Bandar Seri Begawan Things to Do

3 more images

The large mosque was built to commemorate the current Sultan of Brunei and it's an impressive and beautiful building set in a landscaped garden.

We've seen many beautiful mosques during our time in the Middle East so, to a degree, the impact on us was less than it would be to people who haven't seen them.

This mosque is certainly worth adding to your list of places to see if you're visiting BSB.

1 more image

It was established in 1992, to commemorate the Sultans's Silver Jubilee, of his accession to the Throne. Inside you see gifts from all over the world to the Sultan of Brunei. You also see his Carriages, Crown & Jewels and other interesting regalia.

The Coronation, which was at Lapau in 1968, is depicted using Models, and his crown, and other effects, is magnificent.

You are not allowed to take photos.

This is a MUST VISIT IN BRUNEI.

Its open Thursday to Saturday from 8.30 -5pm, and on Fridays 9- 11.30 & 2.30 - 5pm

Entry is FREE

A fairly short work to the north of central BSB, this park is quiet, green and peaceful. There was a waterfall, lots of flowers and a small stream. A very pleasant spot for a picnic. We visited in a bit of a hurry as we were heading off to Labuan on the day of our visit.

We brought the New Year in here together with the rest of Brunei.

The hotel is often referred to as a six star hotel. It was built by the current Sultan of Brunei's notorious brother Prince Jefri, who fled Brunei under a cloud of scandal after some serious financial overspending. He certainly spent a lot on this place. Everything is lined with gold. the main hotel building is stunning. You wander around with your mouth hanging open looking at it. It's also a superb place for swimming there are beaches and a whole wealth of swimming pools. We tried them all.

The whole complex cost around $US1.1 billion to build. There are seven restaurants, a golf course, a cinema and a bowling alley.

Our accomodation was wonderful but for a constantly dripping tap. All that money and still not perfect!!!

The only down side of this place is it is far from everything else and you must travel by expensive taxi unless you have your own car. This was not a problem for us because when we saw the accomodation and pools and setting, we did not want to leave.

I have so many photos, but where? Will try to add some later when I can track them down.

3 more images

I loved visiting this beautiful old house which was once the home of the British High Commisioner to Brunei.

The building is open from 9am -4.30pm Mon-Thu and Sat9am -11.30, qnd 2.30-4.30 Fri. Adm -free.

Inside the oddly shaped building there are many old black and white photographs documenting the British in Brunei. these included some pictures of a very young looking Queen Elizabeth the second and Prince Charles.

It's a building in which to let your imagination run riot. You can almost hear the rattle of cuttlery at some posh dinner party. The garden is glorious with broken swings that would once have been a child's favourite place and a swimming pool now empty, cracked and overgrown with plants. I loved it.

3 more images

Some of the water village is connected to the mainland by wooden walkways starting from near the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

In total there are about 28 water villages which house around 30,000 people. From a tall bridge we waved down a water taxi and negotiated a tour of the water villages for around B$10. It was a bumpy ride, very sore on the bottom. We passed villages, fire stations, schools and even stopped for petrol. The petrol was lowered down to us in a bucket and we sent the payment for the petrol back up in a bucket.

Our driver talked about how cheap petrol was in oil rich Brunei and was floored by the price we said peple would pay for it in the UK.

Very fun and enjoyable trip, though maybe not for the easily seasick.

2 more images

This stunning building is beautiful by day and is wonderfully illuminated by night, too.

This mosque was built by and named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei. It was finished in 1958.
With a 44m minaret, this is the tallest building in BSB. It is located close to the Water Village.

4 more images

An interesting thing to do here in Bandar Seri Begawan is to walk down to the waterfront and hire one of the many boats avilable for hire for a few hours and go out on the water...these boats can be extremely fast if thats what you like otherwise just have a pleasurable look about the Kampong Ayer "floating villages"..really interesting to see how these villages are serviced by everything they need by boat...eg:Fire,Ambulance, Police, Taxiis etc..prices are reasonable this depends on your bargaining skills ..it is possibble to visit and walk through some areas in the villages..but as usual respect these peoples space..it IS where they live..