Brunei

Continent

Asia

Best States to Visit

Brunei-Muara
Belait
Tutong
Temburong

Best Cities to Visit

Bandar Seri Begawan
Seria
Tutong
Bangar
Muara

Size

5,765 KM²

Population

433,000

GDP

$12,128,089,002

Spending Budget

$655 - $2,300

Famous For

Brunei is famous in southeast Asia for its gorgeous mosques and Islamic architecture.

Best Time to Visit

January
February
March
April
May

History

Although its early history is obscure, Brunei was known to be trading with and paying tribute to China in the 6th century CE. It then came under Hindu influence for a time through allegiance to the Majapahit empire, based in Java. When the ships of the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan anchored off Brunei in 1521, the fifth sultan, the great Bolkiah, controlled practically the whole of Borneo, the Sulu Archipelago, and neighbouring islands. Toward the end of the 16th century, however, the territory was torn by internal strife. Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888, and in 1906 administration was vested in a British resident, whose advice the sultan was bound to accept. Despite the presence of a foreign administration, Brunei’s significance began to revive with the start of petroleum production in 1929. In 1941–45, during World War II, Brunei was occupied by the Japanese. The British returned after the war, and negotiations began for the eventual independence of Brunei. Brunei adopted a written constitution, and in 1962 a partly elected Legislative Council with limited authority was installed. Brunei duly gained independence on January 1, 1984, and an Islamic sultanate was proclaimed. The sultan became prime minister, in addition to holding several other ministerial posts, and he appointed members of his family to most of the other positions, including his father as defense minister. Nevertheless, for much of the late 20th century the sultanate experienced both political and economic stability, and its citizens continued to enjoy a very high standard of living. However, the economy’s heavy reliance on petroleum and natural gas, both nonrenewable sources of energy, led the government to pursue economic diversification more aggressively. Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984. Economic growth during the 1990s and 2000s, with the GDP increasing 56% from 1999 to 2008, transformed Brunei into an industrialised country.

Present Day

The backbone of Brunei's economy is oil and gas and the Sultan of Brunei is, famously, one of the richest people in the world with an estimated personal wealth of around 40 billion dollars. Per capita GDP is far above most other developing countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services, housing, education and subsidizes daily needs like rice. All sectors of economy are fairly heavily regulated and government policy is an odd mixture of subsidies, protectionism, homophobia and encouragement of entrepreneurship. Brunei's leaders are attempting to balance the country's steadily increasing integration into the world economy with internal social cohesion Brunei is officially an Islamic state, with hundreds of large beautiful mosques across the country. Sale of alcohol is banned. Bringing in meat, (other than seafood) which has not been certified "halal", (slaughtered according to Islamic law), is also banned. The severing of limbs as a punishment for theft is also written into law in Brunei, making it the only country in south east Asia to implement fundamentalist Sharia Law. Brunei's topology is of a flat coastal plain rises to mountains in the east, the highest point being Bukit Pagan at 1,850m, with some hilly lowlands in the west. There are no typhoons, earthquakes, severe flooding and other forms of natural disasters to contend with, and the biggest environmental issues is the seasonal haze resulting from forest fires (that is caused by illegal clearing of land) in nearby Indonesia.

Future

The country aims to diversify its economy away from oil and gas, which contributes to 95 percent of export earnings, transforming the small nation on the island of Borneo into the fifth richest nation in the world with a GDP per capita of US$61,000 based on PPP in 2020. The government will promote local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) — which constitute 90 percent of total enterprises — to be more export-orientated, as well as encourage businesses to leverage emerging technologies and innovation to increase productivity and competitiveness. Through this, the government hopes Brunei can be an attractive foreign direct investment (FDI) destination in ASEAN, which in turn will help create meaningful, high-value employment for its local workforce. The economic blueprint aims to ensure that Brunei’s workforce is ‘future-ready’, through continuous reskilling to meet industry demand. Digital inclusiveness will be made available in education and training programs for all citizens, including mid-career workers. Sustainable environment, this aspiration aims to not only preserve Brunei’s environment but also develop green initiatives that can contribute to economic development. Some 72 percent of the country is covered in pristine rainforest, and 58 percent of this is conserved under the Heart of Borneo initiative. This initiative is a government-led and NGO program aimed to conserve Borneo’s biodiversity, which accounts for six percent of global biodiversity. The government will promote research and development for environmentally friendly and resource-efficient technologies, in addition to promoting investments in more green industries. The government will also limit any land and environmental degradation for economic development activities. The drive for economic diversification has led to significant spending in various infrastructure projects throughout the country from industrial parks to telecom to the national transport network. The government will continue to improve land, sea, and air connectivity to boost productivity, as well as the uninterrupted supply of water and electricity to homes and businesses. Already 100 percent of the population has access to electricity. As part of the blueprint, industrial sites will be ‘infrastructure ready’ and new developments will be strategically located near ports and road networks. The government aims to achieve this through public-private partnerships (PPP).

