Jerudong, on the South China Sea coast about 20 minutes’ drive north-west of the centre, is where Brunei’s oil wealth is most visibly on show. The Empire Brunei, opened in 2000, is a resort on a palatial scale: a marble atrium many storeys high with gilded columns, lagoon pools, a private beach, a cinema and a championship golf course.
Nearby, Jerudong Park opened in 1994 as a lavish amusement park, free to enter in its early years and for a time one of the most talked-about in Asia. It is smaller and quieter today, with a mix of family rides and a water park, but an evening there remains a very Bruneian outing.
Top things to do at Jerudong & The Empire Brunei
Have tea or dinner at the Empire
You do not need to be a guest to walk into the lobby, sit beneath the atrium and watch the sun go down over the sea from the terraces. The restaurants are open to visitors; smart-casual dress is appropriate.
Spend an evening at Jerudong Park
The park generally opens in the late afternoon and runs into the evening, when it is cooler and the lights are on. Expect family rides rather than giant coasters. Check the current opening days and ticket prices before you go.
Walk Jerudong Beach
A public beach with casuarina trees, breakwaters and a small fish market where the day’s catch is sold. It is a good spot for sunset; swimming is possible but there are no lifeguards.
Hike at Bukit Shahbandar
This forest recreation park off the coastal highway has a network of steep, marked trails over a chain of hills, with views of the sea. Go early and take plenty of water.
How to get to Jerudong & The Empire Brunei
- By Dart or taxi: 20–25 minutes from the centre or Gadong. Book your return in the app; cars are scarcer out here late at night.
- By hotel shuttle: the Empire has run a shuttle to and from the city for guests; ask about current times.
- By rental car: easy driving on the Muara–Tutong coastal highway, with plenty of parking.
Insider tips
- Combine Jerudong with the Jame’ Asr mosque and Gadong: all three lie on the same side of town.
- On the beach, dress as locals do — T-shirts and shorts rather than bikinis. Resort pools are more relaxed.
- Jerudong Park may close in heavy rain and has shorter hours during Ramadan.
- There is no alcohol at the resort bars; expect mocktails, juices and excellent tea.
Best tours & tickets for Jerudong & The Empire Brunei
These experiences are the easiest way to see Jerudong & The Empire Brunei:
Guided city tour from €187 Bandar Seri Begawan: Guided City Tour with Water Village
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.
- Visit the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
- Boat ride on the Brunei River
- Tea and cakes at a local house in Kampong Ayer
Workshop from €20 Brunei: Mother of Pearl Placemat Workshop
Make a one-of-a-kind placemat using natural shell pieces. Instructors take you through the layout techniques, gluing and finishing steps.
- Create a placemat from natural shell pieces
- Learn layout, gluing and finishing
- Guided by instructors
Workshop from €27 Brunei: Macramé Leaf Decor Workshop
A creative macramé workshop in which you knot natural cotton cords into your own boho-style leaf wall hanging.
- Craft a leaf-shaped macramé wall hanging
- Natural cotton cords
- A relaxed, creative session
