Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan) Aug 2016

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei with a population of 30,000 people - majority of them are Malays and Chinese is a significant minority group. However, there are a large number of foreign workers who hailed from India, Philippines, Indonesia & Malaysia, employing under short & medium term contracts, mainly in the oil & gas industries. 

Majority of the international visitors (around 200,000) to Brunei are from the Far East (Japan, China & Australia) & Asean countries. Malaysia is currently the top international visitor arrival in Brunei. 

The Water Village, Istana Palace, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Jame Asr Hassail Bokiah Mosque, Ulu Temburong National Park are the top tourist attractions in Brunei. 

As most of the top tourist attractions are located within a 5km radius from the city centre, tourists can easily do a walking tour of the places in Bandar Seri Begawan or using mini bus to take you to places in the suburban areas. 

Iconic Landmarks in Bandar Seri Begawan

1) Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery - a major tourist attraction, water taxis is B$1 from the waterfront, gallery has a showroom with a small exhibit of Brunei history & cultural items, good experience to witness the daily lives of the locals living in the water village

2) Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque - an iconic landmark in the city centre, magnificent building, opened to non-Muslims for general viewing inside but no photography, night scene is beautiful

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque by Night - awesome !

3) Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque - located 3-4km from the city centre towards the Gadong area, a grand building, interior décor is impressive

4) Istana Nurul Iman - largest residential palace in the world, tourists come here to take pictures of the palace's gate, further up is Persiaran Damuan located between Jalan Tutong & Brunei River

5) Royal Regalia Building - located in Jalan Sultan, this museum is devoted to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, an impressive display of coronation & silver jubilee chariots, gold & silver ceremony armory & traditional jewelry items

My favorite food in Bandar Seri Begawan - B$1 for a packet of Nasi Katok for a quick lunch or dinner !

Public transport, mini bus - B$1 per ride to any destinations in Bandar Seri Begawan & Muara; main bus terminal is located in Jalan Cator

Airbnb homestay accommodation in Bandar Seri Begawan - my host, Eilene & James, Apartment Unit B1, No 6, Simpang 49, Jalan Kebangsan (Mabohai), Brunei - Muara BA1111, Brunei - cosy, clean, warmth & friendly host, free breakfast, 2km walking to city centre, bus No 36 to airport & city centre - so sleep well & enjoy your stay in Brunei !