What is there to do whilst staying in Bandar Seri Begawan, and where can you go on a day trip in the surrounding area?

Discover traditional water villages

A significant proportion of Bandar Seri Begawan’s population still lives in villages built on stilts right on the Brunei River.

The largest and best-known of these is the village of Kampong Ayer, which can be reached directly from the city centre in a two-minute boat ride on a small motorboat for 1 Brunei dollar.

The smaller village of Tamoi can be reached entirely on dry land, on foot across a bridge directly from the city centre.

Marvel at the enchanting beauty of the mosques

Brunei is an Islamic sultanate, and the emphasis placed on the architecture of its mosques reflects this.

In Bandar Seri Begawan, you’ll find some of the most beautiful and monumental mosques in Asia.

The main landmark in the city centre is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and around 4 km from the centre lies Brunei’s largest mosque, the Jame’ Asr’ Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.

Tucked away off the main tourist routes, near the water village of Tamoi, is the beautiful Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque.

Visit the Gadong night market

Sample local specialities and delicacies and pop along to the Gadong night market, which is open every day from 4 pm to 11 pm.

In the large hall, you’ll find dozens of stalls offering a wide variety of delicacies, with prices starting from 1 bnd.

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A cruise on the Brunei River

Enjoy a 2-hour cruise through the city centre and discover Bandar Seri Begawan from a different perspective.

The best value cruises are offered by Brunei River Cruise at 30 bnd.

The price also includes light refreshments such as water, tea and coffee on board.

Please book your cruise at least a few hours in advance via the official websitebruneirivercruise.com. Cruises do not run every day, but usually only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

One drawback is that the boat departs from and arrives at Queen Elizabeth Jetty, which is quite a distance from the city centre (see map).

The easiest way to get to the jetty is by taxi via the DART mobile app, which you can easily book even in the evening after the boat arrives (around 7.15 pm). The fare to the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan is around 7 bnd.

Set off on a trip into the jungle

Brunei is a country of tropical rainforests, and it would be a great shame not to venture out of the city whilst staying in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The best-known park, featuring the famous ‘Canopy Walk’ treetop walkways, is called Ulu-Temburong, and you can only get there through a tour operator.

How do you get to this national park, and what are the main activities on offer?

Find out in this detailed mini-guide to Ulu Temburong.

Beaches and swimming

Although Bandar Seri Begawan isn’t situated directly by the sea, you can reach the beaches in half an hour by taxi.

There are two well-known seaside resorts near the capital which we recommend visiting:

• Jerudong – a resort with an amusement park and Brunei’s most luxurious hotel
• Muara – a quiet beach with a lovely leisure park, ideal for combining a swim with a stroll along the seafront

Take a stroll along the riverside promenade

One of the most popular spots amongst locals is the ‘Waterfront’, a promenade along the Brunei River that runs the length of Bandar Seri Begawan’s city centre.

It starts at the footbridge near the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and ends at the modern Sungai Kebun road bridge.

The promenade really comes to life in the early evening, when it’s a little more bearable to be outside than it is later on.