It is one of the pleasant surprises of Bandar Seri Begawan: a short boat ride from the centre of a capital city, wild proboscis monkeys feed in the mangroves. The species lives only on Borneo and is endangered; the big-nosed, pot-bellied males are unmistakable. The mangrove-lined channels of the Brunei River upstream of the city are among the easiest places anywhere to see them.
A river safari is also the best all-round sightseeing trip in the city. Boats usually loop through Kampong Ayer, run upriver past the Sultan’s palace, Istana Nurul Iman, and then slow down in the narrow creeks, where the boatman cuts the engine and everyone looks up.
Top things to do at Brunei River Safari
Spot proboscis monkeys
The monkeys come to the riverside trees to feed and to sleep, so the hour or two before sunset and the first hours after dawn are best. Groups sit high in the branches; bring binoculars or a long lens if you have one.
Look for crocodiles and birds
Saltwater crocodiles are regularly seen in the river, along with monitor lizards, macaques, egrets, herons and kingfishers. Keep hands inside the boat.
See the palace from the water
The golden domes of Istana Nurul Iman rise above the trees on the way upriver — the best view of the palace you will get outside Hari Raya.
Book a tour or hire a boat
A booked safari comes with a guide who knows where the animals are and, usually, a hotel pickup. Alternatively, negotiate directly with a water-taxi driver at the waterfront; agree the price for the boat, the route and the duration before you leave.
How to get to Brunei River Safari
- From the waterfront: nearly all trips leave from the jetties in the city centre.
- With pickup: several GetYourGuide tours list hotel pickup, which is useful if you are staying in Gadong or Jerudong.
- Timing: allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours in total, depending on how long you spend in Kampong Ayer.
Insider tips
- Go late in the afternoon for the best chance of monkeys and good light on the palace and the water village.
- Boats are small and open or lightly roofed. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and a rain jacket; wear the life jacket provided.
- Sightings are frequent but never guaranteed, and animals may be far off. A patient boatman makes all the difference.
- Heavy rain and low tides can shorten or reroute a trip.
Best tours & tickets for Brunei River Safari
These experiences are the easiest way to see Brunei River Safari:
Boat tour from €84 Brunei Mangrove River Safari
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.
- Cruise along the Brunei River past Kampong Ayer
- See the city’s landmarks from the water
- Look for proboscis monkeys in the mangroves
Boat tour from €163 Bandar Seri Begawan: Brunei River Safari with Hotel Pickup
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.
- Cruise along the Brunei River
- Pass by the Sultan’s palace
- Explore the mangroves to spot rare wildlife
Small-group tour Bandar Seri Begawan: Kampong Ayer and River Safari 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.
- Guided walk through Kampong Ayer
- Learn the history of the water village on its walkways
- River safari to see proboscis monkeys
