Things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan

Unlike most Asian cities, the buildings in Bandar Seri Begawan are all plain and box shaped. Yet, there are quite a few interesting things you can do while you are in the city.

Visit Cultural and Historical Sites

When it is not holding prayers, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is open to visitors. You need to remove your shoes before entering, and you will be provided with a robe. A royal Islamic mosque, the most striking feature is its main dome, which is covered in pure gold. Standing at 52 meters in height, the mosque is famous for its Renaissance and Italian architecture.

The water village called Kampong Ayer, where hundreds of houses float on the Brunei River, offers a unique and compelling sight. Though it is better to hire a water taxi to explore the village, you can do it on foot, too, starting from behind the Sultan’s Mosque.

The Royal Regalia Museum displays many of the priceless gifts received by the Sultan. The Brunei Museum, located on Kota Batu Road, displays artworks in its Islamic Art Gallery. Just a short distance away from the museum, you will find 2 historic tombs of the 3rd and 5th sultans of Brunei, Sharif Ali and Sultan Bolkiah.

The Palace of the Sultan of Brunei is definitely worth a visit while you are in Bandar Seri Begawan. It has 1,788 rooms, and it is considered the largest palace in the world. However, it is closed to the public, except during the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri holidays after the Ramadan fasting month. The Jame’Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque is also known as the “Mosque with a Heart of Gold.” Located in the center of Kiarong in Bandar Seri Begawan, it features golden domes and roofs, and it is Brunei’s largest mosque.

The Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Center offers traditional Brunei handicrafts like silver, basketry, keris, brassware and gold brocade weaving. You can also take a scenic drive to Seria Oil Town where you can witness the country’s science and engineering advancements.

Explore Natural Attractions

If you love nature, you should go to the Lambir Waterfall National Park. Bearing regional and global significance in conservation, it has a forest that is ideal for botanists and researchers. The park is also famous for its various waterfalls and a pool that has a sandy beach. Besides swimming in this pool, you can also go jungle trekking, bird watching or exploring the Summit Trail.

Try Local Cuisine

Last but not least, don’t miss a visit to the food courts to taste some local delicacies such as roti prata, nasi lemak, lontong, mee goreng, nasi goreng and soto.