sungai Liang, Kuala Belait)
Protected lowland forest with tall dipterocarp trees. - Labi longhouses (Labi, Kuala Belait)
Iban longhouses along the forest road, visit respectfully with a guide. - Seria food court (Seria, Kuala Belait)
Local and Indian dishes favoured by oil workers. - Pasar Malam Kuala Belait (Kuala Belait, Kuala Belait)
The town's evening market for grilled snacks and drinks. - Tamu Kuala Belait (Kuala Belait, Kuala Belait)
A small market for fresh produce and local snacks. - Kuala Belait business hotels (Kuala Belait, Kuala Belait)
Simple hotels and serviced apartments, handy before crossing to Miri. - Bakeries of Kuala Belait (Kuala Belait, Kuala Belait)
Old style bakeries selling buns and cakes in the town centre. - Empire Cinema (Jerudong, Jerudong)
A grand cinema inside the Empire complex. - Jerudong fish market (Jerudong, Jerudong)
Fishermen land their catch in the late afternoon. - Muara seafood stalls (Muara, Jerudong)
Grilled fish and squid near the port. - Wreck diving off Brunei (Muara, Jerudong)
Dive historic wrecks with a licensed operator. - Muara town (Muara, Jerudong)
A small port town with old shops and the start of Brunei's history as a trading post.