Brunei travel tips

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Today I am sharing Brunei travel tips. Whether you are a solo traveler, couple, or in a group, these 11 travel tips to Brunei will help make your travel much easier and richer.

If you are wondering what currency they use, Brunei uses Brunei dollars, and since it is a Muslim country they usually greet each other by saying “Assalamualaikum”. But locals speak good English so they use hi quite often too! The capital city is called Bandar Seri Begawan which is formerly known as Brunei Town. And there are 4 districts in Brunei. Following are their names and capital cities. 1. Belait (Kuala Belait), 2. Brunei-Muara (Bandar Seri Begawan), 3. Temburong (Pekan Bangar) and 4. Tutong (Pekan Tutong).

Read about Brunei solo travel itinerary.

Read the Ulu Temburong national park itinerary.

Brunei travel tips

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1 Where to book a cheap flight

Find the cheapest flights to Brunei by booking them through the most trusted sites such as Skyscanner or Momodo.

2 Get a local Sim card

After you land in Brunei international airport, get yourself a local BND25 sim card with Progresif from the Progresif Airport Counter, which should be on your left as you exit Customs.

3 There’s no Uber in Brunei, Install Dart app

Download the Dart app from the App Store and Google Play on your day of arrival. It is Brunei’s first ride booking app. Taxis are not only expensive in Brunei but there is no clear public transportation route. Even locals told me they aren’t sure how to use the bus in the city and perhaps will take an hour to get from point A to B. So, I myself used the Dart app and found it very convenient and easy to use. Works exactly like Uber, with reliable and fast door-to-door service.

4 Book the tours you want to do in advance

I knew after visiting Brunei city, I wanted to be in nature. Not many people go outside the city, but I urge you to do so. It is one of the best ways to see the country, meet the locals, and have that raw experience going somewhere far from the city.

I had planned to visit Temburong which is a little off the beaten path and beautiful. 2D 1N stay in Temburong with Trandie Brunei via Pan Bright Travel Service. I suggest booking it in advance so they can prepare everything for you and give you time to adjust if the dates etc need to be changed as well.

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5 Where to stay in Brunei?

I stayed at the Badi’ah Hotel in Brunei Town (Bandar Seri Begawan) It is only a few minutes from the airport and not too far from the must-see places in town as well. Plus they provide pick-up and drop-off shuttle service from the hotel.

I stayed in the executive room and must say there was a lot of space! Huge King size bed, a nice comfortable leather couch, desk, and chair to work, water delivered daily and newspaper too if you are into it, and free wifi!

Buffet breakfast was fresh every day, mostly Asian inspired but there was an element of English with cakes, bread and you can order your eggs as you wish. There is also a swimming pool on level 3 (from memory) and a cafe/restaurant on the ground floor which I didn’t get to visit because of my busy schedule but spend a few minutes checking it out. Overall, I liked this hotel, enjoyed my stay here, and recommend it to you on your visit to Brunei.

You can check hotel prices and book them through trusted Agoda, or Booking.com.

I have detailed travel resources right here. Save money, learn what and where.

6 Can you drink alcohol in Brunei?

Alcohol is completely forbidden. You cannot buy alcohol in Brunei and you cannot drink alcohol anywhere in public view in Brunei. However, if you are a non-Muslim, you have an alcohol allowance for bringing alcohol across the border.

If you are over 17 years old, you can bring 2*1L bottles of alcohol and 12 cans of beers by non-Muslims for personal consumption only. Just remember to declare at customs upon arrival. (you may have to pay duty on all tobacco and cigarettes)

If you are a smoker, it is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, sidewalks near business premises, and within a six-meter radius of smoke-free buildings, as well as all means of public transport.

7 Is Brunei safe to travel to?

I traveled myself as a solo female traveler and didn’t have any problem throughout my stay. Pretty much everyone spoke English, from a cab driver, tour guide to locals on the street. Unlike other destinations in Southeast Asia, Brunei is probably the safest.

It could also be because there is extremely low consumption of alcohol by visitors and none by locals, and with no clubs or bars, they seem to have ultra-low crime rates (apart from the occasionally petty theft).

8 What is illegal in Brunei?

Like in any other country, some things are prohibited in Brunei too. It applies to all the citizens of Brunei regardless of origin or religion. Adultery and close proximity in private between an unmarried man and woman are illegal if one party is a Muslim. Same-gender activity is also illegal.

9 Can I wear shorts in Brunei?

Although Brunei is an extremely conservative country, it’s acceptable to wear shorts or even swimwear of your choice here. Having said that though, I would respect the culture and wear a long sarong that can be worn as a skirt or a thin crop top on top of my swimwear. I also wore all long skirts and half sleeves during my stay.

10 Is tap water safe in Brunei?

I drank bottles of water throughout my stay. I suggest never drinking tap water unless it is verified that it’s safe and that goes for all parts of the world.

11 Good to know

Good morning = Selamat pagi
Good afternoon = Selamat petang
Goodnight = Selamat malam
Thank you = Terima kasih
You’re welcome = Sama-sama
What is your name? = Siapa nama awda?
My name is = Nama saya Anna
Excuse me = Maafkan saya
Yes = Ya
No = Tidak
How much? = Berapa?
Where is the toilet? = Di mana tandas?
I want to go to __ = Saya mahu pergi ke ___
Turn right = Belok ke kanan
Turn left = Belok ke kiri
Go straight = Jalan terus
Airport = Lapangan terbang
Town = Bandar
Home = Rumah
Shops = Kedai
Eat = Makan
Drink = Minum
Walk = Jalan
1, 2, 3 = Satu, Dua, Tiga
ok that should help you move around easily 🙂

12. When is the best time to visit Brunei?

June – September is the high season but I recommend visiting between January and May. You will have dry and warm weather but not too hot. February and March are the driest months of the entire year though.

If you like traveling to less known countries, have you considered Timor Leste? You will love this one, check out Dili, Timor Leste solo travel itinerary.

• Read about Brunei solo travel itinerary.
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