Brunei: Discovering SEA’s Abode of Peace
Being one of the countries of ASEAN, Brunei Darussalam is often skipped in the travel map. Of course, as a traveler, it is more interesting to go to places which are less tourist-y because this is where stories could be told more! Here are some of the places I have visited in Brunei-Muara District.
Brunei International Airport Arrivals Area
Read also: Brunei Darussalam Travel Guide
Places to See and Things to Do in Brunei Darussalam!
Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali’ Saifuddien
This place is also considered as Brunei’s Independence Square as it is in this place where their independence from the United Kingdom was declared on January 1, 1984. Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali’ Saifuddien is also the main square where major public events are being held including the Sultan’s birthday, Royal Guard Parade, National Day, and “Maulidur Rasul.”
Teng Yun Temple
Teng Yun Temple is a Taoist temple located at the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. Although it has been flanked with taller buildings and a car park just behind it. The temple still stands out as its bright colors attract the eyes of passersby and tourists like me!
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is the central mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. It can be seen literally anywhere in the capital and its main minaret is its main feature (and attraction for tourists). It can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers and is a national landmark in the country. It is named after Omar Ali Saifuddien, the 28th mosque of Brunei.
SHHB Sultan Coronation Monument (Perpuspaan Main Gate 1968)
The SHHB Sultan Coronation Monument located within the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is the gate that commemorates the coronation of its present Sultan, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in August 1968.
Taman Makhota Jubli Emas
Initially known as the Eco-Corridor Park, the Taman Makhota Jubli Emas is one of the main public parks in Bandar Seri Begawan. Its manicured greens serve as a foreground of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. This spot is best viewed during sunset. The whole park can be viewed via the Omar Ali Saifuddien Pedestrian Bridge.
Sultan Omar’ Ali Saifuddien Pedestrian Bridge
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Pedestrian Bridge
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Pedestrian Bridge connects the City Centre to the Parit District at the other side of the Brunei River. At the other end of the bridge, you can now easily reach The One Mall and the Supreme Court complex. It is also a few kilometers away from the
Mercu Dirgahayu 60
Mercu Dirgahayu 60 Park
The Mercu Dirgahayu 60 Monument is a structure dedicated to the Sultan of Brunei for his 60th birthday. “Mercu Dirgahayu 60” literally means “Long Life, Your Highness 60.” The long slender column represents the number “60” in Arabic.
The Big Wall Brunei
The head-turning mural art in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. The Big Wall Brunei is the biggest mural in the whole country and features the Jawi calligraphy and the Bunga Simpur flower. The mural also features several tourist attractions in Brunei, such as the Kampong Ayer and the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, among others.
1.80 Corner
1.80 Corner is a convenience store located near the Bandar Seri Begawan waterfront in Jalan MacArthur. This convenience store has some of the cheapest finds in the capital and this is where I also found the cheapest souvenir deals like ref magnets, table souvenirs, and keychains. They usually sell 1 piece of keychain or ref magnet for BND 3.90 (PH₱ 170) and they sell it per bundle of 3 pieces at BND 10 (PH₱ 430).
Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront and Park
The Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront and Park is one of the largest open spaces in Brunei. In this park, you get to see a view of the Brunei River and the famous Kampong Ayer. From afar, you can also see the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge. This is just adjacent to the Mercu Dirgahayu Park and this is also where you can ride BND 1 (PH₱ 43) boats going to Kampong Ayer.
Jalan Kianggeh
Jalan Kianggeh is one of the main thoroughfares of Bandar Seri Begawan. It has several seats and stands for recreation and is also situated on the outskirts of the Brunei River going to Kampong Ayer. You can also ride boats here going to and from Kianggeh Market and Kampong Ayer.
Dewan Majlis Building
Dewan Majlis Building is the former Legislative Council Building of Brunei. It was the venue for the 9th Legislative Council of the Brunei Assembly in 1968. It was used as the Legislative Council Office Building before it was transferred to Jalan Dewan Majlis.
Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara
Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara, which literally translates to “Office of State Customs,” guarantees and oversees that the practice of the Istiadat Diraja (royal customs and ceremonies) are observed properly in accordance with the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja.
