Even though it’s one of the tiniest countries on the planet, the standard of living in Brunei’s compact capital Bandar Seri Begawan is one of the best in the world. Surrounded by lush jungles on the island of Borneo, this small city packs a punch for Islamic architecture. A visit to the gold-smothered Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is the top thing to do during your time here—the Italian marble, golden domes, and Arabian carpets in the majestic Muslim monument serve as an opulent reminder of Brunei’s immense wealth.
Brunei’s tropical climate contributes to the biodiversity of its rainforests, but it does mean that the tiny state sees plenty of rain throughout the year. The driest months to visit are January, February, and March when temperatures are cooler and perfect for exploring the city. To celebrate the end of the fasting season of Ramadan, Bandar Seri Begawan hosts the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival—comparable to New Year’s Eve festivities in other countries. Expect fireworks, parades, and the opportunity to visit the Sultan of Brunei’s palace.
Bandar Seri Begawan’s small size means it's easy to navigate on foot or using its bus network, which will also transport you to more rural parts of the country. From the main bus terminal, you can catch coaches to Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo but expect to get a lot of stamps on your passport as you slalom across the Brunei-Malaysia border. Taxis are your best bet for getting around the city quickly—download the Dart ridesharing service or flag down a metered car.
Once you’ve gazed at the golden domes of BSB’s mosques, take a trip to Kampong Ayer—the largest floating village in the world. Nicknamed the Venice of the East, the water city is home to more than 42 settlements on stilts, boasting mosques, schools, and restaurants. Explore the area on a speedboat tour, which typically takes you to a local home and the Kampong Ayer Museum via nature-rich mangroves, where you might spot crocodiles and proboscis monkeys.
Attractions 2 | Tours 27 | Reviews 22 |
Bandar Seri Begawan is famous for being one of the wealthiest capitals in the world, even though it's also one of the smallest. Its most famous landmark is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, while the Istana Nurul Iman—home to the Sultan of Brunei—is the largest residential palace on the planet.
...MoreThe top attractions to visit in Bandar Seri Begawan include the lavish Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, famous for its gold domes; Kampong Ayer, the largest floating village in the world; the Royal Regalia Museum, which exhibits millions of dollars worth of crown jewels and gemstones; and Gadong Night Market.
...MoreThe most popular things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan with children include visiting Tasek Lama Recreational Park, an inner-city park home to nature trails, lookout points, and spots perfect for picnics. You could also take a boat trip to the floating village of Kampong Ayer, surrounded by mangroves inhabited by various wildlife.
...MoreThe most beautiful city in Brunei is undoubtedly its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. As the home of the Sultan of Brunei, one of the wealthiest men in the world, it boasts lavish mosques, palaces, museums, and a lush city park featuring walking trails and waterfalls.
...MoreIf you’ve only got 24 hours in Bandar Seri Begawan, head first to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, often hailed as one of Asia’s most beautiful Islamic monuments. Take a boat ride to Kampong Ayer before sampling Brunei’s national dish ambuyat in Gadong Night Market.
...MoreThanks to its compact size, just one or two days in Bandar Seri Begawan gives you time to tick off its top attractions. However, if you want to explore further afield in Brunei—one of the least-visited countries in the world—add on a couple of days to visit Ulu Temburong National Park, home to the biodiverse flora and fauna that’s made Borneo one of the top nature destinations in the world.
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