This Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide helps you make the most of your three days in the city. It features a well-crafted itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
Disclaimer: Some information in this Guide to Bandar Seri Begawan changes too often. If you continue reading this article, you are bound to cross-check information with concerned authorities. Read the site’s full Terms.
Introduction
Bandar Seri Begawan is often regarded as a city that is strictly regulated. Although it is not on my list of places to visit, I found the Islamic city to be intriguing. Hence, I promptly made a flight booking to explore this lesser-known Southeast Asian destination.
I landed at the Brunei International Airport in the middle of the night and immediately hopped in on the city’s ride-hailing service called ‘Dart.’ An absolute quietude greeted me as I approached downtown. Establishments along the route are completely shut while nearly nothing traverses the roadways.
Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of the oil-rich sultanate of Brunei Darussalam. The city cultivates undisturbed tranquility and a calming atmosphere in contrast to others’ hectic pace of life.
Towering skyscrapers, as well as ultra-modern infrastructures, dominate the horizons of many metropolitans. While majestic and extravagantly decorated mosques stood out against Brunei’s urbanscapes.
Bandar Seri Begawan may not be a crowd-pleasing tourist destination as Hong Kong and Bangkok. But, it promises a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking solace in the heart of the city.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Bandar Seri Begawan
- Visa in Brunei
- Standard Time in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Climate in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Best Time to Visit Bandar Seri Begawan
- Language in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Currency in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Modes of Payment in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Ways of Getting to Bandar Seri Begawan
- Getting Around Bandar Seri Begawan
- Areas to Stay in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Internet in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Power Adaptor in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Bandar Seri Begawan Trip
- Travel Resources
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Quick Fact About Bandar Seri Begawan
Formerly known as Bandar Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan is named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, who led in gaining the nation’s independence from Great Britain. Hence, the name Bandar Seri Begawan, which translates to “The City of the Honorable Leader.”
Visa in Brunei
Holders of foreign passports intending to visit Brunei should contact the Department of Immigration and National Registration, with regards to the entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.
Philippine passport holders traveling for tourism in Brunei are visa-exempt for a maximum of 14 days. In the event of a visit extension, you are required to apply for a visa.
On the other hand, travelers must undergo stringent immigration procedures before departure. Read ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’
Standard Time in Bandar Seri Begawan
The Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in Brunei is UTC +08:00.
Bandar Seri Begawan is four hours ahead of Dubai, six hours ahead of Paris, and seven hours ahead of London. Moreover, Bandar Seri Begawan is twelve hours ahead of New York City. Contrarily, Bandar Seri Begawan is an hour behind Tokyo and three hours behind Sydney. Bandar Seri Begawan and Manila, on the other hand, share the same time.
Climate in Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei Darussalam has a tropical climate, which is typical to countries close to the equator. Thus, Bandar Seri Begawan, much like the rest of the sultanate, experiences an all-year swelter, humidity, and rains.
Best Time to Visit Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan offers a good number of attractions and places of interest that are suitable all year. The warm and dry season is the ideal time to explore mosques and water villages and stroll around the city’s wide-open urban spaces.
Heavily forested nature parks and beaches, on the other hand, is a perfect escape from the scorching summer months. When rains occur, the city has several shopping malls and indoor museums.
January to May
The months from January through May are the ideal time for many outdoor activities in Bandar Seri Begawan. It is characterized by temperate weather, which often entails mild temperatures, low humidity, and slight rainfalls, especially in February and March, the driest months.
These months usually coincide with the most significant Islamic event, Ramadan, which may have impacted the patterns of many touristic activities. Thus, establishments and attractions may likely close or even reduce their hours of operation.
June to August
The months of June until August are when the scorching summer season takes place. It is the busiest time of the year in Bandar Seri Begawan and will likely attract a throng of tourists, especially on July 15, when the Sultan’s birthday celebration is held.
September to December
In Bandar Seri Begawan, the rainy season, which run from September until December, is likely to bring heavy downpours that could cause flooding. Even though it does not rain all the time, make the most of the off-peak season when lodging and tour rates drop significantly.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: The government of Brunei has outlawed Christmas celebrations in the country, which goes against the Muslim doctrine. Those who violate the law are sentenced to five years of imprisonment.
