Things to do in  Brunei

With colossal domes covered in gold leaf, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque symbolizes the wealth of Brunei. Adorned with Italian marble, English chandeliers, and Arabian carpets, the lavish mosque—named after the 28th sultan of Brunei, one of the richest men in the world—is visible from almost everywhere in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Despite its lavish mosques and jungle-rich surrounds, Brunei is one of the least-visited countries in the world. The Royal Regalia Museum in the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan is dedicated to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has reigned over Brunei for more than five decades, and serves as a visual representation of the immense wealth of the sultanate.

Istana Nurul Iman boasts the title of the world’s largest residential palace; 1,788 rooms, 5 swimming pools, and a garage that can hold 110 cars, are just a few of the features of the vast site. Its scale should come as little surprise, owing to the fact it’s the home of the Sultan of Brunei, one of the world's richest men. Its elaborate architecture fuses elements of Malay and Islamic design.

Housed in a huge building covering over 64,000 square feet (nearly 6,000 square meters), Gadong Night Market curates the best selection of Brunei cuisine in the country. Stalls offer fragrant, colorful dishes ranging from traditional grilled meat skewers smothered in satay sauce to more adventurous options, such as hati buyah (beef lung) and sambal-marinated anchovies.

Kampong Ayer is a huge floating village in the Brunei capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, with 42 stilt villages that are home to more than 30,000 people. The village is a must-see during your time in the capital, as this traditional way of life still remains strong in the community.

Built to celebrate the quarter-century reign of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque features Brunei’s signature lavish architecture. The mosque has 29 gleaming gold domes and four towering minarets and is a recognizable symbol of Bandar Seri Begawan’s opulent skyline.

Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery traces the history and traditions of Kampong Ayer, the largest stilt settlement in the world. The center features informative exhibits dedicated to the crafts and customs of the neighborhood, along with a tower offering views from the top.

Located on the nature-shrouded mangrove island of Pulau Luba, Makam di Luba is home to the mausoleum of Sultan Husin Kamaluddin—the 16th sultan of Brunei and a significant figure in the small Asian country’s history. The golden-dome-topped memorial is a peaceful place to reflect and soak up the natural beauty that Borneo is so famous for.

Occupying a regal position beside Istana Nurul Iman (the palace of the Sultan of Brunei), Damuan Recreational Park is an outdoor space featuring exercise areas and six ASEAN sculptures, which are scattered among the tropical flora that the island of Borneo is so famous for.

Perched on the banks of the Brunei River, the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre celebrates the country’s rich artistic heritage. While you won’t see artists at work here, you will be greeted with a huge selection of crafts that reflect the culture of Brunei. These range from wood carvings and brassware to handwoven baskets.

While its name might suggest that the Malay Technology Museum is dedicated to modern technology, such as smartphones and computers, it actually traces the history of Bruneian life through exhibits about crafts and customs. It’s split into sections that showcase technologies used in water villages or on land, offering insight into this small country’s rich culture.

Colorful stalls at Tamu Kianggeh overflow with giant garlic, piles of chilli peppers, and fish fresh from the boat. Soaking up the atmosphere amid visitors stocking up on fresh food is a big part of the draw, but you can also find souvenirs like hand-woven totes and other crafts at this market. Or, come hungry: On-site vendors sell hot prepared foods including Brunei specialities.

Sunset brings strolling families to Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas Park, a 25-acre (10.2-hectare) riverfront green space in Bandar Seri Begawan, with views of the Kampong Ayer water village and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. It’s a great place to get a feel for local life whether you’re renting a 6-seat bicycle from on-site vendors, grazing nearby food stalls, or just catching an evening breeze off the water.

Lush jungle backdrops the gold-topped mausoleum honoring a 15th-century sultan, Sharif Ali, which draws respectful crowds of locals as well as a few travelers. While there’s not all that much to do here, it’s a peaceful site and monkeys can often be spotted playing on the verdant grounds. Another handful of sultans are interred with their families in the nearby Royal Brunei Mausoleum.

Rooted in Brunei’s age-old traditions, Kampong Sungai Bunga is a world away from the opulence of Bandar Seri Begawan. This modern water village features recently renovated houses on stilts, and offers insight into the unique water-based cultures of Brunei’s capital. You can only reach Kampong Sungai Bunga by boat, as it’s seven miles (11 kilometers) from the center.