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

Brunei became my 36th country, and funnily enough, I wasn’t even planning to visit it.

At the time, I was backpacking Southeast Asia alone on my very first trip around the region when a friend convinced me to book a last-minute flight from Kuala Lumpur. I knew almost nothing about Brunei except the controversial headlines online, and honestly, I was pretty nervous. As a solo female traveler, I had no idea how strict the country would be or what to expect once I arrived.

I ended up spending two days in Bandar Seri Begawan, exploring the capital, visiting its beautiful mosques, taking the famous boat trip through the mangroves, and discovering what life is like in one of the least-visited countries in the world.

So, is Brunei worth visiting? After spending two days there, here’s my honest opinion, what surprised me the most, what I loved, what I didn’t, and whether I think it’s worth adding to your Southeast Asia itinerary.

Is Brunei Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

So, is Brunei worth visiting? My honest answer is… it depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you’re looking for an exciting Southeast Asia destination packed with beaches, nightlife, waterfalls, temples, or endless things to do, then honestly, I don’t think Brunei is worth visiting as a destination on its own. There simply isn’t enough to fill more than a couple of days, and compared to neighboring countries like Malaysia or Indonesia, it can feel a little underwhelming.

However, if you’re someone who loves visiting unusual destinations, enjoys experiencing different cultures, wants to visit every country in the world like I do, or is simply curious about one of the least-visited countries on the planet, then I do think Brunei is worth visiting.

For me, the experience wasn’t about ticking off famous attractions. It was about discovering a country that feels completely different from the rest of Southeast Asia, walking through the incredibly quiet streets of Bandar Seri Begawan, visiting beautiful mosques, exploring the floating village, and seeing proboscis monkeys in the wild.

Would I fly halfway around the world just to visit Brunei? No.

Would I recommend adding it to your itinerary if you’re already traveling around Southeast Asia and are curious about seeing somewhere completely different? Absolutely.

My First Impressions of Brunei

My trip to Brunei almost didn’t happen.

At the time, I was backpacking around Southeast Asia alone when a friend suggested I should book a flight to Brunei. It wasn’t part of my original itinerary, and if I’m honest, I knew almost nothing about the country apart from the controversial headlines you sometimes see online. As a solo female traveler, that made me a little nervous. I had no idea how strict the country really was or what it would be like traveling there alone.

I booked an early morning flight from Kuala Lumpur, but there was one problem. I didn’t feel comfortable taking a one-hour taxi ride to the airport alone in the middle of the night, so instead I headed to the airport the evening before and spent the night there waiting for my flight. It definitely wasn’t the most glamorous start to the trip, but it gave me some peace of mind.

When I landed in Bandar Seri Begawan, my hotel was waiting to pick me up at the airport. Since Brunei doesn’t really have hostels, I’d booked one of the hotels in the city center that also offered free airport transfers and a shuttle to the main attractions, which made getting around incredibly easy.

The first thing that surprised me was just how quiet everything was.

I remember looking out of the car window on the way into the city and wondering where everyone was. Compared to the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, Bandar Seri Begawan almost felt deserted. There were barely any people walking around, hardly any traffic, and everything felt calm and peaceful.

Before doing any sightseeing, I even went to buy a T-shirt and a pair of linen trousers because I’d packed almost exclusively summer clothes for Southeast Asia and suddenly realized they weren’t exactly appropriate for a conservative Muslim country.

Despite all the worries I’d built up before arriving, they disappeared surprisingly quickly. I felt completely comfortable walking around the city on my own, nobody seemed to care that I was traveling alone, and everyone I interacted with was polite and welcoming. It wasn’t at all the intimidating experience I’d imagined before getting on that flight.

What I Liked About Brunei

I Felt Incredibly Safe as a Solo Female Traveler

Before arriving in Brunei, this was honestly my biggest concern. Like many people, the only things I’d heard about the country were the strict laws and controversial headlines online, so I wasn’t sure what to expect as a woman traveling alone.

In reality, I felt incredibly safe during my two days there. I walked around Bandar Seri Begawan by myself, explored the city on foot, visited the night market, and never once felt uncomfortable or unsafe. The city was so quiet that there were barely any people around, which was surprising but also made everything feel very peaceful.

