Golden domes over a calm river, a village on stilts, monkeys in the mangroves a short boat ride from the city centre. Here are the tours that exist, honest local detail and everything you need to plan a few days in Brunei’s capital.
Bandar Seri Begawan — “BSB” to everyone who lives there — is the capital of Brunei Darussalam, a small, oil-rich sultanate on the north coast of Borneo. It is one of Southeast Asia’s least hurried capitals: no traffic chaos, no touts, and two of the region’s most beautiful mosques within a short drive of each other.
Across the river lies Kampong Ayer, a centuries-old settlement built entirely on stilts, reached by water taxi for about a dollar. Upstream, proboscis monkeys feed in the mangroves at dusk, and a long bridge now links the city to the rainforest of Ulu Temburong. Two or three days is enough to see it well — provided you know the local rules, which this guide explains plainly.
Hand-picked experiences booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting points in euros — tap any tour for live availability in your currency.
Guided city tour from €187 The most complete introduction to the capital that you can book in advance. A guide takes you to the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, out onto the Brunei River by boat and into a family home in Kampong Ayer for tea and cakes.
Boat tour from €84 A cruise along the Brunei River that takes in Bandar Seri Begawan, Kampong Ayer and the city’s landmarks before entering the mangroves to look for wildlife, including the rare proboscis monkey. Pickup is available.
Full-day nature tour from €122 A seven-hour guided day into the wilderness of Temburong, Brunei’s forested eastern district, with a visit to the canopy tower. Pickup is available and a meal is included.
Boat tour from €163 A two-and-a-half-hour river safari from Bandar Seri Begawan. You cruise the Brunei River, pass the Sultan’s palace and explore the mangrove ecosystem in search of rare wildlife, with hotel pickup available.
Full-day nature tour from €261 A guided full-day tour to Ulu Temburong National Park with a climb up the canopy tower. Lunch is included and pickup is available.
Small-group tour A small-group guided tour of Kampong Ayer, often called the world’s largest stilt settlement. You learn the village’s history and cross its walkways, then set off on a river safari to see proboscis monkeys.
Workshop from €20 A hands-on workshop in the art of batik. You learn the traditional technique of applying wax and dye to fabric and create your own piece to keep.
Real-time prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide. Free cancellation on most experiences.
The landmarks of the compact city centre, the sights a short drive away — and the beaches, oil towns and national park that make easy day trips.
City centre & the river The golden dome at the heart of the capital
Brunei’s best-known building: a white mosque with a gold-covered dome, set in a lagoon beside a ceremonial stone barge. Completed in 1958, it is beautiful at any hour and unforgettable at dusk.
City centre & the river A whole town on stilts in the Brunei River
A centuries-old water village of wooden houses, schools and mosques joined by boardwalks, facing the modern city across the river. Cross by water taxi for about a dollar and start at the Cultural & Tourism Gallery.
City centre & the river Chariots, crowns and gifts from the world’s leaders
A domed museum in the city centre devoted to the monarchy: the gilded chariot used for the Sultan’s Silver Jubilee procession, coronation regalia and rooms of gifts presented by heads of state.
City centre & the river Where Brunei shops by day and eats by night
Two markets, two moods: the morning produce stalls of Tamu Kianggeh beside a canal in the centre, and the covered Gadong night market, where most snacks cost a dollar or two. The place to try nasi katok and ambuyat.
Around the capital Brunei’s largest mosque, crowned with 29 golden domes
Built to mark the 25th year of the present Sultan’s reign and opened in 1994, this vast mosque in Kiarong is surrounded by gardens and fountains. Its 29 golden domes stand for the 29th ruler of the dynasty.
Around the capital Proboscis monkeys in the mangroves, minutes from town
A boat trip upriver from the city into mangrove forest, home to the long-nosed proboscis monkey found only on Borneo. Crocodiles, monitor lizards and egrets are common too — and you pass the Sultan’s palace on the way.
The city centre for walking to the mosque and the waterfront, Gadong for the night market and malls, Jerudong for a beach resort, Berakas for early flights — compared, with live rates.
The capital’s best-known international hotel, on the edge of the city centre about ten minutes’ walk from the Royal Regalia Museum, with an outdoor pool and a gym.
A smart, modern boutique hotel in the very middle of town, a few minutes on foot from the waterfront, the water-taxi jetties and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. One of the best guest scores in the city.
Gadong’s grand five-star, joined to The Mall, Brunei’s main shopping centre, and a short walk from the night market. Large rooms, a pool and high guest scores.
Stand under the golden dome of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, cross to Kampong Ayer by water taxi, look for proboscis monkeys in the mangroves at dusk and climb above the rainforest canopy in Ulu Temburong. Compare the available experiences and book in a couple of taps.
Yes, for two or three days. It is a small, quiet capital rather than a big-city destination, but the mosques, Kampong Ayer, the river wildlife and Ulu Temburong make it quite different from neighbouring Sabah and Sarawak. A guided tour makes the first day easier — compare the best ones here.
One full day covers the two great mosques, Kampong Ayer and the Royal Regalia Museum, with a river safari at dusk. Add a second day for Ulu Temburong National Park and a third for the museums, the night market and the coast.
Alcohol is not sold anywhere in Brunei. Non-Muslim adult visitors may bring in a limited duty-free allowance for private consumption and must declare it on arrival. See the rules section of our travel guide.
The city centre is walkable, water taxis cross the river and the Dart ride-hailing app covers the rest. Public buses are cheap but infrequent and stop in the early evening. Details in our getting there guide.
No. BandarSeriBegawan.com is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with the Government of Brunei Darussalam or any tourism board. See our about page.
