7 Reasons Brunei is Worth Visiting [2024]

Is Brunei Worth Visiting? Yes! Here’s why.

The small country of Brunei is certainly an overlooked travel destination, and quite a divisive one at that. But look past the surface and you’ll find a country full of warmth, friendly people, good food and lush nature. There are actually plenty of reasons to visit Brunei – here are 7 Reasons Why Brunei Is Worth Visiting.

Where to Stay in Brunei

There aren’t too many accommodation options in Brunei, but there are definitely enough choices to suit your budget, whatever that may be.

Where We Stayed: Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

Set in the city centre, the Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam is the only chain-operated hotel in the entire country. I felt super comfortable here in all respects – the staff were excellent and helpful, the pool was refreshing, the rooms were spacious and well-appointed. Loved the breakfast, and they offered complimentary airport pick-up which was very much appreciated. I would highly, highly, highly recommend staying here for your stay in Brunei.

You can take a closer look at the Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam by clicking here.

Budget: Miniin Guest House

Miniin Guest House

Miniin Guest House

Miniin Guest House

If you’re searching for a cute guesthouse for an affordable price in Brunei, look no further. Miniin Guest House is in walking distance of the Gadong Night Market, and close to The Mall Gadong – make it an extremely convenient location. Guests loved the helpful host, cleanliness and comfort of the beds.

You can take a closer look at Miniin Guest House by clicking here.

High-End: The Empire Brunei

The Empire Brunei

The Empire Brunei

The Empire Brunei

Prepare to be blown away by The Empire Brunei. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this was legitimately one of the most impressive hotels I have ever seen! Luxury, opulence and lavishness are all hallmarks of a stay at The Empire.

Originally designed to be a one-of-a-kind national treasure, The Empire is a beachfront property that sits on the Bruneian coastline. This hotel truly is an attraction in and of itself.

You can take a closer look at The Empire Brunei by clicking here.

Handpicked Tours in Brunei

Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque at night

Brunei can be difficult to visit without a vehicle, and a tour is a great way to see Brunei’s best attractions with local insider knowledge. If you don’t have a local that can drive you around and want to explore more than just the city area, then here are some 5-star rated tours we’ve handpicked for you:

• Private Tour of Brunei’s Best Attractions – Visit the vast majority of Brunei’s attractions on this full-day private tour of the country. Rated 5 stars. You can’t go wrong with this one!

• Private Proboscis Monkey & Mangrove Tour – On this private boat tour, leisurely cruise down the river and pass by mangrove trees, swamps and water villages. Look out for local wildlife and birds, including the endangered proboscis monkeys only found on Borneo Island. Rated 5 stars.

• Brunei Night Tour – Only have 1 night in Brunei? This tour is perfect as you can still visit the country’s highlights in a night, including the SOAS Mosque and Gadong Night Market. Rated 5 stars as well.

1. It Is Safe

Is Brunei Safe? Yes, it is!

You may have heard of Brunei’s harsh Islamic laws and while we don’t deny they exist, as a tourist, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be affected by them at all. Having visited Brunei and being in contact with multiple long-time friends, I can confirm that Brunei’s laws seem more to be a formality on paper rather than active laws that the police pursue on a day-to-day basis. Of course, this does not mean you get a free pass to go break the country’s laws, but exercise respect and good judgment and you should be completely fine.

Asher at Tasek Lama Park, Brunei

Brush up on the country’s laws and stay in a reputable, well-reviewed hotel to further insulate yourself if you’re unsure of how the laws could affect you.

Brunei’s crime rate is extremely low and we felt completely safe walking around, even at night. In fact, it was probably one of the safest countries I’ve ever visited in this regard.

2. The Food is Amazing

Bruneian food is *chef’s kiss*.

Bruneian cuisine is influenced by a mixture of Malaysian, Singaporean and Indonesian cuisines. Because Brunei is an Islamic country, the food is mainly halal, and alcohol is banned. Still, every meal I had in Brunei was seriously so good. The roti, nasi katok, and Bruneian drinks impressed me greatly and I would come back purely for the food.

