Brunei has a long South China Sea coastline, and the nearest good beaches to the capital are around Muara, the port town about 25 km to the north-east. Muara Beach (Pantai Muara) is a long, pale, gently shelving strand backed by casuarina trees, with a landscaped picnic park, playgrounds and food stalls at weekends.
A few kilometres south, Serasa Beach lies on a sand spit sheltered inside Brunei Bay, so the water is calmer. It has a watersports complex used for sailing and kayaking, and beside it is the Serasa Ferry Terminal, where passenger ferries leave for the Malaysian island of Labuan.
Top things to do at Muara & Serasa Beaches
Picnic and walk at Muara Beach
Families come here late in the afternoon to barbecue, fly kites and walk the sand as the heat fades. On weekdays you may have the beach almost to yourself.
Get on the water at Serasa
The sheltered bay suits kayaking, sailing and paddle sports, organised through the watersports complex and local clubs. Facilities and rental arrangements vary; ask ahead.
Watch the sunset
Both beaches face open water and big skies. Meragang Beach, on the way from the capital, is another quiet stretch often visited for sunsets.
Continue to Labuan
From Serasa, ferries cross to Labuan, a duty-free Malaysian island, from where onward boats run to Kota Kinabalu and the Sabah mainland. See our getting there guide.
How to get to Muara & Serasa Beaches
- By car or Dart: 30–40 minutes from the centre via the Muara–Tutong highway or Jalan Kota Batu. Arrange the return in advance; few cars wait out here.
- By bus: buses have run between the capital, Muara town and the Serasa terminal, but they are slow and infrequent and stop in the late afternoon.
- For the ferry: arrive at Serasa at least an hour before departure for ticketing and immigration.
Insider tips
- Brunei is conservative: wear a T-shirt and shorts for swimming at public beaches rather than revealing swimwear.
- There are no lifeguards. Swim only in calm conditions, and take local advice about jellyfish and currents.
- Bring water, snacks and sun protection — shops are few outside weekends.
- Crocodiles live in Brunei’s rivers and estuaries. Keep to the open beaches and away from river mouths and mangroves.
Best tours & tickets for Muara & Serasa Beaches
These experiences are the easiest way to see Muara & Serasa Beaches:
Private boat tour from €56 Cuti Brunei Muara Wildlife Cruise
A private-group cruise through Kampong Ayer and on into quiet mangroves, with the chance to see proboscis monkeys and crocodiles and views of the royal palace. Pickup and a meal are listed as included.
- Explore Kampong Ayer and see traditional life
- Tranquil mangroves with proboscis monkeys and crocodiles
- Views of the royal palace
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
Private transfer from €56 per group Brunei Airport Transfer
A private ride from Brunei International Airport to the city in a spacious car with a professional chauffeur. The price shown is per group, not per person.
- Private car from the airport to the city
- Professional driver
- Price per group of up to two