The People Were Friendly and Welcoming

One of the experiences I remember most was visiting Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

Since I obviously wasn’t dressed appropriately to enter a mosque, one of the staff members greeted me, handed me a robe to wear over my clothes, and explained where I could visit. Everyone was kind, respectful, and welcoming, and I never felt judged for being a foreign woman traveling alone.

That experience completely changed the image I had of Brunei before arriving.

It Felt Completely Different from Anywhere Else in Southeast Asia

After traveling through places like Malaysia and other countries in Southeast Asia, Brunei felt like stepping into a completely different world.

Instead of busy streets filled with scooters, street vendors, and crowds of tourists, Bandar Seri Begawan was incredibly quiet. There was very little traffic, hardly anyone walking around, and the whole city had a slow, peaceful atmosphere.

It definitely isn’t a destination for travelers looking for a lively city, but if you enjoy seeing places that feel completely different from everywhere else you’ve visited, Brunei offers a really unique experience.

It Was Interesting Visiting One of the Least-Visited Countries in the World

One of the main reasons I enjoyed visiting Brunei was simply because it’s not somewhere many people go.

As someone whose dream is to visit every country in the world, I love experiencing places that are a little more unusual. Brunei isn’t famous for iconic landmarks or endless attractions, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting. Visiting a country that receives so few tourists gave me a glimpse into a completely different way of life and made the experience feel much more authentic than many of Southeast Asia’s more popular destinations.

What I Didn’t Like About Brunei

There Honestly Isn’t Much to Do

This was probably my biggest disappointment.

I genuinely enjoyed visiting Brunei, but I also think it’s important to be honest about what you should expect before booking a flight. Bandar Seri Begawan isn’t a city packed with attractions, museums, viewpoints, or neighborhoods to explore. Once you’ve visited the main mosque, taken the boat trip, explored Kampong Ayer, and wandered around the city center, you’ve seen most of what Brunei has to offer.

For me, two days was the perfect amount of time. I don’t think I’d recommend staying much longer unless you’re planning to explore other parts of the country.

Accommodation Is Expensive

One thing that surprised me was how expensive accommodation was compared to neighboring countries like Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia.

Part of the reason is simply that there aren’t many accommodation options, and unlike most of Southeast Asia, Brunei doesn’t really have the backpacker hostel scene. I ended up staying in a hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan, which luckily included airport transfers and a shuttle around the city, making it well worth the extra cost.

Public Transport Isn’t Great

Getting around Brunei isn’t as straightforward as in many other Southeast Asian countries.

Public transportation is quite limited, and there aren’t many options for tourists without a car. Thankfully, my hotel offered free transportation between the main attractions, so I barely had to think about how to get around. If your accommodation doesn’t include a shuttle, I’d definitely check your transport options before arriving.

Practical Information

How to Get to Brunei

Flights

The easiest way to reach Brunei is by flying into Brunei International Airport, which is located just a short drive from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Most travelers visiting Brunei arrive from other parts of Southeast Asia. There are regular flights from destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other regional hubs, making Brunei a relatively easy addition to a Southeast Asia itinerary.

I flew from Kuala Lumpur, and the flight was quick and easy. Since Brunei is often visited as a short side trip, many travelers combine it with Malaysia rather than making it a standalone destination.

Once you arrive, getting into the city is straightforward. Some hotels offer free airport transfers, which is what I used during my trip and made everything much easier.

→ Find airport pick-up here

Where to Stay in Brunei

Since most travelers base themselves in Bandar Seri Begawan, choosing accommodation in or near the city center is the best option.

Brunei doesn’t have the same backpacker accommodation scene you’ll find in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia, so don’t expect many hostels or budget guesthouses. Most options are hotels, and prices can feel higher compared to the rest of Southeast Asia.

When I visited Brunei, I stayed at The Capital Residence Suites in Bandar Seri Begawan. I chose it because it offered free airport transfers and a shuttle service to the main attractions, which was extremely useful since public transportation in Brunei is limited.

For a short two-day visit, having those extra services made getting around much easier, and I found it a convenient base for exploring the city.

