Someone asked me: “Why Brunei? Anong gagawin mo dun? (What will you do there?)” Then I replied: “I want to visit a new country on my birthday, so I could tick an ASEAN country on my list.” Then he stamped my passport (n_n). Finally pushing this trip that was cancelled 2 years ago. New country, new adventure. This time, at SEA’s underrated destination, I want to spend my birthday carefree so I had list of places to do and not adhering to strict itinerary, as I’ll roam mainly at Pusat Bandar (downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, the nation’s capital).
Hence, above map is my carefree itinerary. I just hailed a ride for The Empire Brunei, Jame’ Asr Mosque, Gadong Mall and airport using DART mobile app and complement with local bus rides at daytime. Note that bus rides from BSB Terminal (near Kianggeh River) cost only BND1 per ride but infrequent so if you’re in a hurry, just book from DART.
-Brunei travel brochures are found at the tourist information counter upon arrival
-Brunei SIM for 8BND bought from a kiosk (since I couldn’t activate my prebooked eSiM)
-DART app (their own version of Grab) that I installed in Brunei upon arrival after activating the SIM I bought. I user the SIM’S Brunei number to register. The reason I was able to book a ride from airport to mg hostel. I paid cash to the DART driver.
-BND Currency that I have before departing Philippines since the Brunei IO might ask how much BND Currency are you bringing (pocket money).
BRUNEI Attractions:
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Royal Regalia Museum
Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja
Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre
Brunei History Centre
Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery
Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex
Gadong Night Market
The Mall, Gadong
Kampong Ayer River Cruise for Proboscis Monkey Sightings
The Empire Brunei for Afternoon Tea
TARINDAK D’SENI for Buffet Lunch
Billionth Barrel Monument
Istana Nurul Iman
Kianggeh Market
Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge is seen at the left.
BRUNEI SIGHTSEEING TRIP ACTUAL ITINERARY
Kindly see my actual expenses below. Note that it’s up to you whether to be splurge or not on activities and foodtrip. I found Brunei (at least within downtown) to be affordable when you dine at local bazaar and restos and buy goods at groceries nearby.
Notes:
1. Others say Brunei is boring, but for me it’s not. You just have to spark your interest in exploring this small country. Good thing I have fascination to heritage that’s why I visited the Royal Regalia Museum (my most favorite museum in Brunei) to see the actual treasures of the sultan and related articles. I imagined that if Philippines was not colonized by Western powers, we could have the same fate as Brunei, preserving our Austronesian heritage (sultanate or monarchy of sorts).
2. Brunei (at least within Pusat Bandar/City Centre/Downtown) is peaceful. It was so quiet and laid-back that you almost see no people at streets because they have their cars as major mode of transportation. Note that Brunei has the highest ownership of cars per person (2-3 cars per pax) among ASEAN. They have public buses parked at BSB Terminal but very infrequent so if you’re in a hurry, just book taxi via DART APP. Google Maps works well for wayfinding.
3. Stay at downtown for easy access to waterfront (for river cruise) and attractions within city centre. The cheapest meals and souvenirs are located near Jalan McArthur across the Brunei Energy Hub. There are local eateries serving Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisine at low prices, like Nasi Katok at only BND1 to BND2 only. If you need to buy some grocery items, they located at the same street as well. I’m thankful to my hostel for free driking water and I just buy food outside and eat at their pantry. I also tried fastfood meals located at Yayasan Complex. On weekends and special occasions, there are bazaars and night markets popping up so check them out to see cheap food finds.
4. For river cruise, actually it’s hard to find someone to share expenses with on renting a boat so I went solo. I met Mel (WhatsApp +6738161656), a local tour guide, at my hostel and he helped me book a boat at BND35 per boat. Despite the rainy weather, I enjoyed the cruise as he answers my questions of the sights. He also has a Tiktok Account (Lucky Mel @hjismailhjsaid ) so connect with him if you have questions about Brunei. Say hi for me!
5. There is more to explore within Brunei that are lesser known destinations especially Temburong and Muara. Mel (my tour guide) recommends that you visit Brunei on a festival or special occasion by sultan so that you may see him on his birthday (where his palace is open to public)or on special events. I know that Brunei is used as jump-off to explore the adjacent Malaysian cities of Miri (to the west) and Kota Kinabalu (to the east) given you have more days spent in Borneo island. Maybe I’ll try next time land border crossing or via short flight.
Brunei is still underrated. Don’t be discouraged by videos about visiting this country. You just have to know your interests and focus on activities that will make you feel amazed and special. With plenty of options on transpo, accommodation, attractions, food and shopping, you can do it! Enjoy your Brunei trip soon!
#bengoeswhere #travel2025 #birthdayvacation #newcountry #katasngpisofare Cebu Pacific Air #happiness #Brunei #DiscoverBrunei #AbodeofPeace
#DiscoverBrunei
Ben Goes Where 