Best things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan
Find out more about those top places in Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan: The Hidden Gem of Brunei You Need to Visit
When you think of luxurious destinations or places to visit in Southeast Asia, Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, might not be the first city that comes to mind. But trust us—this small but mighty city has a lot more to offer than meets the eye! Formerly known as Brunei Town, Bandar Seri Begawan is home to around 423,000 people and is a true testament to Brunei’s oil wealth, offering a unique mix of rich culture, modern amenities, and sightseeing treasures.
Whether you’re exploring Brunei’s top attractions or just soaking in the beautiful scenery, Bandar Seri Begawan is a city that combines the best of the old and the new—with a dash of royal opulence. Let’s dive into what makes this place so special.
1. Istana Nurul Iman: The World’s Largest Residential Palace
Ready for a bit of royal flair? Istana Nurul Iman is one of the top attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan, and it’s impossible to miss. This palace, which serves as the residence of Brunei’s Sultan, holds the title of the largest residential palace in the world. Yes, you read that right! This opulent masterpiece is spread over 2.15 million square feet and boasts 1,788 rooms. While you can’t exactly stroll through the halls (it’s still a royal home, after all), simply seeing the palace from the outside is enough to leave you in awe. And who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of the Sultan—he’s the man behind all that glitz!
2. Kampong Ayer: The Venice of the East
Get your camera ready because Kampong Ayer is one of those places to visit that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Dubbed the Venice of the East, this historic water village is one of the largest of its kind and has been around for over 1,000 years. Houses on stilts, wooden walkways, and traditional boats that glide across the river make Kampong Ayer a perfect spot for sightseeing. You can take a boat tour through the village to explore its charming and vibrant community, or simply wander along the riverfront promenade and enjoy the view. It’s an experience that’s unique to Brunei, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
3. Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: A Monumental Beauty
If you’re in search of stunning architecture, make sure to visit the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, one of Brunei’s most iconic landmarks. With its 29 dazzling gold-domed minarets and intricate Islamic designs, this mosque is a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re strolling around the lush gardens or marveling at the mosque’s grandeur, it’s an unmissable spot for anyone who enjoys a bit of cultural sightseeing. Plus, if you happen to visit during prayer times, you’ll get to see the mosque come to life with locals paying their respects.
4. The Royal Regalia Museum: All About Brunei’s Royal Heritage
Ready to dive into Brunei’s royal history? The Royal Regalia Museum is where you can learn about Brunei’s rich royal heritage. This treasure trove of royal artifacts includes swords, crowns, carriages, and even the coronation robes worn by the Sultan. It’s a fantastic way to gain insight into the nation’s monarchical history and the fascinating legacy of Brunei’s royal family. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to try on a crown or two (even if it’s just in your imagination)?
5. Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas: For a Relaxing Stroll
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet in the city? The Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas is a beautiful royal park where locals gather to relax, picnic, and enjoy the lush greenery. With fountains, manicured gardens, and plenty of benches to sit and watch the world go by, this park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a perfect spot to recharge after a busy day of sightseeing—or simply to take a leisurely stroll while enjoying Brunei’s gorgeous weather.
6. Shopping and Dining: From Local Spices to International Cuisine
If you’re feeling a bit hungry (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), Bandar Seri Begawan has you covered with shopping and dining experiences that range from local flavors to international delights. Whether you’re picking up local spices and handicrafts at the city’s markets or indulging in a meal at a fancy restaurant, you’ll find plenty of places to treat your taste buds. Don’t forget to try Nasi Katok, a popular local dish consisting of rice, chicken, and sambal—spicy and satisfying!
Final Thoughts: Bandar Seri Begawan—Small City, Big Surprises
Despite being small in size, Bandar Seri Begawan offers a treasure trove of things to do that will leave you feeling like you’ve had a truly royal experience. From the palatial grandeur of Istana Nurul Iman to the charming wooden walkways of Kampong Ayer, this city is brimming with top attractions that highlight Brunei’s rich culture, history, and modern growth.
So, whether you’re a history buff, a lover of royal architecture, or just looking to explore a city that combines both the traditional and the modern, Bandar Seri Begawan is a destination worth putting on your list. Pack your bags and get ready for a royally good time in Brunei’s capital!
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Istana Nurul Iman
Known as the “World’s largest residential palace”, the majestic Istana Nurul Iman is the official residence of Hassanil Bolkiah the Sultan of Brunei and the seat of the Brunei government. The Palace derives its name from a blend of Malay and Arabic which translates to “light of faith”. It was designed by Filipino Visayan architect Leandro V. Locsin, the building contains 1,788 rooms; which includes a mosque, 5 swimming pools, a banquet hall that can accommodate 5,000 people and 257 bathrooms. The palace is not open to the public except during 10 days of the Ramadan period and the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
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Kampong Ayer
Kampong Ayer which means “water village” is a historical village situated on the Brunei River. The village referred to as the “Venice of the East” has about 40 smaller settlements and a population of about 13,000 people. The houses of Kampong Ayer are often connected by walkways and bridges with makes it easy for movement round the village but there are several places inaccessible and require Perhu Tambang (water taxis) and speedboats. There are also several mosques, schools, police stations and other basic infrastructure.
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Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Established on 14th July 1994, the mosque is the largest of two national mosques in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is famous for its 29 domes and four minarets that are 58 meters high. It is one of the most sacred places in the city and has a capacity of about 5000 people.
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Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Located just ten minutes away from the city center, the Tasek Lama Recreational Park is for tourists and locals seeking a breath of fresh air or an escape from life in the capital. The mini tropical jungle is an outdoor paradise, with several activities to partake in such as jogging on the different multileveled trails and climbing a 12 meters wall. There are also mini gardens and a children’s playground for visitors with children. The park is very important to the city not only in terms of tourism but the fact that it is a reservoir providing the city with drinking water.
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Royal Regalia Museum
Established September 1992, the Royal Museum is set up to exhibit the lifestyle of the Sultan and other royalties of Brunei. The building which as a large gold-dome was originally called the “Churchill’s Memorial Building”. It is currently a museum filled with items from the Sultan’s personal life such as crowns with jewels, ceremonial costumes, weapons, military honors and treaties.