Language in Bandar Seri Begawan
Malay is the official and widely spoken language in Bandar Seri Begawan and the rest of Brunei. Additionally, the vast majority of Bruneians speak and comprehend English. For ease of navigation, most public signs across the capital include English translations.
Here are essential Malay words and phrases to learn before your trip to Bandar Seri Begawan:
- Selamat pagi – Good morning
- Tidak – Yes
- Siapa nama awda? – What is your name?
- Senang berkenalan dengan awak – Nice to meet you
- Maafkan saya – Excuse me
- Dimana perhentian bas? – Where is the bus stop?
- Terimah kasi – Thank you
- Sama-sama – You are welcome
- Masjid – Mosque
- Kampong Ayer – Water village
- Dimana pasar malam – Where is the night market?
- Berapa? – How much?
- Boleh beri saya diskaun? – Can you give me a discount
Currency in Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei dollar, abbreviated as BND, is the official currency in Brunei. The exchange rate as of March 22, 2025 is BND 1.00, PHP 43.00, or USD 0.75.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Tip: To save money, convert your currency to Brunei dollars in downtown, which offers better exchange rates than in airport.
Otherwise, convert just enough cash at the destination’s airport to cover the fare to the city center.
Modes of Payment in Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan remains a cash-centric society. Electronic payments, such as debit and credit cards, however, can be utilized as a payment option for retail, dining, and hospitality service transactions.
Cash
Hard cash is the widely accepted method of payment in Bandar Seri Begawan. Almost all commercial establishments, particularly small shops, and public transport services prefer this payment tool.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: The Singapore dollar, which has the same value as the Brunei dollar, is also accepted in Brunei.
Bank Cards
Certain business establishments in Bandar Seri Begawan honor debit and credit cards in lieu of cash. However, upmarket retail and dining facilities, and upscale hotels only take this form of payment.
Ways of Getting to Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei, together with some other Malaysian and Indonesian territories is situated on the island of Borneo. The island’s sole sovereign nation shares borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak. While Brunei’s north coast faces the South China Sea.
Getting to Brunei from Sarawak and Sabah is viable through inland travel. But, taking a flight through Brunei International Airport is the most convenient method to reach Brunei from various parts of the Asian region and the UK.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: The flight time between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan is about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Kuching to Bandar Seri Begawan
The Pan Borneo Highway connects Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, with Bandar Seri Begawan. Using a surface transportation, however, takes roughly 17 hours to reach Bandar Seri Begawan from Kuching.
As an alternative, take the most practical route to get from Kuching to Bandar Seri Begawan in roughly an hour and twenty minutes. Fly from Kuching International Airport, the main entry point through Sarawak, which handles several international flights in Southeast Asia.
Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan
The state capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, renders access to Bandar Seri Begawan through air and inland. It is home to the primary gateway in Eastern Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, which serves flights around Asia.
A more convenient method to get from Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan is via plane, which takes around 40 minutes. Moreover, overland transfers are serviceable between Kota Kinabalu and Bandar Seri Begawan in less than 8 hours with Sipitang Express.
Getting Around Bandar Seri Begawan
Perhaps the main causes of low demand for public transit in Bandar Seri Begawan are the small fraction of commuters due to the high percentage of car ownership. As a result, public transport infrastructures remains undeveloped.
In the absence of a rail transit network and a less reliable bus system, Bandar Seri Begawan has a number of foot-accessible tourist sights. Additionally, a transport app called ‘Dart’ makes it easier to navigate the city.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: Major roadways in Bandar Seri Begawan are anticipated to be severely congested, particularly during peak hours, due to the high volume of private vehicles. As such, steer clear from the city’s busiest times from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bus
The public buses in Bandar Seri Begawan are open-air minibuses with route-specific colors, like cyan blue for the circle line. It includes six routes, connecting Brunei airport, outskirt areas, and other points of interest to the central bus terminal.
