Brunei Travel Guide: 5 Best Things to Do & Essential Tips

Brunei Darussalam, often affectionately known as the “Abode of Peace”, is an ideal destination for those seeking serenity and untouched nature, with over 70% of the country covered by pristine rainforests. Visitors can experience thrilling adventures ranging from exploring the primary rainforest of Ulu Temburong to scuba diving among WWII shipwrecks and savoring unique local street food.

Brunei Darussalam, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, is frequently called the “Abode of Peace”. For souls yearning for tranquility, pristine natural beauty, and truly distinctive travel experiences, Brunei is a stop that Blog Du Lịch Đâu believes you will not want to miss. What makes this nation so special is that more than 70% of its total area remains blanketed by untouched rainforests and protected nature reserves untouched by human hands.

Despite its slow-paced, peaceful rhythm of life, Brunei is by no means lacking in exciting adventure activities. From ancient primary forests to centuries-old water villages, every corner of Brunei tells its own unique story, waiting for you to discover and feel.

5 Thrilling Adventures and Highlights in Brunei

1. Stepping Into the Fairytale Paradise of Ulu Temburong National Park

Hailed as the “Green Jewel” of Brunei, Ulu Temburong National Park is one of the most strictly protected primary rainforest ecosystems in the world. Coming here, you will truly feel the majestic scale of nature.

• Activity Highlights: Experience walking across more than seven kilometers of boardwalks and suspension bridges. However, the absolute peak is the Canopy Walkway suspended 43 meters above the treetops. To conquer it, you must navigate a 950-meter hill climb and scale 746 steps. Trust me, standing up high, watching the morning mist clear over the forest canopy, and listening to gibbons calling from the ancient woods at dawn is an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the gentle yet challenging Temburong River is an ideal spot for exciting water tubing or white-water rafting adventures.
• Getting There: Because it is located in a remote area, the best approach is to book an all-inclusive tour via local operators like Trandie Brunei. We typically choose this method to ensure everything runs smoothly. From the capital’s jetty, you will take a 40-minute speedboat ride cruising along Brunei Bay and the Temburong River to reach this destination.
• Reference Cost: Park admission is usually included in tour packages. Overnight stay packages covering kayaking, rafting, and sunrise mountain trekking start around BN$215 for two people. Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00 daily.

2. Exploring the Waterfall System at Wasai Wong Kadir Recreational Park

If you are looking for an easier yet equally captivating nature journey in Brunei, Wasai Wong Kadir Recreational Park is an exceptional choice. Located about a two-hour drive from the capital in the Belait district, this park features accessible trails and nearly 40 waterfalls of various sizes.

• Activity Highlights: After roughly an hour of hiking from the Teraja Longhouse, you will reach the Wong Kadir and Teraja Waterfalls. Here, nothing beats taking a refreshing dip in the natural pool to wash away all your fatigue. Afterward, be sure to visit the Teraja Longhouse to sample ethnic Iban delicacies such as Ayam Pansuh (seasoned chicken cooked in bamboo over an open flame) or spicy Umbut Tuhau stir-fried with anchovies and hot chilies. This is truly an unforgettable Bruneian culinary experience.
• Getting There: You can rent a car or hire a ride from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan via the highway network (about a 2-hour journey).
• Reference Cost: Free park admission (open 06:00 to 18:00 daily). Entry to the Teraja Longhouse is BN$3 per person, and overnight stays at the longhouse cost BN$15 per person.

3. Exciting Watersports at Serasa Beach

The Serasa Watersports Complex, situated along the capital’s coastline, is the go-to spot for ocean lovers. It offers a vibrant, high-energy contrast to the serenity of the lush green rainforests.

• Activity Highlights: You can indulge in banana boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing. Especially for ocean exploration enthusiasts, Poni Divers offers scuba diving tours to explore WWII shipwrecks (both American and Australian wrecks) as well as the Ampa and Victoria coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life. It is a wonderful way to touch history and underwater beauty all at once.
• Getting There: From downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, it takes about a 45-minute drive to reach Serasa Beach.
• Reference Cost: Full-day scuba diving trips with Poni Divers start from BN$180 per person.

