Discover Brunei Darussalam
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Brunei Darussalam.
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Must-see attractions in Brunei Darussalam
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 9 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Despite its reputation as a rich country, Brunei has suffered a bit in recent years. The government has been forced to recognise a small but increasing unemployment rate and disaffected youths have been held responsible for the isolated incidents of crime, none more so than the sultan’s younger brother, Prince Jefri. Jefri’s extravagance in both his private life and, more seriously, as the country’s financial minister bred scandals and loud rumours of corruption, forcing the sultan to sack his brother in 1997. By that stage, Brunei’s reputation was damaged and its financial reserves severely depleted. Despite this, Brunei still continues to e
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Brunei Darussalam
Halal restaurants in Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 9 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
bruneiThe Airport Restuarant & Coffee Shop
The first certified halal menu restaurant in Brunei this place has a full halal menu, designated prayer rooms, close to mass transit, parking and has child friendly facilities. Reservations are not accepted.
bruneiAminah Arif Restaurant
This restaurant is deservedly famous for its ambuyat – a national dish of the pith of the sago tree, which is ground into powder then mixed with water. This dish was made popular during WWII when the Japanese invaded Borneo and cut off the rice supplies. You can add different sauces to this dish – chilli and shrimp sauces are the most popular.
bruneiNur Wanita
The newest restaurant on the block, you’ll find authentic Thai food here amongst the stylish setting. Beware the lunch crowd though which can get pretty hectic.
bruneiC.A. Mohamed
Address: Haji Daud Complex, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam BE3919 Tel: + 673 2423814 Opening Time: 7am – 8pm
bruneiTarindak D’Seni
Located at the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre on the first floor this place has parking, is wheelchair accessible, and has a designated prayer area. The food is of a Malaysian cuisine and is ready to go if you want to eat at home.
bruneiRBC Airport Express Fast Food
Address: Brunei International Airport, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 2339206 Opening time: 7am – 11pm
Brunei Darussalam masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Jame' Asri Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Location: Kampong Kiarong
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Named after the 28th sultan, this mosque is considered to be the symbol of Islamic culture within Brunei and is an impressive example of Islamic architecture. Opening in 1958, the mosque is open to visitors when it is not being used for prayers. As with any mosque, you must remove your shoes before entering. If dressed inappropriately you will be given a robe upon entry.
Malay Salambigar
This mosque can accommodate up to 1,000 people and the language of the services is Malay. There is a separate women’s room, parking and wheelchair access.
Masjid Kampong Lambak
This mosque has a separate women’s room and parking available. The language of the services is Malay.
Where to stay in Brunei Darussalam
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
bruneiJubilee Hotel
Simple and clean standard rooms are found at this establishment which is situated right in the city centre, a short walking distance from sights and attractions. Hotel rates include airport transfer and breakfast with the hotel facilities including a Thai restaurant, laundry, concierge, travel information desk and free parking.
bruneiRadisson Hotel Brunei
Conveniently located for tourists who want to experience the city’s hustle and bustle, you can walk from The Radisson Hotel Brunei into the city centre within 10 minutes. All rooms are spacious and have a TV, air conditioning, tea/coffee, electronic safe and free Wi-Fi. Other facilities which guests can enjoy include a gym, swimming pool, currency exchange, concierge, baby-sitting services, florist, casino, bicycle rental, a restaurant, multilingual staff and medical assistance if required.
bruneiTrader Inn Bandar Seri Bagawan
While the hotel is a little far from the city centre, it does provide a decently priced taxi service. All rooms are clean and furnished exquisitely and the hotel provides air conditioning, complimentary toiletries, a restaurant, parking, casino, shops and a business centre. There is also a ‘Foot Reflexology’ centre where you can get your feet
bruneiOrchid Garden Hotel
With 155 rooms to choose from and a location between the airport and government offices, this hotel is for the businessman. The hotel facilities include a tennis courts, swimming pool, restaurants, airport shuttle, multilingual staff, beauty/massage center, room service, tour desk, porters and 24hr reception and concierge.
bruneiThe Empire Hotel
Address: Jerudong BG3122, Negara Brunei Darussalam Tel: + 673 241 8888
History and today in Brunei Darussalam
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
When to go
Temperature wise, Brunei is warm all year round but there are months of heavy rainfall that peak around September to January, so pack for rain if you plan to visit during these months.
City Information
Fast Facts
-Dialling code: country 673: city 00 Note: within Brunei there are no area codes; Emergency numbers: Police: 993 Fire: 995 Ambulance: 991 Tourist Information Helpdesk: 238 2822 (this connects to Brunei’s government tourism authority: Brunei Tourism) Airport Enquiry: +673 2331706; -Population: 398,000: -Languages: Malay, English -Time zone: GMT +8 -Average January temperatures: 30°C -Average July temperatures: 32°C -Annual rainfall: the average is between 200-300mm of annual rainfall
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Currency and Exchange Rates
The currency used in Brunei is the Brunei dollar (BND).