This inexpensive form of public transportation typically operates from 6:00 a.m. up until 6:00 p.m. at infrequent intervals. The regular fare for a single journey is fixed at BND 1, PHP 43.00, or USD 0.75, regardless of the destination and the distance traveled. While seniors and children are entitled for a discounted fare of BND 0.50, PHP 21.50, or USD 0.37.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: How do I get on and get off the bus in Bandar Seri Begawan? Each bus in Bandar Seri Begawan has one door. Come in at the front door and take a seat. When the bus stops at your destination, pay cash at the driver before stepping off.
Taxi
In a city where most public transportation stops running as early as 6:00 p.m., taxis in Bandar Seri Begawan are easily available round-the-clock. The dependable, however, prohibitively expensive private vehicle for hire charges BND 3.50, PHP 150.49, or USD 2.62 for the first minute or kilometer. While BND 0.20, PHP 8.60, or USD 0.15 is due to every succeeding 15 seconds or 250 meters.
Additionally, night trips, interdistrict and airport transfers, extra passengers, and additional luggage are all subject to surcharges.
Dart, a ride-hailing service in Brunei, which is comparable to the Uber and Grab, is a better alternative to the relatively uncommon and high-priced cab service. With the Dart app, locating a transportation service in Bandar Seri Begawan is readily at hand when needed.
Boat
Brunei River separates downtown Bandar Seri Begawan from Kampong Ayer, a noteworthy tourist sight in Brunei. Though the water village is accessible through the Sungai Kebun Bridge with cars, taking the motorized water taxi offers ease of access to the settlement for roughly a minute.
It is simple to hail one up as the traditional watercraft docks at the designated jetties along the banks of Brunei River. The inexpensive waterborne service costs BND 1, PHP 43.00, or USD 0.75 each way.
Areas to Stay in Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei is among the least visited countries in Southeast Asia despite of its intriguing appeal. As such, Brunei’s commercial hub Bandar Seri Begawan, has fewer accommodation selections as opposed to the most visited city, Bangkok.
Upscale hotels and budget-friendly hostels are all concentrated around Kianggeh and Gadong, which are also home to a number of shops and sights.
Gadong
Luxury hotels, such as The Rizqun International Hotel, and reasonably priced guesthouses, such as Mininn Guesthouse, are in close proximity to numerous retail establishments in Gadong. The vibrant neighborhood boasts rows of shops and restaurants, making it a hotspot for shopping and dining in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Gadong is home to ‘The Mall’ and Gadong Night Market, which draw crowds seeking some retail therapy and culinary delights.
Kianggeh
Pusat Bandar, located in Kianggeh District, is the epicenter of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is the precise location of several government offices and top tourist attractions, notably the imposing Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Royal Regalia Museum.
The neighborhood is also home to a broad array of independent retail establishments, especially upmarket shops and restaurants housed in Yayasan Shopping Complex. In addition, hotels and other lodging facilities are spread out in the area, such as the first hotel in the country, The Brunei Hotel.
Kota Batu
Kampong Kota Batu, or simply Kota Batu, is a more tranquil area on the banks of the Brunei River, east of Kianggeh. Kota Batu is an ideal location to get closer to nature and engage with Brunei’s significant historical treasures, which includes Kota Batu Archaeological Park and the Brunei Museum.
Internet in Bandar Seri Begawan
Access to the internet is essential in a city where most tourists rely on the ride-hailing app Dart. Hence, have an internet-enabled mobile phone, as most public spaces in Bandar Seri Begawan lack Wi-Fi hotspots.
Other than the airport’s limited internet usage, retail establishments, such as restaurants and cafés, and hotels, provides complimentary and stable internet access to their guests.
Power Adaptor in Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan operates on a 240 V supply voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz and uses a type of power plug:
- G or has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Itinerary
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: For a seamless immigration process, do register your arrival details online before entering Brunei.
