Brunei Darussalam 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Brunei Darussalam

This itinerary focuses on exploring the highlights of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital, over a 3-day period.

Things to know before you go:

  • Currency: Bruneian Dollar (BND), which is pegged to the Singapore Dollar.
  • Currency Exchange: You can use both Brunei and Brunei dollars interchangeably. Most businesses accept BND.
  • Culture & Customs: Brunei is a Muslim country, so be respectful of local customs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, mosques are closed to non-Muslims.

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in History and Culture

  • Morning: Arrive at Brunei International Airport (BKI).

    • Visa: Most nationalities can enter Brunei visa-free for tourism purposes for a period of 30 days (check https://www.bruneitourism.com/ for your specific requirements). If you need a visa, you can apply for one online or at the nearest Bruneian embassy or consulate.

    • Currency: You can exchange currency at the airport or use ATMs in Brunei to withdraw local currency.

    • Activities:

      • Visit the Royal Regalia Museum to see a collection of artifacts and gifts belonging to the Sultanate’s Royal Family, including a replica of the Sultan’s palace.

      • Explore the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia.

      • Wander through the Kampong Ayer (Water Village), a unique historical and cultural site. This fascinating village is built on stilts above the Brunei River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy the sunset over the Brunei River from a viewpoint like The Empire Hotel & Country Club, offering stunning views of the South China Sea.
    • Explore the night market in Gadong for local delicacies, crafts, and souvenirs.

  • Dinner: Try local Bruneian food at the night market. The Nasi Katok is a must-try!

  • Transportation: You can easily get around using taxis or public buses. Buses are a cheaper option but have limited schedules and routes. Taxis are readily available in Brunei, especially through ride-hailing apps like Grab.

Day 2: Jungle Adventures & Wildlife Encounters

  • Morning:

    • Head to Temburong District, a remote and pristine area accessible by a boat ride across the Brunei River followed by a drive through lush rainforest. This district is known for its untouched beauty.

    • Go on a guided hike through the dense jungle, exploring its diverse flora and fauna.

    • Afternoon: Visit the Sumbiling Eco Village for a unique experience in the heart of the rainforest.

Day 3: Culture & History Continued

  • Morning: Enjoy a boat trip to the National Park, explore the stunning waterfalls, and discover hidden natural wonders.

  • Afternoon:

    • Take a boat back to Bandar Seri Begawan and enjoy the vibrant city life.
    • Visit the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, a beautiful landmark, and the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque for a glimpse into Bruneian Islamic architecture.

  • Evening: Depart from Brunei International Airport (BKI).

Things to do & see in Brunei:

  • Day Trip:

    • Explore the rainforest: Visit the Ulu Temburong National Park and take a boat trip on the Brunei River, hike through pristine trails, and experience the unique culture of Brunei.

  • Visit the mosque: Explore the architecture and history of the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, a must-see for its beauty and cultural significance.

  • Enjoy local delicacies: Indulge in the flavors of Brunei at the Bandar Seri Begawan Night Market, where you can find dishes like Nasi Katok (coconut rice with fried chicken and sambal sauce) and local fruits.

Things to know about visiting Brunei:

  • Language: Malay is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Brunei.

  • English-speaking country: As a tourist, you’ll have no problem communicating.

  • Dress code: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or public areas. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

  • Currency: While the Brunei dollar is the local currency, most places accept both Brunei and Singapore dollars.

Things to consider for your visa application:

  • Purpose of visit: Since you are a visitor, you will need to check the specific visa requirements for tourists visiting Brunei.

  • Visa-free entry: Most nationalities can enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days, but it is crucial to confirm your individual eligibility by checking the https://www.bruneitourism.com/ website.

  • Duration of stay: Ensure your planned trip duration aligns with Brunei’s visa policy.

  • Visa on arrival: Check if you can obtain a visa on arrival for your specific nationality, and the required documentation.

Day 3 (cont.):

  • Enjoy the local culture: Explore other cultural attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan like the Royal Brunei Museum, the Istana Nurul Iman Mosque (the largest mosque in Brunei) or the Kampong Ayer Cultural Centre.

  • Experience the “Bandar Seri Begawan” Market: This bustling market offers a glimpse into local life with its variety of vendors and products.

  • Explore the city: Wander through the streets of Bandar Seri Begawan, browse the shops at the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, or visit the vibrant night market for souvenirs like handicrafts and local snacks.

  • Enjoy the cuisine: Brunei is a great place to try delicious Southeast Asian food.

Other things to consider:

  • Packing: Remember to pack light clothes, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and sunscreen for sunny days. For the rainy season (November-March), pack waterproof jackets and umbrellas.
  • Cultural sensitivity: Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Local currency: Brunei Dollars are the best option for paying as it’s widely accepted, but you can use credit cards at many establishments.

Things to enjoy during your stay:

  • Visit the mosques: The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, a majestic mosque with stunning architecture and views of the city.
  • Explore the “Brunei” Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the history of Brunei, showcasing artifacts from the Sultanate’s past.

Ukay:

  • Enjoy the stunning beauty of Kampong Ayer: Take a boat trip to explore this unique floating village and its rich culture and history.
  • Embrace the diversity: Visit other historical sites such as the Kampong Labi Museum or the Brunei History Centre for a deeper understanding of the country’s past.

Cultural immersion for a richer experience:

  • Immerse yourself in local traditions: Consider visiting during a cultural festival or exploring a traditional market to see how locals shop and interact.

  • Respect religious customs:

    • Remember that Brunei is an Islamic country, so be mindful of local dress standards.
    • Avoid consuming alcohol in public as it is strictly prohibited.

  • Cultural Exchange:

    • Visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque to learn about its history and cultural significance.

Day 3 (cont.):

  • Enjoy a delicious Bruneian meal:

    • Explore local cuisine:
    • Experience the “Brunei” experience:

  • Mosque visit etiquette:

  • Dress code: Remember to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

  • Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering.

  • Noise: Be respectful of the quiet atmosphere and avoid loud talking.

Remember: This is just a sample itinerary, and you can customize it based on your interests and time constraints.