The story of Brunei
Brunei lies on the northern coast of Borneo, where rivers flowing out of dense rainforest meet the South China Sea. Early Malay communities traded here for centuries, and Chinese records mention a kingdom on Borneo sending envoys to China long before the rise of the modern sultanate. Its position on the sea routes between China, the Philippines and the Strait of Malacca made it a natural trading hub for camphor, spices and jungle produce.
Brunei's royal line traces back to the 14th century, when its ruler embraced Islam and became the first sultan. Under Sultan Bolkiah in the 15th and 16th centuries, the sultanate reached its golden age, with influence stretching across much of Borneo and into the southern Philippines. Spanish forces briefly attacked the capital in the Castilian War of 1578, and in later centuries Brunei's territory shrank as neighbouring powers and the 'White Rajahs' of Sarawak took over coastal lands.
Read the full history
In 1888 Brunei became a British protectorate, keeping its sultan while Britain handled foreign affairs. The discovery of oil at Seria in 1929 transformed the tiny state, providing the wealth that now funds free healthcare and education. Japanese forces occupied Brunei during the Second World War. Brunei chose not to join Malaysia when it formed in 1963 and became fully independent in 1984 under Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs.
Today Brunei is a calm, conservative Malay Muslim monarchy where gold-domed mosques rise above water villages and pristine jungle. Visitors come for the grand Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the stilt houses of Kampong Ayer, the royal regalia museum and the protected rainforest of Ulu Temburong, gaining a glimpse of a traditional Malay sultanate that has endured for more than six centuries.
Timeline
- c. 14th centuryBrunei's ruler converts to Islam and becomes sultan
- c. 1500Golden age under Sultan Bolkiah
- 1578Castilian War with Spain
- 1888Brunei becomes a British protectorate
- 1929Oil discovered at Seria
- 1958Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque completed
- 1984Full independence from Britain
Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.
- ASEAN – ASEAN member – many Southeast Asian citizens have easier short visits.
- Commonwealth – Commonwealth member.
Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:
- Visa policy of Brunei (Wikipedia) ↗
- IATA Travel Centre – passport, visa & health rules ↗
- U.S. passport holders – State Department country pages ↗
- UK passport holders – GOV.UK travel advice ↗
The latest visa and entry news for Brunei appears below as soon as publishers report it.
Shenzhen Expands Southeast Asia Cruise Travel as Dream Opens New Homeport Season Across Five Countries Shenzhen’s Dream cruise season adds Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore sailings through early November 2026.
#China#Vietnam#Cruises
Things to do in Brunei
- Visit the Omar Ali Saifuddien MosqueAdmire the golden dome reflected in a lagoon, best at sunset when the lights come on.
- Take a water taxi to Kampong AyerExplore the world's largest stilt village, with homes, schools and mosques linked by boardwalks.
- Trek Ulu Temburong National ParkRide a longboat upriver and climb a canopy walkway high above untouched rainforest.
- Spot proboscis monkeysTake an evening boat along the Brunei River to see big-nosed monkeys in the mangroves.
- Tour the Royal Regalia MuseumSee the golden chariot and ceremonial treasures of the sultanate.
- Eat at Gadong Night MarketGraze on satay, grilled fish and ambuyat, Brunei's sticky sago dish.
- See Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah MosqueGaze at the country's largest mosque with its 29 golden domes.
- Walk the Tasek Lama trailsHike to a waterfall in a forest park right on the edge of the capital.
- Visit Istana Nurul Iman during Hari RayaJoin the open house when the public may visit the sultan's palace after Ramadan.
- Relax at Muara BeachWatch the sunset over the South China Sea at a quiet local beach.
Where to go in Brunei
- Bandar Seri BegawanCapital · mosques & museumsA relaxed capital of golden domes, museums and riverside markets.
- Kampong AyerBrunei River · water villageA centuries-old village on stilts that still houses thousands of residents.
- 📍Ulu Temburong National ParkTemburong · rainforestPristine jungle reached by boat, with a dramatic canopy walk and river swimming.
- 📍Tasek Lama Recreational ParkCapital · forest parkEasy jungle trails and a waterfall right in the city.
- 📍SeriaBelait · oil townSee the Billionth Barrel Monument celebrating Brunei's oil heritage.
- 📍Labi and Belait forestsWest · countrysideQuiet longhouses and forest reserves give a glimpse of rural Brunei.
- 📍Muara and Serasa beachesNortheast coast · beachesLaid-back beaches popular with local families at weekends.
- Take a water taxi through Kampong Ayer
- Climb the canopy walkway in Ulu Temburong
- Spot proboscis monkeys on a river cruise
- Eat at the Gadong night market
- Ambuyat – sticky sago starch eaten with sour dips
- Nasi katok – simple rice with fried chicken and sambal
- Kelupis – sticky rice wrapped in leaves
- Satay – grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce
Best time to visit Brunei
Brunei has a hot, humid equatorial climate with temperatures steady around 30°C all year. Rain falls in every month, heaviest at the end of the year with the northeast monsoon.
Typical daytime highs and rain in Bandar Seri Begawan (approximate averages).
- Varies (Islamic calendar)Hari Raya AidilfitriThe end of Ramadan, when the royal palace opens its doors to the public for several days.
- February 23National DayParades and celebrations mark Brunei's independence.
- July 15Sultan's BirthdayFestivities and illuminations celebrate the reigning sultan.
- January-FebruaryChinese New YearBrunei's Chinese community celebrates with lion dances and family feasts.
How many days in Brunei?
Day 1 Bandar Seri Begawan's mosques, Royal Regalia Museum and Gadong night market. Day 2 Kampong Ayer by water taxi and a proboscis monkey river trip. Day 3 a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park.
Day 1-2 the capital and water village, Day 3-4 overnight in Temburong for jungle walks and the canopy walkway. Day 5 Tasek Lama and Jame' Asr Mosque, Day 6 Seria and the Belait coast.
Backpacker budget: about $40–60 a day
- Brunei has few hostels, so book budget guesthouses in the capital early.
- Public buses are cheap but sparse and stop early in the evening; water taxis are the fun way to cross the river.
- Eat at night markets and local stalls, where meals are good value.
- Combine Brunei with Sabah or Sarawak in Malaysia, linked by bus and ferry.
- Alcohol is not sold in Brunei – plan accordingly and respect local customs.
Stay safe
- Brunei has very low crime rates and is safe to explore day or night.
- Laws are strict and based partly on Sharia; respect dress codes and avoid public displays of affection.
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques, which provide robes for visitors.
- Use insect repellent in the jungle to protect against mosquitoes.
Money
- The Brunei dollar is pegged one-to-one with the Singapore dollar, and both are accepted.
- Cards are accepted in malls and hotels, but carry cash for markets and water taxis.
- Tipping is not expected, though rounding up is appreciated.
Emergency: 993 police · 995 fire · 991 ambulance
Brunei International Airport near Bandar Seri Begawan has flights across Southeast Asia and beyond. Land borders and ferries connect Brunei with Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia.
✈️ Cheap flights to Brunei: airports, flight times & best time to fly →
- Brunei is split into two separate parts, with the Temburong district reachable by a long bridge over Brunei Bay.
- Kampong Ayer is often called the 'Venice of the East'.
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is one of the longest-reigning monarchs alive today.
- Brunei has no personal income tax.
- Around 70% of the country is still covered by forest.
Brunei travel questions
Is Brunei safe for tourists?
Yes, Brunei is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. Visitors should respect conservative laws and customs, including the alcohol ban and modest dress.
What is the best time to visit Brunei?
February to April is the driest period. Brunei can be visited all year, but expect heavier rain from October to January.
How many days do you need in Brunei?
Two to three days covers the capital and a day in Temburong. Add a night in the rainforest if you love nature.
Do I need a visa for Brunei?
It depends on your passport. Check the official government site or embassy before you travel.
Is Brunei expensive to visit?
Accommodation is moderately priced, but food at markets and local eateries is affordable. Brunei is generally cheaper than Singapore.
Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).
Buses and taxis serve the capital, and water taxis cross the river. Renting a car or joining a tour is easiest for Temburong and rural areas.
- Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque – Golden-domed mosque beside a lagoon in the capital
- Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque – Largest mosque in Brunei, with 29 golden domes
- Alcohol is not sold – respect local laws
- Dress modestly and cover arms and legs at mosques
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting
Nothing in this tab yet – the agents add new stories every few minutes.
📰 Older Brunei stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll
🌏 You reached the start of our archive.





