Brunei Travel Information

Brunei, a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, traditional culture and modern amenities. Despite its small size, Brunei is home to a wealth of things to see and do. Here are the top 10 things to do in this fascinating country:

1. Visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

This iconic mosque is one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia, and is located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. It features a stunning golden dome, intricate carvings and a large prayer hall. Visitors are welcome to tour the mosque, but should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

2. Explore the Kampong Ayer Water Village

Kampong Ayer is the world's largest water village, and is home to over 30,000 people. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the stilt houses, schools, and shops that make up the village, and learn about the traditional way of life of the residents.

3. Visit the Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Brunei, showcasing the country's royal treasures, including the royal crown and throne. The museum also features exhibits on the country's history and traditional way of life.

4. Take a Jungle Trek

Brunei is home to some of the most pristine and diverse tropical rainforests in the world. Take a guided trek through the jungle to discover the incredible variety of plants and animals that call it home.

5. Visit the Ulu Temburong National Park

The Ulu Temburong National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including orangutans, hornbills, and monitor lizards. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the park and learn more about the conservation efforts to protect this unique ecosystem.

6. Take a Boat Tour on the Sungai Brunei

Take a boat tour on the Sungai Brunei and discover the scenic beauty of the country's rivers and mangroves. The tour will take you past traditional stilt houses, floating markets, and fishing villages.

7. Visit the Brunei Museum

The Brunei Museum offers a glimpse into the country's history and culture, with exhibits on the country's natural history, traditional way of life, and Islamic art and artifacts.

8. Visit the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia and a great example of modern Islamic architecture. Visitors are welcome to tour the mosque, but should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

9. Go Shopping

Brunei is home to a wide variety of shopping options, from traditional markets to modern shopping centers. Visitors can find everything from traditional handicrafts and textiles to modern electronics.

10. Visit the Istana Nurul Iman Palace

Istana Nurul Iman Palace is the residence of the Sultan of Brunei and is the largest palace in the world by floor area. Visitors can take guided tours of the palace to see the opulent interiors and learn more about the country's royal family.

Overall, Brunei is a destination full of surprises, with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. From visiting the impressive mosque, exploring the water village, visiting the Royal Regalia Museum and taking a jungle trek, to visiting the national park, shopping and visiting the palace, this country has a lot to offer for visitors.

Climate

Brunei has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from around 27 to 32 degrees Celsius (80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The country experiences two monsoon seasons, the Northeast Monsoon (November to March) and the Southwest Monsoon (May to October), which bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Brunei depends on what you're looking to do while you're there. If you're interested in outdoor activities such as jungle trekking and visiting national parks, the dry season, which is from April to October is the best time to visit, as the weather is less humid and the trails are less muddy.

The rainy season, which is from November to March, can also be a good time to visit if you're looking to experience the local culture, as this is when many festivals and cultural events take place. Visitors should be aware that during the rainy season, there can be heavy rain and thunderstorms, which can cause flooding in some areas.

Additionally, visitors looking to avoid the crowds and high prices should consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, which are the months of April, May, September and October.

Overall, Brunei has something to offer all year round, and the best time to visit is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Visitors should plan ahead and take into consideration the time of year and their travel itinerary to choose the best option for them.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Brunei offers a variety of hotels, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. Many of the hotels are located in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, and offer a range of amenities such as on-site restaurants, fitness centers and swimming pools. Some hotels also offer spa services and other activities.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts are a popular accommodation option in Brunei, particularly in the rural areas of the country. These small, family-run establishments offer a more intimate and personal experience than larger hotels. They are often located in charming, historic homes and offer comfortable rooms and local tips and recommendations.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rental properties such as apartments and villas are also available in Brunei. These rentals offer the convenience and privacy of having your own space, and often come equipped with amenities such as kitchens and laundry facilities.

Guesthouses

There are a few guesthouses available in Brunei, which offer a more homely and personal experience than hotels. These are perfect for those who are looking for a more authentic and intimate experience while visiting the country.

Homestays

Homestays are also available in Brunei, which offer an opportunity to stay with a local family and experience the local culture and way of life. Homestays are a great way to learn more about the country and its people, and to practice the local language.

Overall, Brunei offers a variety of accommodation options to suit the needs of different travelers. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, the country has something for everyone. Visitors should plan ahead and take into consideration the location, amenities, and budget when choosing the accommodation that best fits their needs.

Air

The main way to get to Brunei is by air, with the international airport (Brunei International Airport) located in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. The airport offers flights to major cities in Southeast Asia, as well as to other countries in the region, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur.

Bus

Buses are a popular means of transportation in Brunei, with regular services connecting the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan to other towns and villages in the country. Buses are generally inexpensive and run on a regular schedule.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Brunei, and are a convenient way to get around the country. Taxis can be hailed on the street, or can be booked in advance through your hotel or through a local taxi company.

Car Rental

Car rental is also available in Brunei, and is a popular way to get around the country, especially if you plan to visit the rural areas. Visitors should be aware that traffic can be heavy in the capital city and that driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

Bicycle Rental

Bicycle rental is available in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, and is a great way to explore the city at your own pace. This is a good option if you want to avoid the traffic and parking issues that come with driving a car.

Walking

Walking is a great way to explore the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, particularly the city center. The city is small enough to explore on foot, and many of the sights and attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

Overall, Brunei offers a variety of transportation options to suit the needs of different travelers. From air, bus and taxi services, to car and bicycle rental, the country has something for everyone. Visitors should plan ahead and take into consideration the time of year, their travel itinerary and their budget when choosing the best option for them.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.