Beauty and Therapy in Brunei

Travel and Transport in Brunei

Sea

There are boats between Brunei and Pulau Labuan in Sabah and Limbang in Sarawak. These boats operate from the Muara Ferry Terminal, 25km northeast of BSB. There’s also a boat service running between BSB itself and Limbang.

Land

The main overland route to the west is between Kuala Belait in Brunei and Miri in Sarawak, which is a straightforward journey by bus or taxi.

It’s also possible to travel between BSB and Limbang and Lawas in Sarawak and onward to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, but it’s an extremely time-consuming and fiddly journey.

If you’re heading to/from Limbang or Kota Kinabalu, we recommend going by boat.

Air

Brunei’s sole airport is 10km from the centre of the capital. The national airline, Royal Brunei Airlines (code BI; 221 2222; www.bruneiair.com), has direct flights between BSB and major Asian destinations such as Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Manila, as well as flights to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. Malaysia Airlines (code MH; 222 4141; www.malaysiaairlines.com), Singapore Airlines (code SQ; 224 4901; ­www.singaporeair.com) and Thai Airways International (THAI, code TG; 224 2991; www.thaiair.com) also fly into BSB.

Accomodation in Brunei

Rizqun Hotel

Empire Hotel and Country Club

Orchid Garden Hotel

The standard of hotels in Brunei is extremely high, with prices to match. Those with plenty of money to spend on a hotel can literally find their heart’s desire as there are numerous hotels dedicated to providing their customers with the very best in life.

Travelers with a low budget will be able to find a few basic yet comfortable rooms, which in many other parts of Asia would be classed as mid-range. Travelers who would like the surround themselves with home comforts should be delighted with Bandar Seri Begawan’s selection of hotels as there is no shortage of luxury in this city.

There is no real high or low season in Bandar Seri Begawan, so it doesn’t really matter when you arrive. Visitors looking for budget accommodation would be better off booking in advance as it can be difficult to track down and you’ll probably find that you need to book several days in advance.

Best Bets

Bandar Seri Begawan only has one youth hostel, which can be found on Jalan Sungai Kianggeh. Expect to have to share with several people if you choose this option. There are also a few budget places located near the Brunei Museum.

Although mid-range options can look rather similar to the budget rooms – standards are high in both – the city specializes in luxury accommodation. Most of these top of the range hotels are either located conveniently close to the airport or in the center of town near the main tourist attractions. Most luxurious hotels also provide their guests with free transportation.

Where to Stay

Most visitors like to stay in the heart of the city, close to a range of tourist attractions and shops. Top of the range hotels such as the Sheraton Utama Hotel, Brunei Hotel and Traders Inn can all be found in the center of the Bandar Seri Begawan, especially around Jalan Gadong and Jalan Tasek.

However, as Bandar Seri Begawan is so easy to get around, it doesn’t matter too much where you choose to stay. Transport is easy to find and most of the top end hotels provide free chauffeur driven cars to take their guests around the city.

What to Expect For the Money

Even at the very bottom end of the scale, dorm rooms are quite comfortable, although guests will have to share the room, bathroom and other facilities with a number of guests. However, there are plenty of facilities available such as a swimming pool. Although the price is low in budget hotels, the standards are certainly not and these rooms feature private bathrooms with hot water and comfortable beds.

There is little difference between budget and mid-range rooms, although mid-range hotels often feature extra facilities such as stylish restaurants, shops and free internet connections. Choose top of the range accommodation and you will find five-star hotels and resorts which provides guests with creature comforts such as room service, fitness centers, spas and gourmet restaurants.

Price Ranges and Room / Hotel Features

Rates start from around US$7 for a dorm room, which is shared between several people and divided into male and female dorms. Private budget rooms start at US$30 and feature a range of decent modern conveniences. Mid-range rooms start at US$50 and are slightly more comfortable then budget options. When it comes to luxury accommodation, the sky is the limit. Choose one of the city’s five-star hotels and you could be paying US$160 or more, which provides all that you would expect to find in an internationally recognized, top of the range hotel.

Shopping In Brunei

Shopping in Bandar Seri Begawan is a popular pastime as the residents of the city are mostly quite wealthy and there in no income tax in Brunei, making goods comparatively cheap.

In Bandar Seri Begawan shopping venues range from small stalls to huge shopping malls selling high-end consumer goods at unexpectedly reasonable prices. The shopping fun starts right at the Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport, which sells everything from sports equipment to chocolates and books.

Many of the city’s market places and shopping malls double as entertainment centers, offering shoppers somewhere to eat and the opportunity to make use of a range of other services such as massage and beauty salons. Some of the most popular purchases include jewelry, clothes and textiles, which are skillfully made by Brunei’s craftsmen. 

Best Bets and Tips

Electronic goods tend to be much cheaper in Bandar Seri Begawan than in many of the surrounding countries and are of high quality. While the best prices can probably be found in the city markets, there are still some good offers to be found in the large, clean and modern shopping malls.

