Top Things to Do in Brunei Darussalam

Brunei is a diminutive powerhouse of a nation is where natural splendour harmonises with remarkable strides in development, setting a pace that's unmatched in Southeast Asia. Perhaps you've stumbled upon snippets of its acclaim – a pioneer in banning shark finning in Asia, a sanctuary for some of the planet's most ancient and extraordinary wildlife, and a realm rich with oil reserves. Yet, to label Brunei merely by these feats would be to skim the surface of what this gem in the Malay Archipelago truly holds.

Dive into the heart of Brunei, and you'll uncover a world far beyond the ordinary, a place where adventure and discovery are woven into the very fabric of daily life. Each corner of this country tells a story, from the majestic mosques that glimmer under the sun's golden rays to the tranquil water villages that stand as a testament to traditional ways of life amidst rapid modernisation.

The lush rainforests beckon with their primal beauty, inviting you to explore hidden waterfalls and encounter wildlife so rare, it can't be found anywhere else on Earth. As you meander through the local markets, your senses will be tantalised by the aromatic spices and flavours of traditional Bruneian cuisine, a delectable blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indigenous influences.

In Brunei, every experience is an invitation to immerse yourself more deeply in the nuances of a land that balances the past and the present, nature and progress, with effortless grace. Are you ready to step off the beaten path and unearth the treasures of Brunei? We have some handy pearls to drop - just for you!

Read also: 6 Must-Try Food in Brunei

Table of Content

popular Things to Do in Brunei
Top Things to Do in Brunei Darussalam

Top Things to Do in Brunei Darussalam

Visit the Historical Kampong Ayer

Why would a measly “kampong'' or village be on the top of this list? Kampung Ayer is not just any village but in fact, it is known to the world as “The Venice of The East’. They may not look like much, but this historic settlement has been around for a whooping 1,300 years! Kampung Ayer which translates to water village is home to 30,000 residents today - making it the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia. It has over 4,200 traditional stilt structures built over the Brunei River, including houses, schools, a hospital as well as other facilities.

How to get to Kampung Ayer, Brunei

Hop onto a water taxi in front of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan.

kampong ayer brunei
The children of Kampung Ayer, Brunei
kampong ayer brunei
One of the jetty at the floating village of Kampung Ayer, Brunei
kampong ayer brunei history
The newer houses built at Kampung Ayer are huge, modern and some even come with their own gates!
kampong ayer brunei
A public school in Kampung Ayer, Brunei built over the river.

Taste Local Brunei Food

Food market is a staple in Southeast Asian countries. Enjoy the full experience of a pasar with a multitude of local food, drinks, and fresh fruits (yes, even durians) in the big 5,979 square meter space completely protected by a vaulted high ceiling which lets you shop till you drop - rain or shine!

Over the years, Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong has seen drastic improvement in order to provide visitors with a clean, pollution-free (noise excluded) and elevated food market adventure!

Read full article about Gadong Food Market now.

Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong
Wild jungle fruits sold in the markets of Brunei
gadong night market food
All kinds of local street food and snacks can be found at Pasar Gadong
Gadong Market Brunei
You can even drop by Pasar Gadong Brunei for lunch or dinner!
pasar malam gadong
The jungle durians of Borneo have red flesh and extra long thorns

Spot a Proboscis Monkey

Go on a cruise along the creeks and rivers of Brunei and revel in the wonders of the mangrove forest in search of the shy proboscis monkeys and other wildlife that are unique to this region only. This is an experience not to be missed as it allows you to witness the two different worlds of Brunei - a sophisticated, modern capital and the serene, virgin forests. Most tours start and end at your hotel with free transfers conveniently provided, and most tour guides speak English!

proboscis monkeys in brunei
Go on a river safari to see proboscis monkeys in the wild in Brunei

Dig Into Ambuyat: Brunei's National Dish

Ambuyat is a glutinous and uber sticky paste-like dish made from sago flour and eaten using a bamboo fork called a chandas. While it doesn’t actually contain any flavour or smell, the dish has to be accompanied with a dipping sauce or curry when eaten. Ambuyat is traditionally cooked in bamboo but you may easily get the ready-made version in shops or any local restaurant today.