08:40 pm – 10:55 pm Flight to Bandar Seri Begawan
10:55 pm – 12:05 pm Arrival at the Brunei International Airport, clear immigration and custom checkpoint, purchase e-sim at the DST Booth, arrival hall
12:05 am – 12:20 am Head to Kianggeh
- From Brunei International Airport
- Take the ‘Dart’ car
- Alight at accommodation
12:20 am – 12:45 am Confirm reservation and check-in at Terrace Hotel
12:45 am – 01:45 am Prepare for sleep
01:45 am Sleep
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Tip: Alternatively, stay in a hostel. A hostel is an inexpensive lodging facility that provides basic amenities, such as bunk beds and communal bathrooms. Thus, if you are on a budget, book a hostel in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Day 1 - Peramu and Gadong
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: It takes around 750 meters to walk from point A to point B.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Wake up, prepare for the tour, and have breakfast
12:00 pm – 12:10 pm Walk to Brunei Central Bus Terminal via Jalan Tasek and Kianggeh Road
12:10 pm – 12:20 pm Head to Istana Nurul Iman
- From Brunei Central Bus Terminal
- Take the Southern, or Gray, Line, No. 42 (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, or 49) or Western, or Pink Line, No. 56
- Alight at Istana Nurul Iman Bus Stop
- Walk toward Istana Nurul Iman
12:20 pm – 12:50 pm Explore Istana Nurul Iman
Istana Nurul Iman
The Istana Nurul Iman, or the Palace of the Light of Faith, is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. This imposing building, which combines Islamic and Malay elements, also functions as the seat of government and a venue for official and royal gatherings.
Istana Nurul Iman is close to the public, but a three-day window is set aside for visitors on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of Ramadan.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Fact: The Istana Nurul Iman is the largest residential palace in the world. The stately palace has more than 1,500 rooms and 250 bathrooms and 5 swimming pools. In addition, it has over a hundred garages, which house around 7,000 vehicles.
12:50 pm – 01:00 pm Head toward Brunei Central Bus Terminal
- From Istana Nurul Iman
- Walk toward Istana Nurul Iman Bus Stop
- Take the Southern, or Gray, Line, No. 42 (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, or 49) or Western, or Pink Line, No. 56 toward Brunei Central Bus Terminal
- Alight at Brunei Central Bus Terminal
01:00 pm – 01:50 pm Stroll around the city center and have lunch
A Must-Eat in Bandar Seri Begawan: Brunei’s national dish, Ambuyat, is made with “sago,” a glutinous white substance that is extracted from palm trunks. The meal is consumed using “Chandas,” or a two-pronged wooden sticks that are dipped and twirled on the sticky paste to a bite sized portion. It is often paired with grilled seafoods, boiled vegetables, and sauces to add extra flavors to the bland dish.
01:50 pm – 02:00 pm Head toward Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
- From Brunei Central Bus Terminal
- Take the Circle, or Cyan Blue, Line, No. 01C or the Central Business, or Brown, Line, No. 20
- Alight at Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque Bus Stop
- Walk to Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
02:00 pm – 03:00 pm Explore Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: Whether you are a devotee or simply a temple visitor, you should treat religious beliefs and sacred places with reverence. When visiting a worship place, be mindful of temple etiquette.
Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
The Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, which opened in 1994, is named after the 29th Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. It is the largest mosque in the entire Brunei Darussalam, which spans roughly 8 hectares.
This elaborately embellished state mosque highlights 29 mosaicked minarets with gold- colored domes, representing the monarchs who reigned the sultanate. Its grandiose interiors decorated with lavish chandeliers also feature conference halls, a library, and prayer rooms that can hold thousands of Muslim faithful.
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque opens from Saturday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm, 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. up until 6:00 p.m. It is open slightly later at 10:30 in the morning on Sunday, while closed on Thursday and Friday. Admission to the place of worship is free.
03:00 pm – 03:10 pm Head to The Mall Gadong
- From the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
- Walk toward Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque Bus Stop
- Take the Circle, or Cyan Blue, Line, No. 01C or the Central Business, or Brown, Line, No. 20
- Alight at The Mall Gadong Bus Stop
- Walk toward The Mall Gadong
03:10 pm – 06:00 pm Explore and shop at The Mall Gadong
The Mall Gadong
The Mall Gadong, or simply “The Mall,” is the largest enclosed retail complex in Brunei. It houses a broad variety of shops, eateries, and cafés, which feature homegrown and global brands spread across the building’s spacious layout.