We could not get enough of Brunei’s cheap and tasty food.

There are so many cute cafés and restaurants around the country – I found that the food scene there is really thriving! The best part was that everything was ridiculously cheap as well.

3. There Are Actually Lots of Things To Do

On a water boat tour of Kampong Ayer in Brunei.

Some people complain that there aren’t too many things to do in Brunei, but I actually disagree. Firstly, you can visit some of the most impressive mosques in the region, such as the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (otherwise known as the SOAS Mosque) and the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. Both are stunning visually and must-visits.

Asher outside of SOAS Mosque in Brunei.

The epic Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque at night.

Then, you can take a cheap boat tour of Kampong Ayer, the “Venice of the East”. This village was built completely on stilts on the water. Not only do people live here, but there are also restaurants and cafés on the water. It was a really unique experience trying authentic Bruneian cuisine in a restaurant above water, and I would totally recommend it.

Walking around Kampong Ayer, known as the Venice of the East.

Speaking of food, you can find some cheap eats in markets such as the Gadong Night Market and Tamu Kianggeh.

Cheap eats in Brunei can be found at Gadong Night Market.

At the Royal Regalia Museum, you could spend hours amused at all the crazy gifts other countries have sent to the Royal Family of Brunei.

The Empire Brunei is a lavish hotel worth visiting.

Looking for a taste of luxury? The Empire Brunei is legitimately one of the most jaw-dropping, gorgeous hotels I’ve ever seen and could probably rival some of the world’s best. Although I didn’t stay here, it was still amazing to walk the grounds and take in the views

4. Nature Is Everywhere

Touring the Brunei River on a water boat.

Nobody talks about how pretty Brunei’s nature is, and I think that’s a bit of a shame – because it’s really quite nice! On my trip, I went hiking around the Tasek Lama Recreational Park area, and it surprised me how a lush green oasis existed in so close to the city centre.

Greenery everywhere at Tasek Lama Recreational Park.

Asher loving Tasek Lama Recreational Park.

Taking a trip around the Brunei River (which you can do on the same tour going around Kampong Ayer), you’ll not only have the opportunity to take in views of the Borneo forest, but you might also spot Proboscis monkeys and alligators – being treated to something of a safari experience!

5. The People Are So Friendly

Bruneian people are some of the friendliest people ever.

I really didn’t know what to expect with Bruneian people given the country’s reputation for having strict laws, but they were so chill and friendly! So much warm hospitality from pretty much everyone I encountered on my trip.

Ralph strolling around kampong ayer water village.

From the minute I hopped into my taxi and starting conversing with my driver, I felt immediately welcomed and comforted in Brunei.

6. Bang For Your Buck – Brunei Is Cheap To Visit!

Ralph enjoying Brunei’s cheap eats.

Brunei is extremely affordable to visit, surprisingly so. Again, not many people really mention Brunei as a budget destination but it totally is. Large meals for two would more often than not total less than 10USD, and even the bubble tea here cost less than 2USD (I love to use bubble tea as a measuring standard because that’s usually my drink of choice).

Gelatiamo was one of our favourite desert joints in Brunei.

Yummy chicken dish we had in Brunei.

Hotels and accommodation here are also far cheaper in Brunei than in nearby Singapore.

7. You’ll Have Places All To Yourself

No other tourists at the SOAS Mosque in Brunei.

Finally, the best part about visiting Brunei? Is that virtually nobody else is visiting (for now). I legitimately think Ralph and I were the only tourists on our flight from Singapore to Brunei as we seemed to be the only people in the foreigner line.

Asher walking around the city center – it’s empty!

Also nobody else at the Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja.

When visiting Brunei’s attractions such as its main mosques, the water village, Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja and Royal Regalia museum, we were the only ones there – winning! So if you’re looking for an untapped destination far from the crowds, Brunei is the place for you.

Have we convinced you to visit Brunei?

Are you thinking about visiting the incredible tiny country of Brunei? Let me know in the comments below!

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