Tasek Lama Recreational Park
One of the few natural parks located in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, the Tasek Lama Recreational Park is a series of recreational facilities found within a lush forest right at the heart of the city. The park is also a famous jogging site and there are a lot of areas to discover, including the Tasek Lama Reservoir. The main highlight of the recreational park is the Tasek Lama Waterfalls which is found at the center of the park.
BIBD Frame Brunei Darussalam
The Frame Brunei Darussalam is an iconic landmark that highlights and puts the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque at its centerpiece. This tourist attraction is built by the BIBD (Bank Island Brunei Darussalam Berhad), the country’s largest bank.
Where to Eat in Brunei Darussalam
Gadong Night Market
Gadong Night Market
As I had a limited time to explore the local eats in Brunei, I have gone to a place popular to locals and tourists as well. The Gadong Night Market is basically a haven for food lovers (like me!) and showcases everything that is food and drinks! Gadong Night Market basically has two main alleyways where a string of food stalls show different kinds of food and drinks!
For my dinner, I only spent roughly around BND 5 – 6 (PH₱ 215 – 260), with food and drink only costing around BND 1 (PH₱ 43) each! I bought the famous ABC drink (which is basically a sweet mixture of cendol, jelly, and crepe beans), Mee Kway Teow Noodles (for BND 1.20 or PH₱ 52), Nasi Katok (famous Bruneian dish), Chicken Satay (4 sticks for BND 1 or PH₱ 43), and Apam Caramel (soft pancakes for 4 pieces per BND 1).
It already was a hearty dinner for me and there are still a lot more to discover in this market. There are also a lot of durian and fruit stalls inside if you fancy eating these fruits!
Where to Stay in Brunei
Co. Living Hostel Bandar
One of the most convenient and cheapest accommodation options in Bandar Seri Begawan City Centre is the Co. Living Hostel Bandar. Strategically located near the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali’ Saifuddien or the Independence Square, the hostel is also a stone-throw away from the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Waterfront, Kampong Ayer, BSB Bus Terminal, and Royal Regalia Museum to name a few.
The hostel is quite intimate and has a cute lounge area for guests while enjoying their WiFi connectivity. You can either book a bed in a dorm-type room or have a solo room if you wish to. There is also a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf right across Co. Living Hostel. You’re welcome!
These are also the places worth visiting (that I have not visited, but will definitely come back for it!)
– Kampong Ayer
– Royal Regalia Museum
– Royal Ceremonial Hall
– Adresto Restaurant (Kampong Ayer)
– Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge
– Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
– Istana Nurul Iman Palace
Sample Itinerary when Visiting Brunei Darussalam
Going in and Brunei (particularly in Bandar Seri Begawan) is much easier if you have a guide who has a car. If you want to try the public buses plying around the city, it is also alright, bus public buses may end service as early as 1700 H or 1800 H, depending on the volume of passengers. Here is a sample itinerary for a 2 day-1 night tour of Bandar Seri Begawan:
Day 1
| Check-in at Accommodation of Choice | |
| Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali’ Saifuddien | |
| Teng Yun Temple | |
| Jalan Kianggeh + Kianggeh Market | |
| Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque | |
| SHHB Sultan Coronation Monument (Perpuspaan Main Gate 1968) | |
| Taman Makhota Jubli Emas | |
| Sultan Omar’ Ali Saifuddien Pedestrian Bridge | |
| BIBD Frame Brunei Darussalam | |
| The Big Wall Brunei | |
| Mercu Dirgahayu 60 | |
| 1.80 Corner | BND 40 – 50 (depends) |
| Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront and Park | |
| Kampong Ayer | BND 1 (one-way boat ride) |
| Gadong Night Market | BND 5 – 6 (depends on food purchased) |
Day 2
| Breakfast somewhere | BND 5 – 6 (depends on food purchased) |
| Dewan Majlis Building | |
| Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara | |
| Royal Ceremonial Hall | |
| Royal Regalia Museum | |
| Lunch | BND 5 – 6 (depends on food purchased) |
| Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge | |
| Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque | |
| Istana Nurul Iman Palace | |
| Dinner (Adresto Restaurant – Kampong Ayer) | BND 5 – 6 (depends on food purchased), BND 1 (one-way boat ride) |
*Note that the places, prices, and information written as of publication date and time are true and are given best during my visit. Changes may occur without prior notice. If you notice any changes to the information given above, you can e-mail me here so we can dish things up!*
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