This four-story shopping mall also hosts leisure amenities, like movie theaters and amusement arcades. The Mall Gadong is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
06:00 pm – 06:04 pm Walk toward Gadong Night Market via Simpang 137
06:04 pm – 08:00 pm Explore Gadong Night Market and have dinner
Gadong Night Market
The Gadong Night Market, which spans an area close to 6,000 square meters, is a vibrant open-air roofed marketplace. It has more than a hundred food vendors, serving a wide range of traditional Bruneian dishes along with some other Asian cuisines, such as grilled meats, rice and noodle meals, and light refreshment.
Gadong Night Market is open at 4:00 p.m. until midnight.
08:00 pm – 08:10 pm Head to accommodation
- From Gadong Night Market
- Take the ‘Dart’ car
- Alight at accommodation
08:10 pm – 09:30 pm Prepare for sleep
09:30 pm Sleep
Day 2 - Kianggeh and Kampong Ayer
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: It takes more than a kilometer to walk from point A to point B.
06:00 am – 08:00 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, and have breakfast
08:00 am – 08:20 am Head toward Tasek Lama Recreational Park
- From accommodation
- Walk toward Tasek Lama Recreational Park via Jalan Tasek (or take the ‘Dart’ car)
- Turn right onto Jalan Tasek Lama
08:20 am – 10:00 am Explore Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Tasek Lama Recreational Park
The Tasek Lama Recreational Park is among the oldest urban parks in Brunei, serving as a natural habitat for long-tailed macaques and a variety of avian species. Moreover, the concrete jungle retreat features footpaths and fitness trails for outdoor activities that lead to Tasek Lama Waterfall, which can be taken pleasure in through a wooden platform.
Visitors to Tasek Lama Recreational Park can enjoy its verdant landscape daily from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. On the hand, the park is open to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Fridays. The park admission is free of charge.
10:00 am – 10:20 am Head toward Terrace/ Radisson Hotel Bus Stop
- From Tasek Lama Recreational Park
- Walk to Terrace/ Radisson Hotel Bus Stop via Jalan Tasek Lama (or take the ‘Dart’ car)
- Turn left onto Jalan Tasek
10:20 am – 10:25 am Head to Kianggeh Market and Teng Yun Temple
- From Terrace/ Radisson Hotel Bus Stop
- Take the Circle, or Cyan Blue, Line, No. 01, Eastern, or Royal Blue Line, No. 34 (or 38), Northern, or Green Line, No. 21 (23, or 24), or the Western, or Pink Line, No. 55 (or 58)
- Alight at Brunei Central Bus Terminal
- Walk to Kiaggeh Market via Kianggeh Road
10:25 am – 11:30 am Explore Kianggeh Market and Teng Yun Temple
Kianggeh Market
Situated on the banks of the Brunei River, the Kianggeh Market is an open-air building that houses over a hundred stalls. Locally grown produce is offered for sale, such as vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices, meat, seafoods, poultry products, and handicrafts.
Kianggeh Market is open as early as 6:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. However, arrive in the morning to witness the marketplace at its busiest.
Teng Yun Temple
Constructed in 1960, the Teng Yun Temple is a Buddhist temple, serving as a testament to the presence of the Chinese minority in Brunei. The slightly small yet excessively adorned edifice stands in stark contrast to the surrounding structures with its vibrant painted walls.
Admission to the Teng Yun Temple is free.
11:30 am – 12:45 pm Have lunch around Pusat Bandar
12:45 pm – 12:50 pm Walk to Brunei Energy Hub via Jalan McArthur
12:50 pm – 02:13 pm Explore Brunei Energy Hub
Brunei Energy Hub
Lies along Jalan McArthur, Brunei Energy Hub is an oil and gas museum set in a repurposed old customs building. The immersive museum, which blends artworks with science, provides comprehensive insights about the energy sector of Brunei through its number of exhibitions and galleries.
