For a capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan has a remarkable amount of open space within walking distance of its centre. The waterfront (Dermaga Diraja) is a broad riverside promenade on the site of the old royal wharf and customs house, looking straight across to Kampong Ayer; cafés and the Brunei Energy Hub gallery occupy the restored customs building.
A few minutes west, Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas — the park laid out for the Sultan’s Golden Jubilee in 2017 — and the green Eco-Corridor follow the Kedayan River to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. And about a kilometre north of the centre, Tasek Lama Recreational Park brings real forest, a reservoir and a waterfall into the city.
Top things to do at Waterfront, Eco-Corridor & Tasek Lama
Stroll the promenade at dusk
Start at the Mercu Dirgahayu 60 monument, shaped like the Jawi numeral for sixty, and walk east past the jetties as the water taxis race home. The cable-stayed Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge is lit after dark.
Walk the Eco-Corridor to the mosque
A landscaped riverside path and footbridge connect the waterfront with the park and the mosque lagoon — the nicest short walk in the city, with benches, lawns and views of the golden dome.
Hike to the Tasek Lama waterfall
From the park gate a paved path leads in about ten minutes to a small waterfall; steeper trails climb to the reservoir and to hilltop viewpoints over the city. Locals jog here at dawn and dusk.
See the old centre
Between the two, the compact grid of streets holds pastel shophouses on Jalan Roberts, the Chinese Teng Yun Temple and the Yayasan complex, whose central walkway frames the mosque perfectly.
How to get to Waterfront, Eco-Corridor & Tasek Lama
- Waterfront: at the southern end of Jalan Sultan in the city centre; everything central is within ten minutes on foot.
- Tasek Lama: the entrance is at the end of Jalan Tasek Lama, about 15–20 minutes’ walk north of the waterfront, past the Radisson, or a few minutes by Dart.
- From the river: river safaris and water taxis leave from the waterfront jetties.
Insider tips
- Walk early or late. Between about 10 am and 4 pm the heat and humidity are punishing and there is little shade on the promenade.
- At Tasek Lama, wear shoes with grip — paths are slippery after rain — and carry water. Keep food out of sight of the macaques.
- The parks are free. The waterfall is modest in dry spells and impressive after heavy rain.
- Stay on marked trails in the forest and avoid them in thunderstorms.
Best tours & tickets for Waterfront, Eco-Corridor & Tasek Lama
These experiences are the easiest way to see Waterfront, Eco-Corridor & Tasek Lama:
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
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
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
