Tourist Information for Brunei
Top Highlights
One of the smallest countries in the world; and one of the wealthiest! Due to it’s off shore oil supplies, it affords its nationals a comfortable standard of living. It has spectacular rainforests and National Parks, mosques decorated in gold gilt and Italian marble, and a bustling river community.
The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is bound on three sides by water, all of the major sights are within walking distance of the city centre, and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque dominates the landscape.
Kampong Ayer, the ‘Venice of the East’, is the world’s largest water village with 30,000 people living in houses on stilts snaking along the banks of the Brunei River in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. The village includes several schools, a fire brigade, a police station and several shops. The best way to visit the village is via water taxi (longboats with outboards).
The Jerudong Park Playground was the Sultan’s gift to his adoring subjects for his 48th birthday and is pretty close to the size of Disneyland. It offers thrilling rides for kids of all ages.
One of the Sultanate’s most luxurious resorts is the 5-star Empire Hotel and Country Club, located on the beach 20 minutes from the city. Well worth spending a couple of nights here particularly as it features three cinemas, a bowling alley, driving range and a 18 hole floodlit Jack Nicklaus golf course.
AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C) – based on Kota Kinabalu
- JAN
- 31
- FEB
- 32
- MAR
- 32
- APR
- 33
- MAY
- 33
- JUN
- 32
- JUL
- 32
- AUG
- 32
- SEP
- 32
- OCT
- 32
- NOV
- 32
- DEC
- 31
- Country Dialling Code:
- + 673
- Capital:
- Bandar Seri Begawan
- Official Language:
- Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) although English is widely spoken.
- Electricity:
- 220 - 240V, 50 cycles. Three-square-pin plug (like UK).
- Currency:
- Brunei - Dollar
- Cash:
- US dollars can be readily exchanged for Dollars.
- Credit Cards & ATMs
- Visa & MasterCard readily accepted. ATMs can be found in most towns.
- Tipping & Bargaining:
- Tipping is not required and bargaining is not accepted.
- Email & Internet Access:
- Cyber cafes can be found in most towns.
- Alcohol:
- The sale of alcohol has been banned in Brunei since 1991.
- Geography:
- Both Sabah and Sarawak are covered by dense jungle, with many large river systems, particularly in Sarawak. Mt Kinabalu in Sabah is the highest in South East Asia.
- Gateway Airport:
- Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
- Bus:
- There are several efficient, modern coach lines available throughout the region. Buses are clean and comfortable, many with air-conditioning.
- Car:
- Brunei has standard and luxury cars for hire with reputable companies. The roads are well maintained.
- Ferry:
- Connections from Sabah and Sarawak to the mainland and Brunei.