Brunei Energy Hub is open daily, except on Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entry is free of charge.
02:13 pm – 02:15 pm Walk to the nearest boat jetty along Brunei River in front of the Yayasan Shopping Complex
02:15 pm – 06:00 pm Explore Kampong Ayer and Brunei River
Traditional boats are also used for tours around the water village and along the palm trees and mangrove-studded Brunei River. As such, negotiable prices normally range from BND 20 to BND 30, PHP 859.95 to PHP 1,289.93.00, or USD 15.00 up to USD 22.50 for about an hour-long cruise.
Kampong Ayer
Established for over a century, Kampong Ayer, which translates to water village, is a settlement in Bandar Seri Begawan where dwellings are constructed on stilts, much like the Tai-O Village of Hong Kong. A network of raised pathwalks, pedestrian bridges, and motorboats connects thousands of residents from all over the villages and subdistricts that make up Kampong Ayer.
Similar to the inland neighborhoods, the water settlement has schools, a hospital, police and fire stations, a museum, mosques, and shops, which serve nearly 10,000 villagers.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Fact: During his expedition across the Far East, Antonio Pigafetta, a Venetian navigator, dubbed Kampong Ayer the “Venice of the East.” The water settlement, which spans about 10,000 square kilometers over Brunei River, is among the largest in the world.
06:00 pm – 06:01 pm Head to Pusat Bandar
• From the boat jetty in Kampong Ayer
• Take a water taxi
• Alight at the boat jetty in Pusat Bandar
06:01 pm – 08:30 pm Stroll around downtown and have dinner
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: In Brunei, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Foreign visitors, however, are permitted to carry a certain amount of alcohol into the country, but for private consumption.
08:30 pm – 08:45 pm Walk toward hotel
08:45 pm – 10:15 pm Prepare for sleep
10:15 pm Sleep
Day 3 - Pusat Bandar
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Reminder: It takes around 650 meters to walk from point A to point B.
07:00 am – 09:00 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, have breakfast, early check-out, and drop luggage at accommodation
09:00 am – 09:08 am Head to Royal Regalia Museum
- From accommodation
- Walk toward Royal Regalia Museum via Jalan Tasek
- Turn right toward Jalan Bendahara and Jalan Sultan Omar Ali Saiffudien
09:08 am – 11:00 am Explore Royal Regalia Museum
Royal Regalia
The Royal Regalia Museum, which opened its doors in 1992, recounts Brunei’s rich royal past. This two-story crescent-shaped building is a treasure trove of valuable pieces specifically memorabilia from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s ascension to the throne. Some of the notable collections include heirloom items, diplomatic gifts, and a gilded chariot, which serves as the museum’s centerpiece.
Daily hours for the Royal Regalia Museum are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Fridays. The regular admission fee is BND 5, PHP 214.99, or USD 3.75. Children, ages 7 to 11, on the other hand, are eligible for a discounted entry rate of BND 2, PHP 86.00, or USD 1.50.
11:00 am – 11:04 am Walk toward Brunei History Center via Jalan Omar Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien
11:04 am – 12:00 pm Explore Brunei History Center
Brunei History Center
The Brunei History Center, inaugurated in 1982, is a repository of historical records and valuable artifacts of the country. This institution carries out research, collections, and preservation of written accounts and archaeological interests for public knowledge.
Brunei History Center accepts visitors from Saturday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Public viewing, however, is closed every Friday and national holidays. Admission is free of charge.
12:00 pm – 01:30 pm Have lunch at Pusat Bandar
01:30 pm – 01:37 pm Head toward Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque
- From Brunei History Center
- Walk toward Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque via Jalan Sultan Omar Ali Saiffuden
- Turn right at Jalan Elizabeth Dua
- Then turn left at Jalan Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saiffudien
01:37 pm – 03:45 pm Explore Omar Ali Saiffuden Mosque
Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque
The Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque, or simply SOAS Mosque, is the sultanate’s first state mosque. It was named after the 28th sultan of Brunei, who also envisioned the impressive Indo-Islamic-inspired architecture.
