Budget Travel Ideas in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of the Sultanate of Burnei in Southeast Asia, and offers a unique and lasting experience for travelers who hunger for something different than the norm. Here the globe traveler can find a variety of attractions and experiences beyond the normative Asian experience.

What to Do

Bandar Seri Begawan offers numerous open-air markets, mosques and temples, and water villages. Guided private tours are available, spanning from the typical city photo tour to an “Eco-Tour” through the surrounding jungle wetlands. Bandar Seri Begawan also offers majestic river tours via “water taxi” through the quaint water villages surrounding the area. A must-see for visitors to the area is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a stunning and beautiful active mosque open to visitors through much of the day.

Anyone could easy spend a full day or more in the exotic open air markets, taking in the scents and sights in the bustle of a true Asian open air market. Additionally, any visitor to the area would be remiss in not visiting Makam Di-raja, or the Royal Mausoleum. This tomb has been used for generations of Sultans and offers a portrait on the rich history and culture of the region.

Where to Stay

Focusing on budget options, KH Soon Resthouse, LeGallery Hotel and the Brunei Hotel all offer affordable stays within the city. Bunei Hotel offers a hotel experience likely to be close to the standard Western hotel stay. Further from the city limits would be APEK Utama Hotel, offering a quaint and affordable stay at the cost of distance from downtown Bandar Seri Begawan. If budget is the primary concern, the Brunei International Airport offers the standard budget airport hotels, though any visitor should keep in mind that this area is quite some distance from Bandar Seri Begawan itself. Bus trips in and out of the city add to the cost of the stay, and should be budgeted in accordingly.

Where to Eat

What Bandar Seri Begawan may be lacking in eatery variety, it more than makes up in quality. By far the most popular restaurant with travelers, Aminah Arif Restaurant offers a selection of Bruneian fare as well as dishes that may be more familiar to travelers. Aminah Arif Restaurant’s menu is very reasonably priced, so experiencing the local fare is made even more enjoyable by not breaking the wallet.