Brunei 5 Days 4 Nights Tested Guide on How to Avoid Crowds and Fully Explore Hidden Gems

Just got back from Brunei! This "low-key wealthy country" full of mosques and where gasoline is cheaper than water really changed my perception of travel—no overcrowded tourist spots, just a comfort that seeps into your bones. I've organized all the pitfalls I encountered and treasures I found, so follow this guide and you definitely won’t go wrong! 💯

1. Pre-trip Preparation (Pitfall Avoidance Edition)

1. Visa: Chinese citizens enjoy a 14-day visa-free stay! But be sure to bring a passport valid for more than 6 months. Upon entry, they will check your round-trip flight itinerary (I didn’t print mine, just saved a PDF on my phone and passed smoothly, but it’s safer to have a paper copy).
2. Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND) and Singapore Dollar are interchangeable at 1:1, so no need to exchange too much cash! Most malls and restaurants in the city support Alipay and Visa. I exchanged 200 BND and ended up with half left (cash is more convenient for buying water at supermarkets and taking taxis).
3. Dress Code: Brunei is a Muslim country, so ladies, don’t wear spaghetti straps or short skirts! I brought long-sleeve dresses and a light jacket, which I could wear directly when entering mosques without borrowing a headscarf (some mosques provide scarves, but it’s more hygienic to bring your own). Men should wear long pants and avoid slippers.
4. Essentials: Sunscreen (UV rays are super strong! I got sunburned after one day without it), sun hat, mosquito repellent (a must for national parks, lots of bugs in the rainforest), and a power adapter (British three-prong plug; hotels usually provide one, but it’s more convenient to bring your own).

2. 5-Day Itinerary (Hidden Gems + Classics, No Rush!)

Day 1: Arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan → Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque → Water Village

- Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: Brunei’s “beauty icon”! I arrived at 4 PM, and the sunset turned the golden dome a warm yellow, reflecting in the man-made lake like sprinkled gold✨ The carpets inside are handwoven and super soft; don’t use flash when taking photos (staff will remind you). It’s more atmospheric to explore quietly.
- Water Village (Kampong Ayer): Known as the “Venice of the East,” you must take a local long-tail boat! 15 BND per person. The boatman will take you weaving through wooden houses, and residents wave and smile as you pass by. I also visited a small café in the village, ordered a cup of teh tarik, and enjoyed the shimmering water view—ten times more relaxing than wandering the city!

Day 2: Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque → Brunei Museum → Empire Hotel Afternoon Tea

- Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: Brunei’s largest mosque with 29 golden domes that really sparkle in the sun! Go at 9 AM for the fewest people. Free headscarves and robes are available at the entrance (women must wear them). Climb to the second-floor viewing platform for a panoramic view of the mosque—white walls, golden domes against the blue sky, every shot is wallpaper-worthy📸
- Brunei Museum: A must-visit to learn about Brunei’s history! It houses porcelain from Zheng He’s voyages (super impressive), traditional Malay clothing, and musical instruments. I spent 2 hours and still wasn’t done. The lawn outside is perfect for photos, lush green with the museum’s white building as a backdrop.
- Empire Hotel Afternoon Tea: Who doesn’t love a six-star hotel experience! 120 BND per person for a three-tiered dim sum stand plus unlimited coffee/tea refills. The snacks are freshly made, and the scones with jam are amazing. Sitting by the lobby window, watching the pool and beach outside, I felt like a “little tycoon.” Book a day in advance; window seats are highly sought after!

Day 3: Ulu Temburong National Park (A Must-Visit!)

- This was my favorite place on the whole trip! It’s a 1.5-hour drive from the city, then a long-tail boat ride, followed by a wooden raft to enter the rainforest. I chose a 3-hour hiking route; walking on the canopy suspension bridge was thrilling, with dense trees below and sunlight filtering through the leaves above. I even saw wild monkeys that weren’t afraid of people—they stared at the snacks in your hand (don’t feed them, staff will stop you).
- The endpoint is a waterfall with crystal-clear water. I took off my shoes and dipped my feet—it was so refreshing! Bring some snacks; there are no restaurants in the rainforest, only a small shop at the entrance.

Day 4: Nurul Iman Palace → Bandar Seri Begawan Night Market

- Nurul Iman Palace: The world’s largest palace, only open to the public during Eid (I missed it, so I just took photos at the gate). The guards at the entrance are very handsome and happy to take photos with visitors. The palace gates are golden and look magnificent in the sunlight. I recommend going at 10 AM for the best light.
- Night Market: Located by the river in the city, it starts at 5 PM with super cheap snacks! I tried satay (5 BND for 5 skewers, chicken is the best), ambuyat (Brunei specialty made from sago, dipped in sauce with a unique texture), and Malay cakes (must-buy pandan-flavored glutinous rice cake, sweet but not greasy). You can eat your fill for about 20 BND per person!

Day 5: Shopping → Return Trip

- Gadong Central Mall in the city is worth a visit. It has local Brunei perfume brands (unique scents, great for gifts) and chocolates (rich cocoa flavor), cheaper than airport duty-free. I had grilled fish for lunch in the mall—fresh sea fish grilled to perfection, paired with rice, very satisfying.

3. Accommodation Recommendations (Choose from 2 Styles)

1. Radisson Hotel Brunei: Best value for money! Located downtown, 5 minutes walk to the night market. Rooms are clean with balconies where you can see the sunrise. I stayed 3 nights, about 800 RMB per night. The front desk speaks good Chinese, so you can ask questions anytime.
2. Empire Hotel: If your budget allows, you must stay here! Six-star facilities, private beach, golf course, huge pool, and bathtubs with sea views in the rooms. About 2000 RMB per night, perfect for those wanting a luxurious experience.

4. Transportation Tips (Tested and Practical)

- Taxi: Use the Dart app in the city; it’s 30% cheaper than hailing on the street! From the airport to the city costs about 25 BND. Avoid unlicensed taxis at the airport entrance (they overcharge).
- Car Rental with Driver: Recommended for Ulu Temburong National Park, about 50 BND per day. The driver waits for you and drives you back to the city, more flexible than group tours.
- Bus: Very infrequent and no announcements, not recommended (I tried once, missed my stop, and ended up taking a taxi back).

5. Important Notes (Avoid Pitfalls!)

1. No drinking alcohol in public! Brunei bans alcohol sales and import; violators will be fined.
2. Ask before taking photos! Some mosques and residents’ homes prohibit photography. If you see “No Photography” signs, don’t take pictures.
3. Respect local customs! For example, use your right hand to give things; the left hand is considered impolite. Don’t shout loudly in public.

Brunei is truly a place where you “don’t want to leave once you arrive.” There’s no commercial hustle, only genuine warmth and stunning scenery. I’ll definitely go back to explore the places I didn’t get to this time! 😘