This architectural masterpiece, which features a replica of a 16th-century royal barge over a man-made lagoon, is a sight to behold. In addition, the eye-catching 24-karat golden dome and opulent interiors are noteworthy elements that make it the most photographed sight.
Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque opens to visitors on Saturday through Wednesday. It is open between 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. till 3:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. up to 5:30 p.m. The public may enter for free.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Tip: Head toward Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, BIBD Frame, and Yayasan Food Street for sweeping views of Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
03:45 pm – 03:50 pm Walk toward Yayasan Shopping Complex via Jalan Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saiffuden
03:50 pm – 07:30 pm Shop and have dinner at Yayasan Shopping Complex
Yayasan Shopping Complex
Conveniently located to major attractions, the Yayasan Shopping Complex features a cluster of enclosed buildings with an out-of-doors food street, which is laid on a 4-hectare retail area. The upmarket shopping center hosts numerous shops, restaurants, cafés, a food court, banks, and some amusement facilities.
Daily hours for Yayasan Shopping Complex are at 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Whereas, the food strip, which is lined with a variety of light refreshment stands, opens at 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
07:30 pm – 07:45 pm Walk toward hotel
07:45 pm – 08:00 pm Get the luggage from accommodation
08:00 pm – 08:20 pm Head toward Brunei International Airport
- From accommodation
- Take the ‘Dart car
- Alight at Brunei International Airport
08:20 pm – 11:40 pm Check-in, clear immigration and custom checkpoint, and boarding
11:40 pm Departure from Bandar Seri Begawan
Budget for Bandar Seri Begawan
In 2025, I spent PHP 11,652.49 for three days in Bandar Seri Begawan. However, costs may still vary depending on travel lifestyle. Please read ‘35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel.’
Pre-Departure
- Round-trip airfare, Manila to Bandar Seri-Begawan, PHP 5,674.50
- 3 days and 3 nights accommodation, PHP 5,219.61 /2, PHP 2,609.80
1st Day
- Brunei International Airport toward hotel, via car, PHP 609.89 /2, PHP 304.95
- Breakfast, PHP 193.29
- Brunei Central Bus Terminal to Istana Nurul Iman, via bus, PHP 42.95
- Istana Nurul Iman to Brunei Central Bus Terminal, via bus, PHP 42.95
- Lunch, PHP 221.45
- Brunei Central Bus Terminal to Jame ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, via bus, PHP 42.95
- Jame ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque to The Mall Gadong, via bus, PHP 42.95
- Dinner, PHP 182.41
- Gadong Night Market to accommodation, via car, PHP 257.70 /2, PHP 128.85
2nd Day
- Breakfast, PHP 193.29
- Radisson /Terrace Hotel Bus Stop to Brunei Central Bus Terminal, via bus, PHP 42.95
- Lunch, PHP 166.73
- Brunei Water Village Tour, PHP 1,068.79 /2, PHP 534.36
- Kampong Ayer to Pusat Bandar, via boat, PHP 42.95
- Dinner, PHP 182.41
3rd Day
- Breakfast, PHP 193.29
- Admission to Royal Regalia Museum, PHP 215.32
- Lunch, PHP 195.79
- Dinner, PHP 167.98
- Accommodation toward Brunei International Airport, via car, PHP 460.74 /2, PHP 230.37
Travel Resources
To help you with your travel plans, I’ve gathered a checklist of carefully chosen travel resources. These are the trusted online marketplaces that I highly endorse because of their excellent deals.
Looking for an easy-peasy solution to process your visa application and other travel documents? Consult iVisa!
SafetyWing is your safeguard for travel medical and health insurance while away from home.
The sky is the limit with Skyscanner if you are looking for better and cheaper flight options for your next trip.
Reserve a room on one of the largest online hotel booking platforms, Agoda. It offers unbeatable hotel deals!
Explore the world with HostelWorld! Make a reservation and share a space with newfound buddies.
Drive your way to undiscovered places! Book a car via Discover Cars and experience hassle-free road trips.
Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide Question: What is the largest residential palace in the world?
Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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