For a short trip of two or three days, staying somewhere central will make your visit much easier.

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

Even though Brunei is one of the safest countries I have visited, I still recommend having travel insurance whenever you travel internationally.

Things can happen anywhere: flight cancellations, lost luggage, unexpected medical issues, or travel disruptions. Having insurance means you don’t have to deal with expensive surprises while you’re abroad.

I personally use SafetyWing because it works well for long-term travelers and digital nomads who don’t have a fixed travel schedule.

→ Check SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Stay Connected

Having internet access while traveling makes everything easier, especially when you’re navigating a new country, checking maps, booking transportation, or contacting your accommodation.

Instead of buying a physical SIM card every time I enter a new country, I usually use an eSIM.

I recommend checking options like Yesim before arriving in Brunei so you can activate your data as soon as you land.

→ Check the eSIM for Brunei

FAQs

Is Brunei safe?

Yes, Brunei is one of the safest countries I have visited.

As a solo female traveler, I felt completely comfortable walking around Bandar Seri Begawan alone during the day and in the evening. The city is extremely quiet, crime rates are low, and I never experienced any uncomfortable situations.

Of course, like anywhere else, you should still respect local customs and be aware of your surroundings.

Is Brunei expensive?

Compared to neighboring Southeast Asian countries, yes, Brunei can feel expensive.

Accommodation is usually the biggest expense because there aren’t many hostels or very cheap options available. Food and transportation can be reasonable, but the lack of budget accommodation makes it harder to travel on a backpacker budget.

Is Brunei worth visiting for 2 days?

Yes, I think two days is actually the perfect amount of time for most travelers.

In two days, you can visit the main mosque, explore Bandar Seri Begawan, take a boat trip through Kampong Ayer, visit the markets, and experience the atmosphere of the country without feeling rushed.

I personally wouldn’t plan a much longer trip unless you want to explore more remote areas of Brunei.

Do you need a visa for Brunei?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality.

Many nationalities can enter Brunei visa-free for short stays, but you should always check the latest requirements before traveling.

Can you drink alcohol in Brunei?

Brunei has strict alcohol laws. Alcohol is not sold in the country, and drinking alcohol in public is prohibited.

Non-Muslim visitors may be allowed to bring a limited amount of alcohol for personal consumption, but you should check the current rules before arriving.

Can women travel alone in Brunei?

Yes, women can travel alone in Brunei.

Before visiting, I was unsure what solo female travel would be like there because of the country’s conservative culture. However, my experience was very positive. I felt safe, respected, and comfortable throughout my stay.

The main thing is to dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.

Is Bandar Seri Begawan worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you’re interested in experiencing a destination that feels completely different from the rest of Southeast Asia.

It isn’t a city full of endless attractions or nightlife, but that is exactly what makes it interesting. The peaceful atmosphere, beautiful mosques, Kampong Ayer, and slower pace of life make it a unique place to visit.

What is Brunei famous for?

Brunei is famous for being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, its oil reserves, beautiful Islamic architecture, the Sultan’s royal palace, and Kampong Ayer, one of the world’s largest stilt settlements.

It is also known as one of the least-visited countries in Southeast Asia, which makes visiting feel like discovering somewhere most travelers skip.

Is Brunei Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts

So, is Brunei worth visiting?

Yes, I think it is — but you need to visit for the right reasons.

Brunei isn’t a destination where you’ll spend weeks exploring beaches, chasing waterfalls, or filling every day with activities. It doesn’t have the energy of Thailand, the landscapes of Indonesia, or the famous attractions of Malaysia.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time.

For me, Brunei was about experiencing something different. It was about walking through an incredibly quiet capital city, seeing beautiful mosques, exploring Kampong Ayer by boat, and visiting a country that most travelers never get to experience.

Two days was enough for me, and I’m genuinely happy I added Brunei to my Southeast Asia itinerary.

If you’re already traveling in the region, love unusual destinations, or have a goal of visiting every country in the world, I would absolutely recommend adding Brunei to your list.

It might not be the most exciting country you’ll ever visit, but it will definitely be one you’ll remember.

Read my other Brunei guides

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

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

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

Brunei Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting