BRUNEI Brunei
About Brunei|Brunei Sketch
Brunei Brunei Darussalam ("State of Peace on the Sea") is located in the northwest of Kalimantan (Borneo), bordering the South China Sea to the north and Malaysia on land. When it comes to this small country in Southeast Asia, the first two words that come to mind are probably "wealthy" and "Wuzun". Indeed, this Islamic country, smaller than Shanghai (only 5,765 square kilometers) and with a population of only 410,000, relies on the oil and gas industry and ranks fifth in Asia in terms of GDP per capita in 2014, behind Qatar, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. You can often see royal cars in front of The Rizqun International Hotel, or feast your eyes on the palatial interior of the palatial palace on Eid al-Fitr.
Brunei has a long history and has been settled since the 8th century, gradually forming the famous "Water Village". At its peak, it included the southern Philippines and Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia. Later, Brunei went through wars, colonies, protectorates, etc., and finally became fully independent in 1984 and developed into the rich and peaceful country it is today. Historically, Brunei has maintained good relations with China, and almost all generations of monarchs have sent emissaries to China. During the Ming Dynasty, there was also a Brunei monarch who died of illness while visiting China in person and asked to be buried in China. Today, if you go to Nanjing, you can also see his tomb, the tomb of King Boni. If you're interested in the country's history of ups and downs, head to the Brunei Museum, which is worth a visit for its collection of artifacts and historical materials.
Today, Brunei still practices a "centralized monarchy". Under the generous leadership of the current twenty-ninth Sultan Haji Hassanal Borgiah, many ethnic groups live in harmony, the country is safe, the people love the Sudan, and the Sudan loves the people. Health care and education for Brunei citizens are free, there is no personal income tax, and the government also provides many outstanding young people with the cost of studying in the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and other countries, and then serve the motherland after they complete their studies.
On Eid al-Fitr, the palace is open for three days, and people dress up to meet the sultan and members of the royal family to show their gratitude and respect.
Brunei's location and nature conservation not only preserve large areas of virgin forest and diverse flora and fauna, but also stunning sunset views. Evening is the best time to travel and see the scenery, listen to the melodious chanting of Saifuddin Mosque, sit on a small boat, drive in the mangrove forest on the bank of the Brunei River "3,000 years of immortality, 3,000 years of immortality, 3,000 years of incorruptibility", with the sunset, looking for proboscis monkeys hiding in the woods, potential crocodiles on the shore, lizards running on the mud, chatting with the brother who drives the boat, going to the water village as a guest, and if you are lucky, you can see a big double rainbow hanging overhead. If you have enough time, you can also spend a day hiking, swimming and immersed yourself in nature in Temburong National Primeval Forest Park.
Rich history, diverse cultures, features of monarchical rule, pristine tropical nature, Islam's gold-domed mosque, and simple, friendly Bruneians... Brunei's unique features are endless. Staying for a few days in this "paradise of Borneo" will make you feel clearer from the eyes to the heart.
Advice for travelers about Brunei
※ There is no time difference between Brunei and China, and the socket used locally is a right triangle, the voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
※ Brunei Darussalam (hereinafter referred to as Brunei) is not perfect in terms of tourist information and public transportation, but the government is currently making great efforts to improve related services. Visit the Brunei Tourism Board official website or the Tourism Board Chinese website for more information about your trip before you go.
※ Alcohol is prohibited in Brunei, alcohol cannot be sold, and alcohol cannot be consumed in public places. Foreign travelers over the age of 17 are allowed to bring in no more than 2 bottles of spirits or 12 cans of beer, but only in private. In addition, each person is allowed to bring 1 pack of cigarettes per entry, and if it exceeds it, it will be taxed at a penalty of 5 Brunei dollars per pack.
※ Brunei is located on a tropical island, has a tropical maritime climate, hot and mosquitoes in all seasons, and often has heavy rainfall. Travel here to be prepared for sun protection, insect protection and heat protection. Indoor temperatures in Brunei are usually only around 18°C, so you'll also need to bring a jacket.
※ Brunei's ecological environment is very good, preserving a large area of primeval forest and a variety of creatures, including wild crocodiles, snakes, etc., so do not enter undeveloped forests or water's edges to avoid danger.
※ Brunei's driving direction is opposite to China, it is right-hand driving, and the traffic order is good, but the speed is faster, there are many small roads and detours, so self-driving is not recommended.
※ Public toilets can hardly be found on the streets of Brunei, if you need to, you can go to the toilets in attractions or shopping malls.
About Brunei|Responsible travel
※ Brunei is an Islamic country, and when traveling, you need to respect the local culture and religion, such as not pointing with your index finger, keeping a distance from women, and not drinking alcohol in public places.
※ The royal family of Brunei is very respected and loved by the people, and you need to pay attention to avoid it when you encounter royal travel. Be sure not to say disrespectful words to the royal family and do not act disrespectfully.
※ Brunei attaches great importance to the natural environment, please protect the environment and love animals when traveling.
About Brunei|Beliefs and taboos
About 67% of Brunei's residents believe in Islam (Islam is also Brunei's state religion), while the rest are Buddhist, Christian or other religions. When traveling to Brunei, the main thing to do is to pay attention to Muslim customs and taboos.
※ Pay attention to your attire and do not wear overly revealing clothing.
※ Usually do not shake hands with the opposite sex, or women take the initiative to shake hands. The handshake is done by gently touching the hand and then raising the hand to the chest and heart as a sign of respect.
※ It is very disrespectful to use the index finger to refer to objects, usually using the thumb of the right hand to conceal the finger object while holding other fingers.
※ When entering the mosque, if you are wearing shorts, skirts or revealing clothes, you must wear a black robe that can be rented free of charge. All visitors are required to remove their shoes, refrain from making loud noises, do not pass in front of Muslims who are praying, and do not touch objects in the mosque at will.
※ Use your right hand to receive items, and your left hand can support your right wrist.
※ During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and do not eat or drink in front of them during this time.
※ Do not drink alcohol in public.
About Brunei|Life of the locals
In general, the pace of life of Bruneians is relatively leisurely, probably because of faith, and the overall atmosphere is friendly and harmonious. Although it is an Islamic country, because it has been colonized in history and many people go to study in Western countries today, Bruneians are not conservative, their thinking is more Westernized, and they love gatherings (mostly held in their own homes). Bruneians' favorite activity is fitness, and runners can be seen everywhere on the road.
The royal family has a supreme position in Brunei, and the people of Brunei love the Sultan and live a peaceful and happy life under the love and care of the Sultan. Brunei's GDP per capita is high, but in reality civilian families live in the same way as in other countries, and they also need to work hard to support their families. Chinese residents occupy an important position in Brunei's business scene. Bruneians' ideas are more casual than those of the Chinese, such as fish market merchants who only go to sea once or twice a day, and do not consider expansion until the fish and shrimp are sold out.
About Brunei|Dining Overview
Brunei's residents are complex, with an extraordinary passion for food, and the diversity of its food culture does not match the image of this small miniature country. Brunei is mainly Malay food, but there are also many Western, Japanese and Chaoshan style Chinese restaurants, all of which taste quite good. Thai and Indian food is also authentic. Brunei's restaurants are strictly managed, hygienic and fresh. Although each restaurant is not too big, there are many waiters and a good attitude.
In addition to restaurants, Brunei also has open-air night markets and stalls, where locals often choose to settle for dinner. For travelers, going to the night market can not only eat, but also experience the local characteristics up close.
About Brunei|Overview of accommodation
Brunei's local population is small, the land area is small, the tourism industry is relatively backward, and it is not a popular tourist destination, so it can provide travelers with less accommodation options, mostly business hotels, the price of a night ranges from 80-160 Brunei yuan. The interior facilities of these hotels are good, but most of them are some years old, and many hotels have been renovated in recent years. In addition to hotels, there are a small number of homestays and hostels, but they all need to be double-checked in advance. Most of the main hotels and accommodation are concentrated near the water village and in the Gadong area, and independent travelers are advised to stay near the water village as much as possible to make it easier to visit the attractions.
About Brunei|Shopping overview
Brunei has no luxury stores in the country, and the largest mall, The Mall Gadong, is home to Malaysian brands, which is not much of an appeal for domestic travelers. Bruneians are used to tailor-made clothes, so there are more fabric shops and there are many fabrics worth buying. In addition, summer shoes and watches are probably worth buying. If you want to buy a watch, you can go to The Mall Gadong and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the Chinese watch store, the price is more advantageous, and the clerk will talk Chinese.
Not to be missed
Look at the white walls and golden domes in the sunset
In front of Brunei's most famous White Mosque, wait for the sunset to see the golden-domed white walls set against the backdrop of the sunset.
Here, you can surround yourself in Malay costumes, listen to the chanting five times a day, feel the solemnity of the Golden Dome Mosque, and experience a completely different way of life than usual. If you catch Eid Day, you can also dress up to meet His Majesty the Sultan.
Get into nature and encounter flora and fauna
Dense jungle, pristine trees, encounter wild proboscis monkeys in the forest.
Don't miss out on wildlife encounters in Brunei. In addition to visiting the proboscis monkeys and crocodiles in the jungle, you can also see plants that may be thousands of years old. In addition, Brunei's Temburong National Park is a rare primeval forest park in Asia, and the ecological environment is well protected, so you must experience it if you have time.
Walk the streets and be a happy foodie
Local specialties, world cuisine, and the delight of food in a dazzling array of restaurants.
In addition to Malay food, Brunei also has a variety of specialty restaurants, all very authentic, such as Japanese, Indian, Thai, etc., you can effortlessly taste the delicacies of all over the world.
Recommended route
2-day tour route
Since it is basically impossible to book a flight to Brunei in the morning and leave Brunei at night, even if Brunei is small, it is not practical to enter and exit on the same day. It is recommended to stay near downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, Water Village or BSB Bus Terminal. Upon arrival, head to the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque that evening to see the exterior, then head to the Gadong Night Market for dinner. If you're not interested in the mosque exterior, head to Tarindak d'Seni, a Malay buffet restaurant at the Arts and Handicrafts Center, and then take a walk along the Brunei River. The next morning, visit Kampong Ayer, then visit Brunei Royal Regalia, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Tokong China and other places, and leave Brunei after lunch.
3-day tour route
It is recommended to stay near downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, Water Village or BSB Bus Terminal. The first and third day itineraries can be interchanged depending on the situation (e.g. on Thursdays and Fridays, the mosque cannot be visited during the day).
Day 1
After breakfast, start with a walking tour of the Brunei Royal Regalia. After the tour, visit Yayasan's shopping malls, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Tokong China and other places. Escape the midday sun for lunch, and when the afternoon is less sunny, visit Kampong Ayer, which takes about 1.5 hours. After the tour, head to Tarindak d'Seni, a Malay buffet restaurant at the Arts and Handicrafts Center, for dinner. After dinner, you can check out the night view of the Brunei River and Saifuddin Mosque, slowly walk to Gadong Night Market to taste Southeast Asian specialties and fruits, and finally return to the hotel to rest.
Day 2
Take a pre-booked day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park, boarding the boat from the pier in Water Village and returning around 17pm. In the evening, you can enjoy Japanese or Malay cuisine near the water village.
Day 3
Take a ride to the Chop Jing Chew for breakfast, then drive to visit The Empire Hotel & Country Club and have lunch at the Empire Hotel. If you prefer to head back to the city for lunch, you can drive directly to Gadong and walk to visit the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. After the tour, go shopping and shopping for souvenirs at The Mall Gadong, and finally take a ride to the airport.
6-day tour route
Day 1
After breakfast, start with a walking tour of the Brunei Royal Regalia. After the tour, visit Yayasan's shopping malls, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Tokong China and other places. Find a suitable time for lunch. After visiting the mosque, head to Tarindak d'Seni, a Malay buffet restaurant at the Arts and Handicrafts Center, for dinner. After dinner, take a look at the night view of Brunei River and Saifuddin Mosque, and then return to the hotel to rest.
Day 2
Take a pre-booked day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park, boarding the boat from the pier in Water Village and returning around 17pm. In the evening, you can enjoy Japanese or Malay cuisine near the water village.
Day 3
Visit Kampong Ayer in the morning, have lunch after the tour, then visit the Brunei Museum and end the day with a visit to the Gadong Night Market in the evening for local snacks.
Day 4
Visit the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in the morning, then drive to The Empire Hotel & Country Club, try golf in the afternoon or watch a movie with Chinese titles that is released in parallel with North America, and catch a taxi to Jerudong Park after watching the sunset in the evening Playground）。
Day 5
Head to the Billionth Barrel Monument and return to the Malay Technology Museum before returning to your hotel in the evening.
Day 6
Depart the hotel in the morning for shopping at The Mall Gadong and head to the airport after lunch.
Travel Calendar | Travel Season
Brunei is located on a tropical island and has a tropical maritime climate with no four seasons, with hot days and cool nights, with average temperatures between 25-37°C. There are often heavy rains here, so be prepared for sun, insect and heat. Generally speaking, the rainy season is called from November to March, but in recent years, the difference between the dry season and the rainy season is not too big, so there is no need to worry too much. Indoor temperatures in Brunei are generally low, usually only 18°C, so bring a jacket.
Temburong is a primeval forest area with a rainy season from November to March, and although there is not so much rainfall in the rainy season, it is difficult to walk on slippery mountain roads in the event of rain, so it is not recommended to travel here during these months. In addition, Bruneians usually only work half a day during Ramadan and rest in the afternoon, so many of the usual projects may shrink and it is not a good time to travel.
Travel Calendar | Local Holidays
Brunei usually has a holiday during Islamic holidays, but there are no special celebrations, and the business premises are still open during the festival, which does not have much impact on travel.
National Day February 23
On National Day, the Sultan will take a royal car to Independence Square in and around Bandar Seri Begawan to have close contact with the people. The people of Brunei pride themselves on being close to the Sudan, who is also very close to the people. However, please note that according to Islamic rules, women should avoid contact with Sudan. In the evening, the Sultan's Palace also displays fireworks to celebrate.
Islamic New Year July 7, 2016
Eid al-Fitr, which symbolizes the end of Ramadan, is usually the first day of the Islamic month of Semivalu (October 1), but the exact date is determined by the moon observations at that time. During Eid al-Fitr, members of Brunei's royal family receive people at the palace for three days, and people can meet royalty separately by gender. Travelers may also visit the audience, but be careful not to dress revealingly, men can wear long sleeves and long trousers, women wear long sleeves, long trousers or long skirts, and no gold or yellow clothing.
Practical Information | Visa
Visa Type: Visa on Arrival
How to apply for: Visa on arrival upon entry
Visa validity: up to 14 days
Length of stay: up to 14 days
Visa fee: 20 Brunei dollars
Visa on arrival requirements: Holders of an ordinary passport valid for more than 6 months and a round-trip ticket or a ticket to a third country.
Visa Type: Tourist visa
How to apply for it: Through the Embassy and Consulates of Brunei in China
Visa validity: 3 months (subject to embassy decision)
Length of stay: up to 14 days
Visa fee: 100 RMB
Visa requirements:
1. Private passport (original) and copy the data page by yourself (if the old version of the passport needs to copy the data page and signature page), ensure that the passport is valid for more than half a year and there are more than two empty visa pages.
2. Take 4 35mmX45mm color photos in the past 3 months.
3. Proof of work.
4. Proof of assets, original certificate of freezing deposits for more than 30,000 for half a year (original)
5. English reservation slip for the whole journey, such as air ticket reservation slip, etc.
6. Full hotel reservation.
Embassy of Brunei in Beijing
Address: No. 1, Liangmaqiao North Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel:010-65329773; 010-65329776；010-65324093
Consulate of Brunei in Hong Kong
Address: Ofce 05-07, 24/F, Tower 2, Lippo Centre, 89Queensway (89 Queensway, Room 5-7, 24th Floor, Lippo Centre)
Practical Information|Consumption Index Exchange UnionPay Swipe card
Consumption index
Brunei uses the Brunei dollar, marked "B$", abbreviated as BND, which is used with the Singapore dollar and has a fixed exchange rate, and the exchange rate is 1:1. The minimum denomination of Brunei dollar banknotes is 1 Brunei dollar, the maximum is 1000 Brunei dollars, coins are available in 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 cent and other denominations, 1 Brunei dollar = 100 cents. The banknotes are made of plastic, beautifully crafted and unbreakable, with a statue of the Sultan of Brunei and various Brunei representations printed on them. Please note that general merchants do not accept banknotes with large denominations (e.g. more than 500 Brunei dollars).
Brunei's price level is similar to that in China, a rice bowl or noodles in an ordinary restaurant is about 5 Brunei yuan, the average consumption of better restaurants is about 15 Brunei yuan, and the per capita consumption of high-end restaurants is not more than 50 Brunei yuan. The price of a standard double room in the hotel is about 50-80 Brunei dollars per night, and the cheapest room in the famous Imperial Hotel is about 200 Brunei dollars per night. Transportation in Brunei is relatively expensive, and while most destinations can be reached within a 15-minute drive by car, each taxi ride basically costs 20 Brunei dollars.
exchange
Brunei's main business districts have dedicated exchange points, more concentrated near the water village of Yayasan and The Mall Gadong, which are generally open until 18 pm. Banks do not accept over-the-counter exchanges, but Brunei dollars can be withdrawn directly from ATMs. If you are going from Bandar Seri Begawan to other places, it is recommended to exchange cash in advance in the city.
UnionPay
Chinese travelers can use domestic bank cards with the "UnionPay Union Pay" logo to swipe at ATMs and merchants in Brunei that also bear this logo, and larger merchants generally have this service.
Credit card
Merchants, larger restaurants, and supermarkets in Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex and The Mall Gadong generally accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express are all available). However, small merchants and restaurants generally do not accept credit cards, or no discounts if they pay by card. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare sufficient cash and use cash consumption except for large payments.
Practical Information | Language Help
Local language
The official language of Brunei is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay). Although English is not an official language, it is a second foreign language for most people, so there are generally no barriers to communicating in English here. In addition, due to the large number of Chinese residents, Chinese communication is available in many commercial places.
Everyday conversations
Apa khaba - Hello
Selamat pagi - Good morning
Selamat tengahari - Good afternoon
Selamat tinggal - Goodbye
Maafkan say - borrowed
Selamat datang - Welcome
Saya minta maaf - I'm sorry
Terima kasih - Thank you
Ya - Yes
Tidak - No
Tiada - None
Bolehkah anda tolong saya? - Can you help me?
Berapa harganya? -How much?
Apa ini/itu? -What is it?
Bantuan - Help
Common identifiers
Masuk - entrance
Keluar - Export
Restoran - Restaurant
Tandas - Toilet
Jabatan polis - Police Department
Bank - Bank
Pejabat pos - post office
Pasar raya - supermarket
Lapangan Terbang - Airport
Stesen Bas - bus stop
Teksi - Taxi
Jetty - The pier
digit
Empty - 0
One - 1
Two - 2
Three - 3
Four - 4
Lima - 5
No more - 6
Seven - 7
Eight - 8
Nine - 9
Ten - 10
Eleven - 11
Twelve - 12
One hundred - 100
One thousand - 1000
Million - 10000
Bahasa Malaysia Monday to Sunday
Isnin - Monday
Selesa - Tuesday
Rabu - Wednesday
Khamis - Thursday
Jumaat - Friday
Sabtu - Saturday
Ahad - Sunday
Transportation|Entry-exit transportation
plane
Travelers with Chinese passports can only enter and exit Brunei by air. At present, direct flights from China to Brunei Darussalam can only be taken by Brunei Airlines from Shanghai to Bandar Seri Begawan, with one flight every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A more economical route is to take AirAsia via Kuala Lumpur to Bandar Seri Begawan City, with two daily flights; Or take Cebu Air via Manila in the Philippines, but there are no flights from Manila to Brunei on Monday and Wednesday, and no flights from Brunei to Manila on Tuesday and Thursday, and the time is not good. Alternatively, you can connect via Hong Kong (CEA), Singapore (SIA), Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia Airlines, BAI), but the price is usually slightly higher.
Brunei International Airport
Brunei International Airport (BWN) is located in Muara, a short distance from Bandar Seri Begawan. The airport has only one terminal and there aren't many souvenir shops, but currency exchange points, restaurants and cafes can be found. It should be noted that the airport business hall of the mobile phone operator DST is not located in the terminal, but in the Airport Mall near the airport, and it is best to go by car.
地址:Bandar Seri Begawan,BB2513,Brunei Darussalam
safe
Country code: 00673
Police: 993 Fire: 995 First aid: 991
peace
Brunei has generally had good security, with very few criminal cases occurring in previous years. In recent years, the number of thefts has increased due to the increase in the number of foreign workers, so it is necessary to pay attention to the safety of your belongings when traveling.
Chinese Embassy and Consulates
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Brunei Darussalam
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in N…
地址:No.1,Simpang 462,Kampong Sungai Hanching,Jalan Muara,Bandar Seri Begawan,BC2115,Brunei Darussalam
How to get there: Take bus 38 and get off at Kg Sg Hanching stop
Working hours: Monday to Friday 8:30-12:00, 2:00-5:00, holidays will be notified separately bn.china-embassy.org
Medical emergencies
There is no pharmacy in Brunei, so if you need to buy medicine if you have a common illness during your trip, you can buy it at the counter in front of the Huaho supermarket on the basement floor of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex (see Shopping section below for details). You can also call directly if needed
Medical emergency number: 991.
Brunei-Muara|Attractions, Brunei-Muara, Brunei Mora County
Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and major attractions are located in Brunei-Muara. "Bandar Seri Begawan" is the title of the current Sultan of Brunei, "Sri" means "glorious and brilliant" and "Baga Bay" means "sacred". Originally the mouth of the Brunei River, it was gradually settled by Malays and formed floating villages. From the 17th century, the town, then known as Brunei, became the capital of the country and the most densely populated area. Today, although Bandar Seri Begawan covers an area of only about 15.8 square kilometers and has a permanent population of only 60,000, it is a beautiful and diverse city with modern high-rise buildings, ancient water houses and Brunei's symbol "Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque".
In addition, Brunei's Mora district is home to the six-star Imperial Hotel, the Crystal Park representing the royal family, Mora Beach with beautiful sunsets, and Shabanda Forest Park, which is very suitable for mountaineering. It is also a base for travelers visiting Brunei, with access to places such as Belait, where oil fields are distributed, and Temburong, a primeval forest.
Bandar Seri Begawan City
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Often referred to as the "Saifuddin Mosque" or "White Mosque", it is Brunei's iconic building. Built by the previous Sultan, the mosque was inaugurated in 1958 and is located between the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex shopping center and Independence Square. The scattered large and small golden domes and the holy and solemn pure white appearance make it one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia. The building materials of the mosque were carefully selected from all over the world, such as marble floor tiles from Italy, granite walls from China, carpets from Belgium and Saudi Arabia, stained glass with inlaid windows and brilliant crystal chandeliers from England.
The most famous gold dome here is made of 3.3 million pieces of gold, which is extraordinarily gorgeous. From the sky, the mosque seems to stretch out two hands, hugging the small circular lake in front of it, and on the small lake is a stone dragon boat imitating an ancient Brunei ship. During the day, the golden roof of the White Mosque in the sun shimmers, and the white light is dazzling, making people feel extremely holy; In the evening, reflecting the sunset and sunset, accompanied by the sound of prayer, this place is like a fairyland; At night, the lights are reflected on the calm surface of the lake. If you are planning to visit, please note that men should wear long sleeves and long pants, women should wear long skirts, if the clothing does not meet the requirements, you can rent black robes for free. Photography is not allowed inside the mosque.
地址:McArthur Road,Bandar Seri Begawan BS8711,Brunei
How to get there: 8 minutes walk from BSB Bus Terminal; You can also take bus 21 and get off at Masjid SOAS & Yayasan stop
Water Village Kampong Ayer
Water Village is one of the largest traditional water villages in the world, considered the birthplace of Brunei, with a long history and unique style, and has been hailed as the "Venice of the East" by the Italian traveler Antoni Pagata, who sailed with Magellan. Located on the Brunei River, the Water Village is home to about 30,000 residents in more than 3,000 houses, including schools, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, mosques, and more. The exterior is simple and traditional, but the interior is very modern. The water houses are connected by wooden trestle bridges, with a total length of about 36 kilometers. Most of the inhabitants of the water village work on the shore and rely on speedboats for daily travel, in addition to private speedboats, there are also water texi for people to ride, and there are many small piers in the water village for bus speedboats to dock. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of itineraries to visit the water village: one is only to visit the water village and the water village people's house, the whole journey takes about 30 minutes; The other is to visit the Water Village, Mangrove Forest, Water Village House or Water Village Museum, which takes about 90 minutes. I recommend the long journey, as in addition to the water village, you can also enjoy the well-preserved mangrove forest, look for cute proboscis monkeys and giant crocodiles in the Brunei River.
Address: Kompleks Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (Water Village does not have a specific address, you can find Water Village if you find this mall)
How to get there: 5 minutes walk from BSB Bus Terminal
Brunei Royal Regalia
The Royal Gallery encapsulates the essence of Brunei's humanities, and it is only here that you can see an introduction to the royal family. Not far from the Water Village, it was rebuilt in 1992 on the basis of the Churchill Memorial and has a distinctive round star crown design, symbolizing the supremacy of the royal family. As one of the symbols of the royal family, this exhibition hall aims to let the subjects understand the solemnity and sacredness of the royal family. There are three main exhibition halls in the museum: the central hall displays the imperial chariot and various imperial products used by the sultan for the enthronement ceremony; The hall on the left displays the history of Brunei in the form of documents, pictures, videos, etc.; The hall on the right displays historical pictures of the sultanate of Brunei. In addition, some gifts from foreign dignitaries to Sudan are exhibited in the exhibition hall. There is also a small hall in the museum, showing a miniature version of the palace banquet hall, which is very gorgeous. The exhibition hall is not large, and it can be visited in an hour.
地址:Jln Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien,Bandar Seri Begawan BS8611,Brunei
How to get there: 10 minutes walk from BSB Bus Terminal; You can also take any bus and get off at Royal Regalia
Brunei Museum
Founded in 1965, it was opened to the public in 1972 by Queen Elizabeth II. The museum has two floors, divided into six themes, including traditional Malay culture and handicrafts, archaeological discoveries and Brunei history, Islamic art, shipwreck treasures, natural environment and the history of Brunei's oil development, displaying many materials, models and precious cultural relics, which is a must-see place to understand Brunei's history and culture. It is forbidden to take photos inside the museum, and you need to store your bag, camera, mobile phone and other items before entering the museum.
地址:Simpang 482,Kampung Kota Batu,Brunei
How to get there: Take bus 39 and get off at Muzium Brunei stop
Malay Technology Museum
Opened in 1990, it is housed in a red-roofed house behind the Brunei Museum and focuses on the architectural structure and lifestyle of the Malays in Borneo. Compared with the Brunei Museum, it is more oriented to the display of life and technology, and visitors can get a good understanding of the life and history of the local residents. There are three exhibition halls that introduce water village architecture, Malay handicrafts and fishing techniques (demonstrated by water village residents), as well as the tools and techniques used by the Orang people for food, farming and hunting. It is forbidden to take photos inside the museum, and you need to store your bag, camera, mobile phone and other items before entering the museum.
地址:Simpang 482,Kampung Kota Batu,Brunei
How to get there: Take bus 39 and get off at Muzium Teknologi Melayu stop
Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Funded by the current Sultan, it is currently the largest and most luxurious mosque in Brunei, located in the Gadong district in the center of the city, and can often be seen when strolling through the city center. The mosque consists of a main building and four spires with the main dome and the supporting towers plated with pure gold (some say pure gold tops). The entire mosque façade is gilded and hollowed, in the traditional Malay style. There are two prayer halls for men and women, of which the men's hall can accommodate 3,000 people and the women's hall can accommodate 1,500 people. The 3.5-ton crystal chandelier in the men's prayer hall also houses what is said to be the world's largest manuscript of the Quran. In addition, the mosque has modern ancillary facilities such as offices, libraries, and clean rooms. The architecture and decoration of the entire mosque is extremely exquisite, with a strong Brunei Islamic character.
地址:Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway,Bandar Seri Begawan,Brunei
How to get there: Take bus lines 1, 20 and 22 and get off at Masjid Jame'Asri stop
Tengyundian Tokong China
Located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, it is the most popular Chinese temple in Brunei. The predecessor of Tengyun Temple was Tengyun Temple, which was built in 1918 and was destroyed by the war, but it was rebuilt in 1960 and changed to its current name. The hall enshrines gods such as King Guangze and God Xuantian, and retains a complete worship procedure. Please refrain from making loud noises after entering, obey the rules of the temple, and do not walk in front of people who are worshiping. If you come to visit here, the staff inside the temple will give guidance. Although the Tengyun Hall occupies a small area and is not magnificent, it can reflect the state of Brunei Chinese who have integrated into the local society but have not forgotten their origins and beliefs. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, New Year's Day and other festivals, Tengyun Hall will hold traditional activities, such as lantern riddle parties, etc., which are very ancient Chinese style. On the 1st and 15th day of the Lunar New Year and major festivals, there are many believers who go to Tengyun Hall, so please be prepared accordingly.
地址:Lot 13413,Kianggeh River Road,P.O.BOX 2223,Bandar Seri Begawan
How to get there: Take any bus and get off at BSB Bus Terminal and walk for 10 minutes
Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Located in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, it is a favorite fitness spot for Brunei residents. The park is beautiful, with tropical plants growing along the creek, spectacular waterfalls during the rainy season, hiking trails based on primeval forests and mountains, plastic tracks and fitness equipment.
If you have enough time, it is recommended to come here to contact nature and breathe fresh and natural air, but pay attention to mosquito prevention and heat prevention. When hiking, please design the route according to the map of the park and compare the map along the way to avoid getting lost.
地址:Jln Tasek Lama,Bandar Seri Begawan,Brunei
How to get there: Take bus lines 36 and 38 and get off at Tasek Lama stop
Around Bandar Seri Begawan
Muara Beach Recreational Park
Brunei's largest public leisure beach, about 40 km from Bandar Seri Begawan city. The quality of sand and sea on Mora Beach is not very good, the waves are large, and coupled with the background of Brunei's Muslim countries, there are fewer people swimming in the sea, and the governance of the beach is average. However, the park still has changing rooms and showers, making swimming more convenient. Mora Beach is a great place to watch the sunset, and there is also a barbecue station in the park, so you can bring your own charcoal fire and ingredients for a seaside barbecue.
Address: Muara beach, Brunei
How to get there: Take bus number 33 and get off at Flotila Muara stop.
Jerudong Park Playground
On his 48th birthday, the current Sultan spent $1.3 billion to build a large amusement park for the people of the country, with a huge crystal stone in front of the playground, held high as if set in a ring. Due to the heat during the day, people usually head to the park after 16 pm. At night, the park is brightly lit, not noisy, and very beautiful.
