Brunei is a tiny, oil rich Muslim country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, and its capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan only has a population of about 100,000 people.
This entire country is mostly overlooked by tourists, but itβs definitely a cool place to check out, with its giant mosques and interesting museums that are open to the public for free.
When you get done touring the city, you can also do things like go on a river safari to spot monkeys and other wildlife.
Here are some of the best things to do in Brunei and Bandar Seri Begawan!
Where To Stay In Brunei
Top Things To Do In Brunei & Bandar Seri Begawan
1. Brunei Airport Mosque
This is an easy one. The first thing you see after arriving in Bandar Seri Begawan is the mosque outside the airport.
Itβs a smaller one with a big blue dome and three minarets, right next to the airport doors. It isnβt open to tourists, but youβre welcome to snap some photos from the outside!
2. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
This mosque is the most famous monument in Brunei, and itβs probably the most photogenic too, with its huge dome of pure gold.
The Ali Saifuddien mosque was finished in 1958 and cost between $7 and $10 Million USD to build. Yikes! The building stands 50 meters tall (170 feet).
Materials were imported from all over the world: marble from Italy, granite from Shanghai, crystal chandeliers from England, and carpets from Saudi Arabia.
The architecture is an interesting mix of Mughal and Malay styles, and the overall design just reminds me of Disneyβs Aladdin.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
View from the bridge
This mosque is located near the city center of Bandar Seri Begawan, just 15 minutes drive from the airport.
You could also consider booking accommodation within walking distance of the mosque, which is what I did when I visited.
Sadly tourists canβt go inside the mosque, so half an hour is enough time to spend here. On some rare occasions Iβve heard of people being allowed to go inside the entryway and take a few photos.
If you come back after dark, the entire mosque is lit up on the outside and looks bright gold!
Night view
3. JameβAsr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
This is the biggest mosque in Brunei, and also one of the most iconic. Itβs even featured on the $10 Bruneian cash notes!
With 29 golden domes and four 60 meter tall minarets, the size of the building is really impressive and itβs so ornate.
Itβs located in the city center of Bandar Seri Begawan, just 10 minutes drive from the airport. If you come here after dark, the entire mosque is lit up on the outside and looks bright gold.
You can also tour the inside on certain days of the week, and itβs just as impressive as the outside.
JameβAsr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
A fountain in the courtyard
The mosque has 29 golden domes since itβs dedicated to the 29th Sultan of Brunei.
4. Royal Regalia Museum
Bruneiβs biggest and most popular museum is the Royal Regalia Museum in the city center, where you can see exhibits from the countryβs history.
Itβs free to enter, but sadly they donβt allow phones or cameras inside. Free lockers are provided for storing your stuff.
Royal Regalia Museum (Β© Shutterstock)
5. Mangrove River Safari
Take a wildlife sighting cruise on the Brunei River! During a 2 hour boat trip you can see Borneoβs Proboscis monkeys and mangrove forests, and visit a local water village on stilts.
Viator has boat tour packages for this starting at 70 Brunei dollars (~$52 USD) with pickup included.
Book now: Brunei River Safari
Β© Shutterstock
6. Gadong Mall
Also known as βThe Mallβ, this is one of Bandar Seri Begawanβs prime shopping centers.
I wouldnβt say itβs anything spectacular like the malls in Dubai, but itβs a good place to escape the midday heat and look for some good deals on electronics, souvenirs and essentials.
Gadong Mall (Β© Shutterstock)
7. Pick Up Some Brunei Swag
As far as tourist destinations go, Bandar Seri Begawan is probably one of the more obscure cities in the world, so be sure to pick up some fridge magnets and other souvenirs! Even the Bruneian Dollar bills look pretty cool.
10 Bruneian Dollars
8. Try Durian Ice Cream
The Dairy Queen in Brunei sells blizzards made out of the notoriously bad smelling Durian fruit. The flavor is incredibly weird. You have to try it, even just to say you did!
More Brunei Travel Tips
Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this list of the top things to do in Brunei and Bandar Seri Begawan.
Donβt forget to check out my Brunei Travel Guide with general tips, info, and photos!