Must Visit Places ------------

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan is the most striking image of Brunei. An artificial lagoon-cum-reflecting pool surrounds the mosque which overlooks the Brunei River and Kampong Ayer. This is one of the most Instagramable attractions in Brunei.

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

The second of Brunei’s grand mosques sits a few kilometres from the city centre. With the title as the country’s largest mosque, it’s a favourite stop on short itineraries to Bandar Seri Begawan. But because of its size, you might have difficulties finding the perfect photograph!

Kampong Ayer

Always featured among the top attractions in Brunei, Kampong Ayer provides an experience found nowhere else on the planet. The historical floating village consists of more than 40 smaller settlements connected with a maze-like network of wooden boardwalks. A total of 13,000 residents live inside Kampong Ayer who have their own schools, mosques and shops.

Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront

Hugging the banks of the Brunei River, The Waterfront is an ideal place for a pleasant evening stroll. Apart from views of the river and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, this is our favourite place to get photographs of Kampong Ayer.

Istana Nurul Iman

With almost 1,800 rooms, the Istana Nurul Iman is officially the world’s largest house. The Sultan’s palace lies a short drive from Bandar Seri Begawan’s city centre. Featuring as a favourite stop for day trippers, appreciating the vast size and splendour gives you an idea of the Sultan’s wealth. Tourists can’t go inside apart from during Hari Raya. Take photographs from the nearby river or park.

Royal Regalia Museum

After seeing the palace, head to the Royal Regalia Museum and see his collection of gifts. From a giant chariot used in his silver jubilee to countless jewels and gold, the free museums offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of a Sultan.

Malay Technology Museum

Another must-visit attraction in Brunei for those looking to learn about the country’s culture. Several rooms have displays on Malay and Bruneian ethnography including a collection of traditional costumes. Others show how residents live in the floating village. Expect to spend approximately one hour at this museum.

Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum rarely features on the list of top attractions in Brunei, but it deserves a special mention. Located some six kilometres (3.7 miles) from the Waterfront in Kota Batu, it makes a perfect cultural combination with the Malay Technology Museum. Three galleries cover maritime trading history in the region as well as displaying artefacts recovered from a nearby shipwreck.

Twelve Roofs House

The former High Commissioner’s house is one of Brunei’s oldest buildings. Dating back to 1906, the colonial structure has deep ties to imperial Britain. After gaining their independence in 1984, the Twelve Roofs House has since become a museum. Inside, you’ll learn about the friendly relationship between Britain and Brunei and the Queen and the Sultan. We suggest visiting to appreciate the style of architecture and learn more about the evolution of modern-day Brunei.

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Tasek Lama sits a few kilometres north of Bandar Seri Begawan and provides a slice of nature in the heart of the city. Apart from a favourite picnicking spot for local families, the park has short trails through the jungle. Expect to spend an hour or two appreciating the rainforest habitat, snapping photos from viewing platforms and admiring the waterfalls.

Taman Persiaran Damuan Park

This park as one of the top attractions in Brunei for every visitor to the country. Stretching along the Brunei River, the park is a haven for locals and families in the evening. The island in the centre houses monkeys including the endemic and endangered Proboscis Monkeys.

Muara Beach

Brunei’s best beach is approximately 30 minutes by car from Bandar Seri Begawan. The clean stretch of coastline and adjacent parks has several benches for picnics, a jogging trail and a prime position to see Borneo’s famous sunset.

Jerudong Park Playground

When Jerudong Park opened in 1994, it was one of the largest theme parks in Asia. But after a lack of investment, it dwindled to a fraction of its former size. Despite having just a few rides and being rather uninspiring by European standards, it still gets classified as one of the top attractions in Brunei in guidebooks.

