Brunei may not be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list, but this small nation on the island of Borneo is certainly worth a visit. Although tiny in size, Brunei packs a punch with its rich history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes. If you’re looking for a destination that’s off the beaten path with a mix of tradition and modern development, Brunei is a place to consider.
General Information About Brunei
Brunei Darussalam (“Abode of Peace”) is located in Southeast Asia and occupies a small section of the northern coast of the island of Borneo. The country is divided into two parts that are surrounded by Malaysia. Brunei’s entire population is just under half a million people, making it one of the least populated countries in the world.
The capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, is where most of the population lives and where the country’s major attractions are found. Aside from the capital, other notable towns include Kuala Belait, Seria, and Tutong. These areas reflect Brunei’s wealth, thanks to its oil and gas industries.
Brunei is a wealthy country, thanks to its natural resources, primarily oil and natural gas. The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is pegged to the Singapore Dollar. Interestingly, the two currencies are interchangeable, so you can use them in both countries!
Language and Culture
The official language of Brunei is Malay (Bahasa Melayu), but English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism settings. You won’t struggle to communicate here as most locals will speak at least basic English, if not fluently.
Brunei is an Islamic country, and Islam plays a significant role in daily life. The national religion is Sunni Islam, and you’ll notice its influence throughout the country, from the architecture to the way of life. Modesty in dress and behavior is expected, especially in public spaces, so it’s a good idea to dress conservatively when visiting mosques or royal grounds.
Safety and Cleanliness
Safety is something you won’t have to worry about in Brunei. The crime rate is incredibly low, and locals are generally kind and peacefully go about their daily lives. Brunei is also an extremely clean country. Streets are well-maintained, and you won’t find litter in most public space.
History of Brunei
Brunei’s history stretches back over a millennium. Once one of the most powerful Islamic sultanates in Southeast Asia, Brunei had strong influence in the region during the 15th and 16th centuries. Over time, its power declined, especially after European colonists arrived and disrupted trade routes.
Brunei became a British protectorate in the late 19th century, which it remained until it gained full independence on January 1, 1984. Today, it’s a constitutional sultanate, meaning the Sultan holds considerable power.
Brunei is ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs. The Sultan has significant authority over the government and is generally well regarded by the people. His family’s palace, Istana Nurul Iman, is the largest residential palace in the world!
Top Highlights of Brunei
While Brunei isn’t necessarily a backpacker hotspot, the country has its fair share of attractions. The blend of cultural, historical, and natural sites gives travelers lots to do here. Let me walk you through the main highlights.
Bandar Seri Begawan
The capital city is where most of the action happens. Its streets are quiet and clean, and there are many cultural sites worth visiting.
Start with the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. This architectural marvel is one of the most stunning in Southeast Asia. It features golden domes, reflecting ponds, and marble interiors. You can walk around the mosque and admire the intricate designs.
Continuing with mosques, Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is worth a visit. It has 29 golden domes and symbolizes the current Sultan’s reign. The structure is enormous and a sight to behold, especially when lit up at night.
Kampong Ayer
Kampong Ayer, or the “Water Village”, is another interesting spot. It’s a collection of houses and buildings built on stilts that straddle the Brunei River. People have been living here for centuries. You can walk the boardwalks or hire a water taxi to take you around the village.
Royal Regalia Museum
If you want to learn more about Brunei’s royalty and history, head to the Royal Regalia Museum. It’s home to a huge collection of royal artifacts, gifts, and regalia. The museum gives insight into the monarchy, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and the country’s wealth.
Nature and Wildlife
Though Brunei is small, it’s still packed with natural beauty. Half of the country is covered in rainforests, making it a fantastic destination for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Ulu Temburong National Park
If you’re up for an adventure, Ulu Temburong is a must-do. This pristine rainforest is one of the highlights of Brunei. You can take a longboat upriver and trek through the dense jungle, crossing suspension bridges and visiting lookout towers along the way.
Don’t forget to do the canopy walk: a series of elevated paths that rise above the forest. It offers unbeatable views of the treetops and a chance to spot wildlife, like hornbills or proboscis monkeys.
Proboscis Monkeys
Speaking of proboscis monkeys, you’ll definitely want to see these unusual creatures. With their distinctive large noses, they’re one of the stars of the local wildlife. You can spot them in the mangroves along the Brunei River or in other parts of the country like the Kulamba Forest Reserve.
Food and Dining in Brunei
Brunei’s cuisine is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian influences. The local fare is simple but tasty, full of flavors that highlight the freshness of the ingredients.
Iconic Dishes
Nasi Lemak is a must-try—a fragrant coconut rice dish served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, and sambal (a chili paste). You’ll also find ambuyat, a sticky sago dish often served with a variety of dips. It’s unique to Brunei and quite the experience to eat!
For street food, head to the Gadong Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan. You’ll find everything from satay to deep-fried snacks and local desserts. It’s a great place to eat on a budget while mingling with locals.
Dining Etiquette
Given Brunei’s Islamic culture, alcohol is not sold in the country, and it’s illegal to import it. That said, non-Muslim visitors can bring a limited amount of alcohol for personal consumption, but it’s expected to be consumed in private.
You’ll also notice food here follows Halal dietary laws, so pork is not available in most places. Local restaurants will stick to Halal practices, ensuring that their food is permissible under Islamic law.
When to Visit Brunei
Brunei has a tropical rainforest climate, so you can expect hot and humid weather year-round. There are two main seasons: the wet season (November to January) and the dry season (February to October). While you can visit at any time, the dry season is generally more comfortable for travelers.
Public holidays, especially during Islamic festivals like Ramadan, are worth considering when planning a trip. While the country remains open to tourists, some businesses may close early, and certain accommodations might be harder to find. That said, visiting during festivals can also be a fantastic cultural experience.
Final Thoughts
Though Brunei might not be on everyone’s radar, it offers a refreshingly different travel experience—one rooted in culture, natural beauty, and tradition. The country’s wealth has kept it modern and clean, yet it retains its unique charm through the historical and cultural significance of places like the water village and stunning mosques.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s peaceful, safe, and still relatively undiscovered by tourists, Brunei might surprise you. While the country is small, its attractions and experiences will leave a lasting impression.
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