The following tips can help shoppers get the most from their experience:

• Bandar Seri Begawan’s luxury shops combine quality with low prices.
• Bartering can be used at markets to further reduce the price of items.
• Singapore dollars are accepted in addition to the Brunei dollar throughout Bandar Seri Begawan, meaning that those arriving from Singapore won’t need to change their money.

Markets

Bandar Seri Begawan’s are full of life, color, hustle and bustle. While markets crop up all over the city, one particularly popular example is the Taman Bandaraya market, which is located just past the Royal Regalia Museum. Open each evening, this is a great place to eat and shop without suffering in the heat of the day. Open each day from late afternoon until long into the night on Saturdays, the Weekend Pasar Malam sets up its colorful stalls along Jalan Sultan Road. Goods here are particularly cheap and this is a popular form of weekend entertainment.

Supermarkets and Department Stores

The Hua Ho Department Store is a particularly popular shopping venue as it stocks a wide selection of designer goods and groceries. This is a particularly good place for purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables and tourists can shop for souvenirs in the cool air conditioned environment. There is also a large supermarket located on the ground floor of The Mall, which is located in Gadong and is the shopping venue of choice for many of Bandar Seri Begawan’s housewives.

Shopping Malls

Being the capital city of Brunei, it should come as no surprise to find that Bandar Seri Begawan contains a large number of modern shopping malls. The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex is Brunei’s largest shopping mall, selling everything from bags and bracelets to furniture and carpets. Located next to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, this is a convenient place to shop and dine after exploring the local tourist attractions. Recently built, The Mall specializes in designer goods and souvenirs.

Arts and Antiques

The riverfront area of the city is a good place to track down antiques, and a number of small art galleries can also be found here. Some of the city’s largest and most modern shopping malls contain a collection of art galleries, while the weekend market is a good place to find an interesting assortment of antiques. However, it is a good idea to examine antiques closely as they might not always be as old as they appear at first glance.

Clothing

There is a collection of small shops specializing in clothes located along Jalan Sultan. Most markets and shopping malls contain a variety of clothes shops and stalls. Markets tend to sell cheap clothes and tourist souvenir t-shirts, while malls are more likely to stock quality designer gear including items from well known Western fashion designers. The Mall in particular is known for its top of the range clothes, while the Hua Ho supermarket also offers a good selection of clothes.

Gems and Jewelry

Shopping for gems and jewelry in Bandar Seri Begawan can be an interesting experience. There is plenty of variety and shoppers with money to spend can expect to be treated like royalty. A popular place to pick up quality jewelry is in the Centrepoint mall, which is part of the luxurious Centrepoint Hotel. Jewelry shops can also be found in any area where there are a large number of Indian or Chinese restaurants clustered together.

Handicrafts

Perhaps the best place to purchase handicrafts in terms of price and variety is the Brunei Handicraft Center, which is located along Jalan Kota Bat near Jalan Residency. This is an ideal place to buy traditional Brunei fabric and clothing such as tenunan Brunei, which are clothes interwoven with gold thread that are usually worn to weddings and other special occasions. The Brunei Handicraft Center is frequented by members of Brunei’s royalty as well as diplomats and other prominent figures.

Eating Areas in Brunei

Where to Eat

There is good food to be found simply everywhere in Bandar Seri Begawan. The area of the city known as Gerai Makan is a good place to find Malay dishes and delicacies. The food here is served at outdoor stalls and is reasonably priced. The area around the bus station and Brunei Hotel specializes in excellent Indian restaurants. All of the city’s leading hotels have their own restaurants, which serve a wide range of different dishes from around the world.

Local Food

The food stalls located in Jerudong Park are a good place to find cheap and tasty local food. These stalls serve a wide range of dishes such as nasi lemak, which is rice boiled in coconut milk served with anchovy sambal, peanuts, eggs and cucumbers. Another popular dish is turmeric tinted fried noodles known as mee goreng,while lontong is cubes of rice served with sayur lodeh - a vegetable curry made with coconut milk and turmeric.

Western Food

There are a good range of Western restaurants located in the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex. Visitors can choose from McDonalds, KFC, Jollibee and a number of other outlets. Most leading hotels and restaurants also serve a good selection of Western dishes.
The Ayamku Restaurant is the local version of KFC, serving fried chicken, rice and a drink for a very cheap price. Branches of this restaurant can be found in most shopping centers and on streets throughout the city. Located at the riverfront, Frattini’s Restaurant serves a mouth watering range of Italian and Thai dishes.

Vegetarian

While few restaurants serve purely vegetarian dishes, many of Bandar Seri Begawan’s restaurants offer a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. There are plenty of Indian restaurants to be found in the city, all of which serve lentil dishes as well as vegetarian curries, breads and side dishes. Restaurants in hotels also serve vegetarian dishes such as soups, sandwiches and French fries. Located at Menglait, the Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant serves a spectacular range of tasty dishes where meat and fish are substituted for tofu. Offering more than 100 strictly vegetarian and vegan dishes, this restaurant gives all profit to charitable causes.

