Being one of the least visited countries in the Southeast Asian Region, Brunei Darussalam is as intriguing as it seems. This small country tucked in between the Sarawak Province of Malaysia in the Northwestern portion of Borneo island is rich in history and culture, and almost all of its main tourist attractions are mostly seen in its capital Bandar Seri Begawan.
Read more: Paris 2024 Reveals Completed Olympic Village
Visiting Brunei in a Snap!
With this, here are the Top 10 Places to Visit when exploring Brunei Darussalam and Bandar Seri Begawan:
1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
One of the most notable structures you can immediately see once you touch down in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan is the striking Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. This mosque is the largest in Brunei and its pinnacles and roof are all made with gold. It is the main place of worship for the majority of its population and also showcases an artificial lake with the mosque on its background.
2. Taman Haji Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien
Taman Haji Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien is the main square found right at the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. This is the place where main country events happen, like their National Day and the Sultan’s Birthday every July. The Taman Haji Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien is also the place where the independence of Brunei Darussalam from Great Britain was declared on January 1, 1984.
3. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Sultan Coronation Monument
Also known as the Perpuspaan Main Gate 1968, the Sultan Coronation Monument was built to commemorate the coronation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in 1968. The structure was originally built near Kampong Ayer and is now relocated right in front of the lake surrounding the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
4. Taman Makhota Jubli Emas
Literally meaning the “Golden Jubilee Crown Park,” Taman Makhota Jubli Emas is a manicured park serving as a foreground of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. This riverfront park is also one of the best places in Bandar Seri Begawan to view the sunset. The park was inaugurated last October 2017 to commemorate the 50th jubilee of the current Sultan’s coronation and accession to the throne.
5. Mercu Dirgahayu 60
The fountain monument of Mercu Dirgahayu 60 is situated right in front of the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront overlooking Kampong Ayer. Literally translated to “Long Life, Your Highness 60” Monument, was built in 2006 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The monument itself shows the number “60” in Arabic.
6. Royal Regalia Museum
The Royal Regalia Museum in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan is where the regalia of the royal family of Brunei is displayed. It also houses the exhibits related to the coronation jubilees of the Sultan. It also houses some memorabilia given to the Sultan from around the world. The Royal Regalia Museum is open daily (except Friday) from 0900 – 1700 H and the entrance fee is BND 5 (₱ 220).
7. Tasek Lama Recreational Park
P
Tasek Lama Recreational Park is one of the few green spots in Bandar Seri Begawan. This park complex features a wide variety of areas which are popular to families and fitness enthusiasts. The complex has a wide complex of pathways for trekking and jogging and there are several themed areas for families and people to enjoy. One of the highlights of the Park is the Tasek Lama Falls and Reservoir at the heart of the Park.
8. BIBD The Frame Brunei
If you have seen the famous Frame in Dubai, UAE, you might consider the BIBD The Frame Brunei as its cousin. Commissioned by BIBD, Brunei’s biggest bank, The Frame puts the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on the spotlight as it makes it its centerpiece on a certain angle. This is a popular tourist spot among locals and visitors and is just near the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Shopping Mall.
9. Gadong Night Market
If you are in for a gastronomic adventure, you must consider visiting the Gadong Night Market. This popular night market features a lot of B$1 (₱ 40) food including Nasi Katok, ABC Drink, Mee Kway Teow Noodles, Kueh Takis, Soto Noodles, and a whole lot more! There are also fresh fruits and meat stalls inside the market so you will never feel hungry when you leave. This place is really a must visit! A budget of B$ 10 would be more than enough if you want a full meal here!
10. Kampong Ayer
Probably one of the most popular and historical tourist spots in Brunei, Kampong Ayer is considered by most people as the oldest floating village in the world. Akin to the floating villages mostly found in southern Philippines, this stilts-village houses approximately around 40,000 people. There are numerous accommodations and restaurants found in this village and you can also have a taste of the Ambuyat – Brunei’s National Dish!
How to get to Brunei? From Manila, there are a limited number of flights going to and from Bandar Seri Begawan’s Brunei International Airport. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines offer direct flights to Brunei.
There is a complete travel guide going to the Land of Unexpected Treasures! Read more here!