Address: Kampong Jerudong, Brunei
How to get there: Take bus 55 to Jerudong Park Playground stop and get off, but the bus will stop operating at night, so it is best to charter a bus
Shahbandar Forestry Park
Brunei's largest hiking forest park, with one of the farthest hiking trails 10 km away. The park is close to the Imperial Hotel and about 20 km from Bandar Seri Begawan city. Walking through the primeval forest, observing wildlife close at hand, and breathing in the oxygenated air make it very comfortable, especially for travelers who live in the city's "reinforced concrete forest" all year round. When hiking, it is recommended to design the route according to the map, avoid getting lost, and pay attention to mosquito prevention and heat prevention.
Address: Tutong-Muara Hwy, Brunei
How to get there: Take bus lines 57 and 58 and get off at Bukit Shahbandar Forestry Park
Brunei-Muara|accommodation in Brunei-Muara, Brunei Mora County
Bandar Seri Begawan is a "home base" for travelers to Brunei, but accommodation options are not plentiful, with not many youth hostels and family hotels. Brunei is safe and there are usually no security issues at hostels and B&Bs, but please check and double-check.
Prestigious hotel
Temburong, Temburong, Tamburong
Of Brunei's four boroughs, Tamburong is separated by Linbang in Malaysia, and access to Tamburong requires passing through Malaysian territory or by boat from the sea. For Chinese travelers, due to policy restrictions, they can only choose to travel by sea.
The Tamburong district is a primeval forest area with a permanent population of less than 10,000, many of which still maintain the indigenous Malay lifestyle. In order to show the world the pristine beauty of Tamburong, the Brunei government built the Tamburong National Forest Park, which opened part of the forest to the public for tours. Due to transportation restrictions and the government's protection of the natural environment, Temburong National Forest Park currently only accepts tours organized by licensed local travel agencies in Brunei.
It is a peaceful corner of the bustling world that cleanses the eyes and soul, but everyone who has been there will be amazed by it.
Attractions
Ulu Temburong National Park
Located in the country's primeval forest area, the Tamburong District, with a total area of about 500 square kilometers, was specially carved out by the Brunei government to showcase its well-protected tropical primeval rainforest and diverse animal and plant species. The usual itinerary is to take a boat ride upstream, reach the foot of the mountain, follow the man-made road to the summit, then challenge the 40-metre-high canopy to see the entire Tamburong rainforest, then descend for a swim or rainforest waterfall before returning by boat. If you have enough time, you can stay in the forest park and watch the wonderful sunrise and sunset. According to the policy, the Forest Park currently does not accept independent travelers.
Address: Temburong, Brunei, Brunei Darusallam
How to get there: You need to contact the local travel agency, depart from Bandar Seri Begawan City early in the morning, take a boat to Temburong, change cars to the canoe pier, and then take a canoe to enter the forest park Opening hours: Except for travelers living in scenic areas, most of them will return to Bandar Seri Begawan City around 15pm
Belait, Malayi County
Malayi County is Brunei's oilfields, and the attractions to visit are all in Seria. Siria is an oil city located in the northwest of Brunei, which has been gradually developed into a coastal city since the discovery of oil in 1923, and is Brunei's main producer of onshore oil. The famous Shell oil company is located in Siria, but it is not open to tours. Siria is located nearly 100 kilometers from Bandar Seri Begawan and has no attractions other than oil and related industries necessary for life.
Attractions
Billionth Barrel Monument
Built in 1991, it is located near Brunei's first commercially exploitable well, the Siria-1 Well, to commemorate the extraction of 1 billion barrels of crude oil and the field's contribution to Brunei's economy. Well No. 1 is no longer in use, but there is still a "kowtow machine" and an oil derrick for people to visit. The monument faces the sea, like two rings intertwined, at the top is the national emblem of Brunei, the view is good, you can feel a very solemn feeling.
地址:North Road,Seria,Brunei Darussalam
How to arrive: It is recommended to contact the travel agency to charter a car
Brunei Oil & Gas Discovery Centre
The center introduces a series of oil and gas production and development processes such as oil and gas formation, storage, exploration, development, transportation and other forms through pictures, multimedia and other forms, in addition to many simulation machines on scientific principles, and ingeniously designed many games suitable for all ages, entertaining and educating. Although the science and technology museum is far from the city, you may want to visit it if you have time (especially for travelers traveling with children, it is definitely worth it).
地址:F20 Middle Road,Seria,Brunei Darussalam
How to get there: Take bus 22 or 57 to Kuala Belait stop, and walk about 500 meters to get there