Things to Do in Brunei: Best Places to Visit in Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei is one of the least visited countries in Southeast Asia, and for many travellers, it is a destination they know very little about before arriving.

Since most people only spend a couple of days in Brunei, one of the biggest questions is what is actually worth doing and which places should you visit with limited time.

I visited Brunei during my first backpacking trip around Southeast Asia, and it became my 36th country. I only had a short time there, but it was enough to explore Bandar Seri Begawan, visit the main landmarks and experience a completely different side of Southeast Asia compared to the neighbouring countries.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Brunei, focusing on the places I visited and the main attractions you should add to your itinerary if you’re staying in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Things to Do in Brunei: My Quick Answer

If you’re wondering what to do in Brunei, most of the main highlights are located in and around Bandar Seri Begawan.

The best things to do in Brunei are:

• Visit Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
• Explore Kampong Ayer (the Water Village)
• Take a boat trip through the mangroves to look for proboscis monkeys
• Visit Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
• Explore the Gadong Night Market
• Visit the Royal Regalia Museum
• Walk around Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei is not a destination where you need a packed itinerary. The experience is more about seeing a different side of Southeast Asia, with fewer crowds, impressive mosques, unique cultural experiences and a much slower pace than many neighbouring countries.

My Experience Visiting Brunei

Brunei became my 36th country during my first backpacking trip around Southeast Asia.

I wasn’t originally planning to visit. A friend convinced me to book a last-minute flight from Kuala Lumpur, and suddenly I was heading to one of the least visited countries in the region.

I spent two days in Bandar Seri Begawan, which was enough time to see the main attractions, explore the capital and experience what makes Brunei so different from other Southeast Asian countries.

My first impression was how quiet everything felt. After travelling through busier countries in Southeast Asia, arriving somewhere so calm was a completely different experience.

During my visit, I explored the city, visited the famous mosques, saw Kampong Ayer, went to the night market and took a boat trip through the mangroves.

Best Things to Do in Brunei

1. Visit Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is probably the most famous landmark in Brunei and one of the first places most travellers visit in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The mosque is known for its golden dome, white architecture and its location beside the water, making it one of the most recognisable sights in the country.

I visited during my time in the capital, and it was one of those places that immediately stood out because it looks completely different from many other sights you see around Southeast Asia.

Remember to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites in Brunei.

2. Explore Kampong Ayer (The Water Village)

Kampong Ayer was one of the places I was most curious about before visiting Brunei.

Known as the Water Village, it is a historic area built on the Brunei River, with houses and buildings connected by wooden walkways.

The easiest way to explore Kampong Ayer is by taking a local boat, and it gives you a completely different perspective of Bandar Seri Begawan from the water.

3. Take a Boat Trip to See Proboscis Monkeys

One of the most unique things to do in Brunei is taking a boat trip through the mangroves to look for proboscis monkeys.

This was one of the experiences I wanted to do because it was something I couldn’t easily find in other countries.

I did take a boat trip during my visit, although I later found out I paid much more than I should have. I paid around €20 for the ride, and a friend told me afterwards that I had likely been overcharged, especially because I shared the boat.

So my advice is to ask around, compare prices and negotiate before agreeing to a boat trip.

The experience itself was still interesting, but it’s definitely something I would plan more carefully if I visited Brunei again.

4. Visit Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Another impressive mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan is Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.

While Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is probably the most famous mosque in Brunei, this mosque is also worth visiting because of its size and architecture.

It gives you another chance to see the incredible religious buildings that Brunei is known for and understand how important Islamic architecture is to the country.

5. Visit the Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum is dedicated to Brunei’s monarchy and displays royal artefacts, gifts and items connected to the Sultan.

It’s a good option if you want to understand more about Brunei’s history and culture beyond just visiting landmarks.

The museum also gives more context about the country’s traditions and the role of the monarchy, which is a big part of Brunei’s identity.

6. Explore Gadong Night Market

The Gadong Night Market is one of the best places in Bandar Seri Begawan to experience local food and a more everyday side of Brunei.

I always enjoy visiting night markets when I travel around Southeast Asia because they show a completely different side of a destination. They are less about sightseeing and more about seeing how locals spend their evenings, what food they eat and what daily life looks like.

The Gadong Night Market is a simple experience, but it’s a great place to visit after spending the day exploring the city. It’s a chance to try local dishes, walk around the stalls and experience Brunei beyond its famous mosques and landmarks.

7. Walk Around Bandar Seri Begawan

One of the things that stood out to me most about Brunei was how different Bandar Seri Begawan felt compared to other Southeast Asian capitals.

After travelling through places like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, arriving in a capital city that felt so quiet and relaxed was a completely different experience.

Bandar Seri Begawan is spacious, peaceful and much less chaotic than many other cities in the region. Walking around the city, seeing the mosques, the river and the slower pace of life was honestly part of what made visiting Brunei so unique.

Sometimes the best way to experience a destination is simply to walk around without a strict plan, and Brunei is one of those places where taking things slowly is part of the experience.