Street Food

Stalls selling cheap and tasty street food can be found all over Bandar Seri Begawan. Food is usually freshly prepared and comes in a range of different styles. Basic dishes such as chicken and rice are good bets, while many street stalls specialize in Indian food.
A great place to find Malay food is at the Taman Bandaraya night market, which is located just off Jalan Tutong. There are a number of stalls specializing in satay and fresh coconut juice along the riverfront, while diners can cross the canal to Tamu Kianggeh to find a wondrous assortment of offerings.

Food Courts

Food courts pop up in all sorts of locations throughout the city. However, the best selections tend to be found in large shopping malls, where there is usually a large food court located on the top floor with more than twenty different stalls serving very cheap food.
One of the most popular food courts can be found in the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex. This food court serves everything from Indian food to traditional Brunei cuisine, all for less than US$2.










Kianggeh Food court, Bandar Seri Begawan

Ketupat Satay

Chicken Satay

The food of Bandar Seri Begawan is an interesting blend of several different culinary styles. Indian food is popular here and there are plenty of restaurants and street stalls selling rich curries, Indian bread and side dishes. While rice and noodles are the staple food, a large number of Malay, Chinese and other dishes find their way onto many menus. There are also a good range of Western style fast food outlets and restaurants offering a selection of Western favorites.

When it comes to eating, just about anything goes. However, food is traditionally eaten using a spoon and fork. People tend to eat together in groups as eating is seen as a social occasion and it is rare to see solo diners in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Functions and conference

The International Convention Centre

 The International Convention Centre, shortly known as the ICC, is the largest meeting venue in Brunei Darussalam. It has made the country capable of hosting high profiled events and to name the few - ASEAN Ministers Meetings (AMM), Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC 2000) and ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2001).

It has the state-of-the-art-technology making it an excellent venue for big events. The halls and meeting rooms are provided with various kind of facilities meeting the demands for conferences and exhibitions.

The complex nestled on a 20 hectare land area which is less than 5 minutes drive from Brunei International Airport, a few minutes walk to the Bolkiah National Stadium and five minutes drive from Bandar Seri Begawan's commercial center. 

The Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) is the premier defence & security event in South East Asia. It brings together the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of defence & security equipment and systems from across the entire supply chain, and high level international government and defence & security officials, providing them with a unique experience in business facilitation.

BRIDEX serves as an exclusive marketplace to showcase the latest, innovative and value-enhancing technology solutions in land, sea, air and security systems to address the wide spectrum of security challenges being faced by countries in the region and around the world. BRIDEX also provides an excellent platform for building vital alliances, forging partnerships and capturing new business opportunities in a fast growing South East Asian region, as well as for networking, sharing ideas and knowledge, discussing technology advancements and industry developments.

BRIDEX is a must-attend event on the international defence & security calendar.

Some interest places in Brunei

The largest mosque in the country, Jame'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, is a fine example of Islamic religious architecture. The four main minarets and two golden domes of the structure are a fantastic sight when illuminated in the evening. The mosque was built in 1992 to celebrate the 25th year of the Sultan's reign. Non-Muslims are forbidden entry on Thursdays and Fridays. It's located en route to Gadong, about 2.5km northwest of the city centre.

The Royal Regalia Museum (Bangunan Alat Kebesaran Diraja) was established to commemorate the 1992 Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's accession to the throne.

The hall was built on the site of the Winston Churchill Memorial Building which has been renamed, modernised and considerably extended. The hall's central feature is a spectacular new circular gallery topped with a mosaic-tiled dome which sits in the cup of the original crescent-shaped building, constructed in 1971.

Pride of place is given to the royal coronation carriage surrounded by regalia from the royal crowning ceremony. To the left of the main entrance is the Constitutional History Gallery, set up in 1984 as part of the country's independence celebrations. This traces the history of the constitution and the development of from 1847 when the first Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation was signed with Britain. On permanent show are documents, photographs, rare recordings and films while a large area concentrates on the proclamation of the 1959 constitution - the country's first written constitution. To the right is gallery devoted to the life of His Majesty up to the time of the coronation. It recreates his early childhood and chronicles his schooling in Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and finally in Britain at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The coronation scene at the Lapau in 1968 is depicted using models, pictures, words and exhibits including His Majesty's gold crown, Golden Hands (which are depicted on the Royal state crest), the symbolic Golden Cats, his silver kris, costume and orchestral instruments used during the ceremony. Film footage of the magnificent ceremony is screened in a small theatrette. The displays, which include historic pictures of His Majesty meeting his people afterwards in the mosque and in the districts, also cover independence and His Majesty's return from the Haj.

The museum is open to the general public and entrance is free.
Visiting hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 8:30am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 11:30am & 2:30pm - 5pm

Please note that visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the building.