Gadong Night Market

Every evening at 4pm, Gadong Night Markets officially opens. Stalls sell local dishes including grilled fish and chicken. Because Bandar Seri Begawan gets so few tourists, the night market retains an authentic flair. If you want to soak up a bit of the Bruneian culture and taste regional cuisine, head to Gadong. Try nasi katok (steamed rice and Bruneian-style fried chicken with a spicy sauce).

Tamu Kianggeh Market

Located near the Brunei River, Tamu Kianggeh sells fruit, veggies and fish. Other stalls have locally-made handicraft and souvenirs catering towards the stopover tourists in Bandar Seri Begawan. This is also our favourite place in the city to buy fresh tropical fruit.

Ulu Temburong National Park

Brunei’s first national park opened in 1991 in Temburong District. The vast protected area consistently features as one of the top attractions in Brunei for ecotourism. Unlike their Bornean neighbours, the Sultanate’s rainforests remain intact in a type of state-sponsored conservation. Visitors can hike jungle trails, get views of the rainforest from canopy walks and see some of the island’s wildlife.

Billionth Barrel Monument

The monument in Seria near the border with Sarawak commemorates Brunei’s production of its billionth barrel of oil. Offshore oil drives Brunei’s economy making it one of the wealthiest nations in Southeast Asia. Stop by for half an hour when passing between Miri and Brunei’s capital.

Tasek Merimbun

Brunei’s largest lake sits some 70 kilometres (43 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan. The ‘S’-shaped lake supports a variety of flora and fauna including a rare species of fruit bat. Apart from snapping photographs and enjoying the environment, tourists can take boat trips and visit the two lake islands.

Pantai Seri Kenangan

In English, Pantai Seri Kanangan translates to ‘Unforgettable Beach’. The stretch of orange sand is sandwiched between the rough waters of the South China Sea and the relatively calm Tutong River. The best time to enjoy this attraction in Brunei is with a late afternoon picnic or during the sunset.

Borneo’s most beautiful capital

Bandar Seri Begawan is usually the first port of call for visitors to Brunei. With two of Southeast Asia’s most stunning mosques and a sprawling floating village on the Brunei River, the capital is a photographer’s dream come true. Stroll the small centre, snap pictures of Kampong Ayer from the Waterfront and enjoy your time in Borneo’s cleanest city.

The ‘Green Jewel of Brunei’

Thanks to Brunei’s oil reserves, the rainforests remain free of deforestation. Ulu Temburong National Park is a prime example of Brunei’s state-sponsored conservation. Centuries-old trees soar into the air connected by canopy walks offering views of the vast forest. Trails lead through the steamy jungle to hidden waterfalls and natural pools. When combined, it provides one of the most beautiful places in Brunei to enjoy the best of nature.

Luagan Lalak

Another favourite place in Brunei to see the Bornean sunrise is at Luagan Lalak. Located near the Labi Forest Reserve to the west of Bandar Seri Begawan, the lake exudes beauty. A series of boardwalks span over the freshwater swamp’s surface. Footpaths and wooden bridges form a network around the surrounding park.

Pekan Tutong (Tutong Town)

Tutong Town some 40km (24.9mi) west of Bandar Seri Begawan offers a quiet beach retreat. The stretch of yellow-orange sand hugs the town along the Tutong River. Either visit on a day trip or spend the night in one of the guesthouses to enjoy the sunset.

Bukit Ladan Forest Reserve

Located in Tutong District, Bukit Ladan Forest Reserve is among the most beautiful places in Brunei for nature lovers. Spanning 76sqkm (18,780 acres), the protected area offers hiking trails, picnicking spots and viewing platforms. With towering teak trees lining the paths and the occasional orchid, this provides the ultimate experience for fans of the outdoors. Climb the canopies to witness the dense green forest rolling over the hills towards the horizon.

Ash Shaliheen Mosque

Located beside the Prime Minister’s Office Complex in the capital town of Bandar Seri Begawan lies the magnificent Ash Shaliheen Mosque. The mosque’s architecture is influenced by the Moroccan-styled structures. While certainly justifying its religious purpose, the mosque is more like a gallery displaying essential phases of life of the current Bruneian head of state, his Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, such as his childhood, training, marriage, crowning ceremony and other journeys. The mosque embraces quite a lot of copies of the personal possessions of the Sultan including his crown, outfits, weapons and other tributes made to him.