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Public Holidays
• Brunei National Day (23rd February) • Hari Raya Aidiladha (variable, February/March) • Muslim New Year – Hizrah (variable) • Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day (31st May) • Prophet’s Birthday (variable, in Malaysia and Brunei only) • Sultan of Brunei’s Birthday (15th July) • Hari Raya Aidilfitri (variable, September/October)
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Annual Temperature
Month Average Max Temp Average Min Temp January 30° 23° February 30° 22° March 31° 23° April 32° 23° May 32° 23° June 32° 23° July 32° 22° August 32° 22° September 31° 22° October 31° 22° November 31° 22° December 30° 22°
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Brunei Darussalam Residents
Brunei is considered to be the most observant Islamic country in the Southeast Asia region. The residents are very friendly and forward-thinking in their attitudes to globalisation and international trends. This does not extend to their laws on alcohol which is banned within the country, along with bringing in meat that is not halal. During Ramadan drinking, eating or smoking in front of other people who are fasting is considered to be extremely rude. Interestingly enough, criminal acts (petty theft and the like) are handled by‘English Court’ while a Muslim Court handles personal matters like divorce proceedings; the two courts never meet. Out of the population, 67% is of Malay and indigenous peoples while 15% are Chinese. The rest of the population demographic are Westerners, Indonesians, Indians and Bangladeshis.
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Brunei Darussalam Today
Despite its reputation as a rich country, Brunei has suffered a bit in recent years. The government has been forced to recognise a small but increasing unemployment rate and disaffected youths have been held responsible for the isolated incidents of crime, none more so than the sultan’s younger brother, Prince Jefri. Jefri’s extravagance in both his private life and, more seriously, as the country’s financial minister bred scandals and loud rumours of corruption, forcing the sultan to sack his brother in 1997. By that stage, Brunei’s reputation was damaged and its financial reserves severely depleted. Despite this, Brunei still continues to enjoy a high standard of living. The average life expectancy is 77 years and there are pensions for free medical care, schooling, sport and leisure, subsidies for purchases, short working weeks, and no income tax. With new economic diversification and deep-sea exploration for oil beginning to take off, Brunei aims to keep itself completely financially independent.
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Brunei Darussalam History
The earliest references to Brunei begin with its connections to the Chinese trading practices in the 6th century. Before the country was established as an Islamic state, Brunei was part of the Sumatran Srivijaya Empire (later becoming the Majapahit Empire of Java). However Brunei was not to establish itself as a power state until its ‘Golden Age’ of the 15th and 16th centuries under the rule of Sultan Bolkiah (the fifth sultan). The 16th century also saw the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese explorers but they failed to make a lasting connection to the country via force. A subtle approach by the British in the 19th century, in the form of Sarawak’s first raja James Brooke, saw the fall of Brunei with the sultan forced to accept the ‘treaties’ proposed by the raja who had taken hold of the town of Kuching. Brunei remained a British protectorate till 1888 until it was eventually split down the middle in 1890. By 1929, with the country on the cusp of being dissolved forever, oil was discovered making the country an economic power overnight. Sultan Omar Saifuddien (the present sultan’s father) kept the country out of the Malaysian confederacy, preferring the British protectorate and aimed to keep the oil on home soil. It is through him that Brunei can credit its economic development. By 1962, the British put pressure on the sultan to hold elections, the end result being the opposition Ra’ayat Party winning a full victory with its aim to keep Brunei independent and make the sultan a constitutional monarch within a democracy. When the sultan refused to allow this new government into power, an armed rebellion broke out with the support of the Indonesian Army. With the support of the British forces, this rebellion was crushed and an ‘Abode of Peace’ has existed under emergency laws ever since. When the sultan abdicated in 1967, his popular heir Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reluctantly lead Brunei into complete independence from Britain in 1984. The country still retains close ties to the British. After independence, the country reverted into Islamic fundamentalism with Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) being brought forward as the new national ideology. This doctrine puts importance on Malay culture, Islam and the monarchy, and it promoted through the ministries of education, religious affairs, and information. MIB became compulsory in schools from 1994.
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Shopping in Brunei Darussalam
Explore 2 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
Signature sights in Brunei Darussalam
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Brunei Darussalam
Plan around 8 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
bruneiNational Day
National Day, 23rd February: Preparations are made about two months beforehand with school children, civil servants and private sector representatives rehearsing flash-card displays and colourful crowd formations on the day. Mass prayers and a reading of the Surah Yassin are held at most mosques.
bruneiRoyal Brunei Armed Forces Day
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day, 31st May: This festival is celebrated with military parades, artillery shows, parachuting displays and exhibitions.
bruneiSultan of Brunei’s Birthday
Sultan of Brunei’s Birthday, 15th July: This festival is celebrated across the country with mass prayers beginning the day. His Majesty the Sultan then delivers a royal address which is followed by an investiture ceremony held at the Istana Nurul Iman. Gatherings at the four districts are then held where His Majesty meets and congregates with his subjects.
bruneiRamadan
This is the holy month for Muslims where they abstain from food, drink and material comforts. Fasting is from dawn till dusk, and religious activities are held at the mosques throughout the month.
bruneiHari Raya Aidilfitri
Held after the end of Ramadan to celebrate the end of fasting. The Sultan opens his palace to visitors during the occasion. Hari Raya is also known as Eid ul Fitr, or the lesser Eid.
Brunei Darussalam tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
bruneiBorneo Guide
Address: Block B 1st floor, Warisan Mat Mat Gadong Tel: 876 6796
bruneiFreme Travel Services
Address: Wisma Jaya, Jl Pemancha Tel: 223 4280
bruneiMona Florafauna Tours
Address: 209 1st fl, Kiaw Lian Bldg, Jl Pemancha Tel: 223 0761
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Brunei Darussalam travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
