Brunei Quick Guide

A Brunei travel guide will show you all there is to know about this small island-state off the east coast of Malaysia. Located between the east coast of Sumatra and the Pacific Ocean, Brunei boasts a population of less than ten thond people, making it the smallest country in the world by size. The majority of its residents are Muslims, although there are some Hindu and Christian minorities as well. One of its major attractions is the laid-back island lifestyle, which tourists can take advantage of with several shopping malls, a sky-themed sports stadium, and the popular Brunei Grand Hotel & Spa. For those interested in water sports, there are more than forty beaches in Brunei, many of which lie close to shore and offer excellent diving, snorkeling, or boating experiences.

With an area of approximately ten square kilometers, Brunei is small by global standards, but that small size provides opportunities for tourism that can make your stay memorable. Brunei travel guide sites usually list at least a few of the main tourist destinations, along with a short description of what to expect at each. Here are some of the top destinations and what to do in them during your stay.

Brunei Travel Guide: This destination has a diverse landscape, offering visitors plenty of things to see and do on any given day. Inhabited since the eighteenth century, Brunei today is home to duty-free shopping centers, duty-free shopping malls, a wide variety of hotels, including the world's largest floating mall, the Sultan Qaboos mosque, and several international airport services. There are also a large number of duty-free stores in several areas of the city, including Rizqun International, which provides a one hundred and twenty storey building housing more than two hundred shops. The mall and buildings have been refurbished in recent years and offer an excellent range of souvenirs, clothing, cosmetics, accessories, books and much more.

Brunei Travel Guide: A trip to Brunei doesn't get any better than a visit to the many duty-free shopping malls that dot the country. These shops offer a wide variety of items including electronics, clothing, jewelry, handbags and much more. Most duty-free shopping centers are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Visitors often find that they can save money by buying their favorite items earlier in the day or by purchasing seasonal merchandise. An Empire Hotel is located in Jalan Raya Ubud, a popular tourist area just south of the Borneo Sea.

Sheraton Universal Studio Singapore: This is a meeting facility that offers up to thirteen different rooms, including four penthouses. The studio has an on-site gym, meeting facilities including conference tables, teleconferences, music facilities and a conference kitchen. There are also a few restaurants in the area that serve Thai, Chinese, Munchy, French fries and an assortment of other food selections. Room service and round the clock room services also make staying at the Sheraton very comfortable. Guests staying at the Sheraton Universal Studio Singapore can expect to be waited on hand and foot, and can leave with a smile on their face knowing that their money was well spent.

Brunei Travel Guide: The capital city of Brunei is also home to some of the finest dining and most luxurious hotels in the country. A cruise at one of the many gated enclaves along the coast of the royal islands would be a memorable experience. The Royal Dining Room, located in Little Thailand on the island's north coast, is one of the most expensive in the city. However, it is also known as one of the finest gated locations in the world.

Brunei Travel Guide: The coastal region of Southeast Asia is home to some of the most lush rainforests in the world. The Bandar Seri Begawan (The Serai) and Sarawak temples are must-sees in this region. The natural scenic beauty of the area has been treasured by artists for centuries.

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What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Brunei are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

The high season to travel in Brunei is between June - September, but the best time to visit Brunei is between January and May. This is when the weather is dry and warm, but not too hot. February and March are the driest months of the entire year.

Do I need a Visa?

British Citizen passport holders may enter Brunei for up to 90 days without a visa.

See which forms you may need for entry into Brunei.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Brunei is the Brunei Dollar (BND). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Brunei you can grab amazing Brunei Dollar deals via Wise.com (GBP to BND).

What about the wildlife?

Many small animals, tropical birds, reptiles and amphibians exist in the rainforests however, they are often hard to spot due to their incredibly shy natures. There are over 300 bird species found in the rainforests, and there are around 100 non-flying mammals (half of which are rodents).

What is the traditional food?

Malaysian food? Ambuyat. Brunei's proud national dish. Derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm tree, ambuyat consists of a mix of starchy, solid whites (similar to tapioca starch) and water. Served sticky with a dip called cacah (usually sour and spicy), ambuyat is completely edible without chewing it.

What Languages are spoken?

Bahasa Melayu (Standard Malay) is the country's official language and is the variety taught at school and used in the mass media You can learn some basic Malaysian before you travel to Brunei and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Brunei is the Brunei Dollar (Tipping is not practised much in Brunei, though rounding off the bill is always appreciated.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 993
  • Ambulance: 991
  • Fire: 995
  • UK Embassy: (+673) (2) 222231 (option 4)

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 7 hours

Travel Apps

Grab a travel app or two


Learn Malaysian

Learn some Malaysian before your trip to Brunei


Brunei Guidebook

Stay informed before, during and after your trip to Brunei by buying a guidebook.