Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is a city where you'll find mosques with golden domes along the Brunei River. You can explore the extensive Kampong Ayer water village, observe the detailed architecture of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, or learn about Bruneian royal history at the Royal Regalia Museum. The city's landscape includes modern Islamic buildings and traditional stilt houses, creating a unique atmosphere different from other Southeast Asian capitals.

Bandar Seri Begawan's Major Mosques

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a key landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan with its golden dome and marble minarets. Built in 1958, this mosque has an interior decorated with Italian marble walls and golden chandeliers. Near it, you'll find the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the largest in Brunei. It was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the sultan's reign and has 29 golden domes and four 58-meter-tall minarets. Both mosques allow non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times, giving you a chance to see Brunei's Islamic architecture and culture up close.

Kampong Ayer: The Water Village

Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village, extends along the Brunei River. This centuries-old settlement is home to over 13,000 people and includes houses, shops, schools, and mosques built on stilts above the water. You can explore Kampong Ayer by taking a water taxi from the main waterfront for about 1 Brunei dollar. For a more in-depth tour, you can hire a boat for an hour, which typically costs between 20 to 25 Brunei dollars. As you travel through the waterways, you'll see local residents going about their daily lives and might even spot proboscis monkeys in the surrounding mangroves.

The Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum in the city center displays a collection of artifacts related to the Sultan of Brunei. You can see gifts presented to the Sultan, royal regalia, and a replica of the throne room. The museum's main attraction is a large chariot used during the Sultan's silver jubilee procession in 1992. Entrance to the museum is free, but cameras and phones are not allowed inside. You can store your belongings in the free lockers provided during your visit.

Gadong Night Market

For local cuisine, visit Gadong Night Market after 4 PM. This market primarily serves locals, offering a more genuine experience than some tourist-oriented markets in other parts of Southeast Asia. You can try dishes like nasi katok (fried chicken with rice and spicy sauce), grilled fish and chicken skewers, and various stir-fried noodles. The local Dairy Queen also serves unusual treats like durian ice cream. At the market, you'll see Bruneian street food culture and daily life firsthand.

Getting Around Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Most major attractions are within walking distance of each other in the city center. For longer trips, you can use public buses with fares at 1 Brunei dollar per ride. Taxis are also available but tend to be more expensive. When traveling to and from Brunei International Airport, located about 11 km from the city center, taxis are the most convenient option. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs around 25 Brunei dollars.

Bandar Seri Begawan's Climate

Bandar Seri Begawan has a tropical rainforest climate with warm temperatures year-round. The city receives significant rainfall, with October to December typically being the wettest months. The period from January to April is generally drier and is considered a good time to visit. During these months, you're more likely to have clear weather for sightseeing.