The consumption of Ambuyat is typically associated with a call for celebration and it is served in a large dish for friends and family to share. An integral part of the Ambuyat experience would also be making your own customised dipping using spicy chillies, lime juice with some Bambangan (Mango) for the spicy tangy kick of flavours! One of the go-to dipping loved by the locals is Pinasakan - a curry dish of braised 'basung' fish which was created by the Bisaya, Dusun-tatana and Brunei-Malay tribes in Borneo.

ambuyat brunei
Ambuyat is eaten as a replacement for rice, along with a variety of flavourful and savoury side dishes

Play at Jerudong Theme Park

All ready and set to be amazed? This renowned amusement park of Brunei might just be your next favourite destination to visit with your family and kids! Jerudong Park is known to be the oldest, most expensive theme park in Southeast Asia. With exciting waterslides, wet park and countless kid-friendly rides, you’re in for a long day here. However, this park is not meant for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies who are looking for some out-of-world experience, but rather for those who could use a fun and relaxing day out.

Fun fact: Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston both performed in this park!

Address: Jerudong BG3122, Brunei

jerudong park brunei
Brunei's Jerudong Park is claimed to be the world's most expensive amusement park!
Photo by Brunei Tourism

Marvel at Istana Nurul Iman

The Nurul Iman Palace is astoundingly exquisite and an architectural wonder. Anyone who has had the chance of witnessing its beauty never made it back without being completely in love! Lovingly known as the ‘Palace of the Light of Faith’, it is the world’s largest residential and single-family residence to ever be built. It consists of approximately 1,788 rooms within a 200,000 metre square space, and comes with a built-in mosque that can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers at any given time and a banquet hall that could hold over 5,000 guests. It is also home to Sultan Brunei’s extravagant collection of 700 cars in over 100 garages!

Important note: The palace is only open to the public during Hari Raya Aidilfitri over a three-day period. For Muslims, it can be visited during the 10 days of the Ramadan month for prayers.

Address: Jln Menteri Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan BA2112, Brunei

Istana Nurul Iman brunei
The beautiful and gigantic Nurul Iman palace seen from a floating village
Photo by Istana Nurul Iman

Brunei might be small and relatively unseen when you are looking at the world map, but they are mighty, resilient and incredibly beautiful! Just like any other country in Southeast Asia, the culture of Brunei is diverse, unique with heavy influences of the Malay archipelago, and has stayed true to their roots over the years.

With over two-thirds of the nation being Malays, visitors from its fellow neighbouring countries do not have to worry about communication issues here. Come to Brunei and experience the friendliness and warmth of the locals for yourself!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

Comments

  1. Seronok juga travel ke Brunei. Tapi tak pernah pergi. Nanti one day nak ke sana after tour Sabah. Perkara yang Ruby tak perlu risau adalah Halal Food. Nyummy!

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  2. There are a lot of places to visit and things to do and try in Brunei. I haven’t visited Brunei yet. Tringin juga in the future. Insya’Allah.

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  3. What an eccentric schools. Floating on water, wow! Some of the kuihs are as same as Malaysia.

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  4. I belum pernah sampai ke Brunei..plan konon nak pergi tahun ni tp apakan daya tahun ni passport merah tak bercop pun haha

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  5. okaay this entry help me a lot! never been to Brunei. definitely will refer this blog soon! thanks for sharing

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  6. Brunei ni negara yang nampak tenang dan juga sangat santai rakyatnya hidup aman harmoni. Kita ada sedara kat sana tak pernah sampai lagi Brunei ni makanan yang paling menarik perhatian kita hehehehe..

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  7. Macam-macam yang menarik ada di sana ya. Makanan sedap, tempat menarik. Suka tengok Kampung Ayer. Teringin nak merasai pengalaman duduk di situ.

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  8. Dah lama masuk dlm bucket list nak ke sini. Kagum dengan cara sultan dia tadbir brunei. Ada rezeki nanti nak jugak sampai sini.

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  9. Wow there are so many places to visit in Brunei, i have been there once for work.

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  10. I actually love to travel here at Brunei but I always do day trip only.. Hometown just an hour drive.. Maybe next time i should plan for staycation there!

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  11. Makanan kuih muih cam sajian yg ada kat malaysia yea.. AM xpenah sampai brunei.. pas pkpb leh plan dgn kengkawan jenjalan.. nak masukkan brunei sbgai satu dr lokasi wishlist AM ..

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  12. Wowwww...good info laaa you share macam ni, next bila C19 dah ookay, bolehlah bercuti ke Bruenei, teringin gak nak ke sana... thanks yaaa...

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