How Many Days Do You Need in Brunei?

For most travellers, two days in Brunei is enough to see the main highlights.

With two days, you’ll have enough time to visit the famous mosques, explore Kampong Ayer, visit museums, try local food and take a boat trip through the mangroves.

If you prefer travelling at a slower pace, three days would give you more time to explore without rushing. However, Brunei is not a destination where you need a long itinerary, especially if you are mainly focusing on Bandar Seri Begawan.

Practical Information

How to Get to Brunei

Most travellers arrive in Brunei through Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan.

If you are arriving alone or landing at night, I recommend arranging airport transport beforehand. When I visited Brunei, having airport pickup organised through my accommodation made arriving much easier and meant I didn’t have to worry about figuring out transport after landing.

→ Book your Brunei airport transfer

Where to Stay in Brunei

The best place to stay in Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, as most of the main attractions are located in or around the capital.

For solo travellers, choosing accommodation that offers extra services like airport transfers or shuttle options can make getting around much easier, especially since public transport is not as extensive as in other Southeast Asian capitals.

Here are 4 good accommodation options according to your budget:

• Backpacker – Miniinn Guest House
• Budget – The Capital Residence Suites
• Mid-Range – Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam
• Luxury – The Empire Brunei

Travel Insurance

I never travel without travel insurance, and after visiting 62 countries, I know that unexpected situations can happen even during short trips.

Whether it’s a medical emergency, cancelled transport or lost belongings, having insurance means you are covered if something goes wrong while travelling.

→ Get travel insurance for Brunei

Stay Connected

Having internet while travelling makes things much easier, especially for checking maps, contacting accommodation and arranging transport.

I recommend getting an eSIM before arriving in Brunei so you can connect as soon as you land without needing to search for a local SIM card.

→ Get an eSIM for Brunei

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Brunei?

The best things to do in Brunei are mainly located around Bandar Seri Begawan. The highlights include visiting Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, exploring Kampong Ayer, taking a boat trip through the mangroves to look for proboscis monkeys, visiting Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, exploring the Royal Regalia Museum and trying local food at Gadong Night Market.

Is Kampong Ayer worth visiting?

Yes, Kampong Ayer is one of the most unique places to visit in Brunei and one of the country’s most famous attractions.

The Water Village has been part of Brunei’s history for centuries, and exploring it by boat gives you a different perspective of Bandar Seri Begawan and the Brunei River.

Can you see proboscis monkeys in Brunei?

Yes, one of the most unique experiences in Brunei is taking a boat trip through the mangroves to look for proboscis monkeys.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the boat trips are a great way to experience Brunei’s natural environment and see a side of the country beyond the capital.

What is the most beautiful mosque in Brunei?

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful landmarks in Brunei and is one of the first places most visitors see in Bandar Seri Begawan.

With its golden dome, white architecture and location beside the water, it is easily one of the most impressive sights in the country.

Is Bandar Seri Begawan worth exploring?

Yes. Although Bandar Seri Begawan is a quiet capital compared to other Southeast Asian cities, exploring it is one of the best ways to experience Brunei.

Walking around the city allows you to see the mosques, the river, Kampong Ayer, local markets and the slower pace of life that makes Brunei different from neighbouring countries.

What food should you try in Brunei?

While visiting Brunei, one of the easiest ways to try local food is by visiting places like Gadong Night Market.

You can find a variety of local dishes and snacks there, making it a good place to experience Bruneian food in a casual setting.

Is Brunei a good destination for nature lovers?

Yes. Although many visitors focus on Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei is also known for its rainforest and wildlife experiences.

Boat trips through the mangroves are one of the easiest nature experiences to add to a short trip, while travellers with more time can explore areas like Ulu Temburong National Park.

How do you spend two days in Brunei?

With two days in Brunei, you can visit the main attractions around Bandar Seri Begawan.

A good itinerary would include Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Kampong Ayer, Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the Royal Regalia Museum, Gadong Night Market and a boat trip through the mangroves.

Things to Do in Brunei: Final Thoughts

Brunei is not a destination that most travellers immediately think about when planning a Southeast Asia itinerary, but that is exactly what makes it so interesting.

After travelling through many countries in the region, visiting Brunei felt completely different. It was quieter, less chaotic and gave me the chance to experience a side of Southeast Asia that many travellers miss.

If you have a couple of days available, I think Brunei is absolutely worth adding to your trip. From the impressive mosques and Kampong Ayer to the mangroves and local markets, the best experiences in Brunei are about slowing down and seeing a different side of the region.

It may not have the same popularity as neighbouring countries, but that is exactly why visiting Brunei feels like discovering somewhere unique.

Read My Other Brunei Guides

Is Brunei Worth Visiting? My Experience Visiting One of the World’s Least-Visited Countries

Is Brunei Safe for Solo Female Travelers? My Experience as a Woman Traveling Alone

Best Time to Visit Brunei: What to Expect Each Season (2026)

How Many Days in Brunei Do You Need? My Honest Opinion After Visiting

Brunei Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting