Brunei Things to Do

 
by colin_bramso
 
  •   Things to Do
    by colin_bramso
  • Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
      Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
    by colin_bramso
  • Landscaped gardens
      Landscaped gardens
    by colin_bramso
  • Beautiful architecture
      Beautiful architecture
    by colin_bramso
  •   Things to Do
    by colin_bramso
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Rainforest trekking . Ship wreck diving

by brunei77

Rainforest trekking in the Borneo jungle , experience few remaining pristine rainforest in the world before earth turned into a cement city. Visit an Asean Heritage site, Tasek Merimbun Black Water LakeVisit the world's biggest water village, biggest residential palace in the world.Oldest running active Monarchy in the world.Visit the billionth barrel monument for billionth oil production of Brunei

Urban emphasis

by Assenczo

Brunei or rather Bandar Seri Begawan as a principal town has characteristics very specific and original. In essence this was a vast village on stilts but fortunes changes with the advent of oil. The terra firma ground was developed to accommodate an expanding urban populace. And in these conditions what is more important to glorify then the omnipowerful deity that has brought about this change. It is not Anglo-Dutch Corporation that I have in mind. It is God himself. So let’s build mosques to worship him and thus hope for continuous rosy state of affairs for the centuries to come. The most successful attempt seems to be laid out right downtown with blindingly white mosque surrounded by water in the best traditions of water-hungry traditional Islam. Mind you, it is separated simultaneously from the local tradition of stilt housing which provides one the best pretexts for thinking about...

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Trip to The Jungle

by Assenczo

One of the most efficient ways to access the jungle areas of Temburong district of Brunei is to use the services of a tour company. This must sound like a drag but considering that the government of Brunei is taking extremely seriously the preservation of the pristine jungle and turning it into a profitable business this is the way to go. The permit hunt is eliminated and the group package drives the price down of services such as independent hiring of boats upriver. In the end a group package at the time of Ramadan could end up being a private tour because of the low demand.A trip to the jungle and the treetop bridges of Temburong is a wonderful experience. And this is not the goal that makes it such but the travel itself. The treetop climb except for the views is nothing special because there is practically no wildlife to be seen. Another matter is the James Bond style drive on a...

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In search of longhouses

by Assenczo

Longhouses are a hallmark of Borneo life as they have been for thousands of years. Nowadays the balance has shifted to more urban life style with easy access to jobs in oil enterprises or towns but the idea is still there. The houses being expanded with the newlywed arrivals who procreate and thus expand the need for more room and hence elongating the original house. While the houses themselves might be the primary goal, there are parks along the way that are worth the stop despite the terrible humidity. One of them on the way to the town of Labi is a marsh habitat brilliantly approached by planked walkways and shaded gazebos. Another stop is a park smack in the middle of virgin jungle nicely equipped with marking and even railings for the most challenging areas. Again, the major obstacle to glory is the humidity that almost paralyzes the will to continue and see more of the same...

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Monkey business

by Assenczo

There are a couple of options for a boat trip in and about Bandar that can be organized absolutely spontaneously at the river front. One of them is a ride to the proboscis monkeys’ hideouts. Compared to what the agencies offer for similar excitement this version is a huge deal. Meanwhile depending on your good luck you get to now a local person, who in the process of becoming a budding naturalist guide, not only informs you about the monkeys but keenly asks for feedback from your part of the world. The monkey joint is not very far and includes a close glimpse of the sultan’s palace roofs. The animals are occupying a mangrove forest which in itself is an “attraction”. Eventually the monkeys show up on their way to devour the most delicious leaves in their path. Unfortunately, these are wild animals with a healthy dose of fear from humans, so the distance that they keep is considerable...

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River tour to see proboscis monkeys

by SurfaceTravel

We took a ride on a tourist pontoon boat up the Brunei River to see proboscis monkeys. The boat would nose right into the edge of the jungle and we would stay silently for about 15 minutes. The guide would point them out. We saw about four or five, but others saw many more. I didn't get any on film. We did see a monitor lizard and the nostrils and eyes of a crocodile.On the way out and back, the boat took us by the "floating village", where all the houses are built up on stilts over the water and people travel by boat. Even though this is the poorer part of the city, this being Brunei, all the houses have electricity, modern plumbing, and cable TV.This was booked by the hotel concierge and run by Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel, otherwise known as Explore Borneo. We had a problem at the end of the tour. We were left stranded at the pier for about an hour after the boat dropped us off. A...

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Outdoor Market

by easterntrekker

There is an ancient outdoor localmarket on one end of town .We came here hopping to find handicrafts but it was mostly a food market for locals. There were many exotic spices ,fruit ,honey and loads of smelly dried fish!!

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Royal Military Museum

by easterntrekker

The museum is an elaborate and richly design building. It houses the King's chariot and all the gifts given to him my heads of countries at his coronation. Admission is free and its a worthwhile vist .We spent abut an hour here roaming around.We saw the stone walrus given by our country Canada.

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Golden Mosque

by easterntrekker

Built in 1958 the 171 foot high mosque with its pure gold dome can be seen from virtually anywhere in Bandar Seri Begawan. Named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, the mosque as a symbol of the Islamic faith in Brunei . The call for prayer rings out twice a day for all to hear.

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The Water Village

by easterntrekker

There is no problem finding a boat to take you out . They seem to appear from nowhere when yoou approach the waterfront. We negotiated an hour for $15.00. Ou "captain" spoke a little building and was able to point out at least some of the things we were seeing.There are about 30000 living in very modest homes here. Quite a contrast to the 1700 room Palace which can be seen in the distance. The village also has a small Mosque ,which can be recognized my the speakers ,needed for the call to prayer ,which are arranged around the top.There are also severla small schools in the village.the village is connected to the city center by foot bridges but most seem to use boats.

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Top 3 Hotels in Brunei

Empire Hotel And Country Club  Bandar Seri Begawan

 10 Reviews and 292 Opinions  Hotel staff even does not know how to apologize but accuse me even it was hotels mistake. Hotel... 

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Sea View Hotel  Kuala Belait

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Sheraton Utama  Bandar Seri Begawan

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The Place

 

Questions and Answers

xsdnyd profile photo

Q:  I am thinking of going to Brunei from 6th April till the 9th, is it enough time to stay in Brunei? What kind of activities are... 

GrumpyDiver profile photo

A: I'm not sure where you are from, but Brunei is most definitely a "dry" country. Non-muslims are allowed to bring in very limited quantities of alcohol (or they were... 

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