4. Boat Journey to Explore Kampong Ayer Water Village

Hailed as the “Venice of the East”, Kampong Ayer is not only the world’s largest water village but also a living heritage site where over 30,000 residents live above water across a network of wooden and concrete boardwalks spanning over 38 km. It is an iconic destination where you can witness daily life unfolding right on the water.

• Activity Highlights: Hiring a water taxi is the ultimate way to navigate through the stilt houses, admire the unique architecture, and soak in the slow-paced local lifestyle. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the surrounding mangrove forests, where you might spot proboscis monkeys and even crocodiles. Visitors should also stop by the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery to deepen their understanding of the village’s history and take in panoramic views from the observation tower.
• Getting There: Simply head to the riverfront near Jalan Lumapas in Bandar Seri Begawan (about 15 minutes from the city center) to catch a water taxi.
• Reference Cost: Water taxi fares generally range from BN$1 to BN$2 for a short trip. The gallery is open from 09:00 to 17:00 (Fridays open 09:30 to 12:00, closed on public holidays).

5. Immersing in the Culinary World at Gadong Night Market

No trip is complete without exploring local gastronomy. Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong night market, located in the Muara district, is the ultimate venue to experience Bruneian street food culture from 4:00 PM until midnight. It is a vibrant melting pot of local flavors, colors, and sounds.

• Activity Highlights: Here, you will be captivated by endless enticing snacks. Try the crispy Cucur fritters or the flavorful Keropok Lekor fish crackers. Do not miss the national dish Ambuyat, made from chewy sago starch served with a distinct fermented sour sauce and fresh vegetables. To quench your thirst, a refreshing glass of iced turmeric lemonade makes a perfect pairing. Everything is very budget-friendly, letting you sample a wide variety of treats without worrying about the cost.
• Getting There: A taxi ride from the heart of the capital to the night market takes about 10 minutes.
• Reference Cost: Free admission. Street food items are very affordable, typically costing around BN$3 for a satisfying meal.

Essential Travel Information for Visiting Brunei

To ensure your Brunei trip is smooth and memorable, we would like to share a few helpful tips:

• Currency: Interestingly, the Singapore Dollar (SGD) is accepted at par and circulates interchangeably in Brunei under the 1967 Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Therefore, you do not need to exchange currency if you already hold SGD, making your journey much simpler.
• Best Time to Visit: The peak travel season in Brunei runs from June to September, offering ideal weather for outdoor activities. However, if you want to dodge crowds while still enjoying dry, warm weather, the shoulder season from January to May is also an excellent choice.
• Getting Around: There are direct flights from Singapore to Brunei International Airport operated by Royal Brunei Airlines and Singapore Airlines, offering great convenience for international travelers. Within Brunei, you can get around via local taxis (teksi) or the Dart ridesharing app, which is widely popular and convenient.
• Culture and Customs: Brunei is an Islamic nation. We recommend dressing modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites such as mosques. Respecting local culture ensures a much more rewarding travel experience.

Independent Travel Tips for Brunei from Blog Du Lịch Đâu

• Book Tours in Advance: For conservation areas like Ulu Temburong, booking an all-inclusive tour package is practically mandatory to ensure safety and smooth transportation.
• Internet Connectivity: Buying a local SIM card right at the airport helps you easily stay connected and access map navigation.
• Embrace Street Food: Do not hesitate to try local dishes at the night market; it is the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
• Prepare Your Health: For trekking and hiking activities, make sure you have good physical stamina and comfortable footwear.

Brunei Darussalam may not be the first name that pops to mind when thinking of Southeast Asian travel, but that very trait gives this Abode of Peace its extraordinary charm. It is a land of tranquility, untouched majestic nature, and authentic experiences waiting to be discovered. If you are looking for a destination where you can soothe your soul and satisfy your passion for adventure at the same time, Brunei will certainly not disappoint. Plan your trip and experience the wonders of Brunei for yourself!