Perched on the north coast of Borneo, Brunei Darussalam is a tiny but incredibly wealthy nation surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. It’s divided into two distinct areas that encompass wildlife-rich rainforest and stunning beaches, as well as the architecturally opulent capital of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Things to do in Brunei Darussalam
From marvelling at monumental mosques to being immersed in pristine rainforest, Brunei Darussalam offers larger-than-life experiences.
Admire the architecture of Bandar Seri Begawan. Home to lavishly decorated mosques and the world’s largest residential palace, Bandar Seri Begawan is an architectural wonderland. Marvel at the 29 golden domes of the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque and the chandelier-adorned Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque before admiring ceremonial armoury at the Royal Regalia Building.
Explore the floating villages of Kampong Ayer. Nicknamed the “Venice of the East”, Kampong Ayer is a cluster of traditional stilt villages along the Brunei River. Wander along the connecting boardwalks to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life, with everything from schools to mosques and restaurants perched over the water.
Visit Ulu Temburong National Park. The first national park to be established in the country, this 550-square-kilometre tract of virgin rainforest has been nicknamed the “Green Jewel of Brunei”. Come face-to-face with the park’s birdlife on the suspended canopy walkway and listen to Bornean gibbons on guided jungle walks before refreshing in the cool mountain waters of Sungai Temburong.
See proboscis monkeys in Taman Persiaran Damuan Park. Endemic to Borneo, proboscis monkeys can be spotted in a few places throughout Brunei Darussalam, including the riverfront Taman Persiaran Damuan Park to the south-west of Bandar Seri Begawan. They’re instantly recognisable thanks to their unusually-shaped noses and pot-bellied physique.
Getting around Brunei Darussalam
Brunei International Airport is the main gateway to the country and located just 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. Buses are the main means of getting around Brunei Darussalam and there are only a few taxis available, which makes hiring a car and self-driving a convenient way to explore.