Buzz
Known as a oil-rich nation and a fresh tourism paradise, Brunei attracts a considerable number of tourists for annual resort visits. Let's explore what this Brunei has to offer!
Travel Handbook for Brunei
Overview of Brunei Tourism
The Kingdom of Brunei, situated in Southeast Asia along the northern coastline of Borneo Island, is a country of extravagant palaces, festivals of Islam, and the world's most luxurious mosques.
Best Time to Explore Brunei
The climate in Brunei is quite similar to the southern region of Vietnam, featuring two seasons: rainy and sunny. The rainy season typically starts from late August to early September and lasts until January. In contrast, the sunny season falls between February and August.
Brunei hosts two major events: the Ramadan vegetarian festival (from mid-May to mid-June) and Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival (mid-September). Travelers should avoid visiting during Ramadan as it requires modest and discreet eating practices in the presence of the locals.
Conversely, during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri event, Brunei opens its doors for citizens to meet royalty, making it an ideal time for many tourists to embark on a Brunei travel adventure.
Brunei Transportation
There are no direct flights from Vietnam to Brunei. Travelers can purchase flights to Kuala Lumpur and then buy tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Brunei.
If you're in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can book tickets with Vietnam Airlines to reach Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur, travelers can proceed to Brunei by taking a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Brunei. Subsequently, purchase tickets from either Malaysia Airlines or Royal Brunei Airlines to reach Brunei.
To travel from Brunei back to Malaysia, PHLS Express is the sole provider selling tickets at the Bandar Bus Terminal in Brunei, with prices around 18 Singapore dollars.
Interesting Check-in Spots in Brunei
Istana Nurul Iman Royal Palace
Having embarked on a Brunei trip, visiting the Istana Nurul Iman Royal Palace is a must. Known as the largest and most opulent palace globally, it's a sight to behold.
During Hari Raya, tourists can enter and explore the palace. On regular days, the Royal Palace remains closed, allowing visitors to capture its grandeur from the outside only.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
This grand mosque, built by the royal family in the mid-1950s and designed by the renowned Italian architect Cavalieri R. Nolli, exhibits a unique architectural blend. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque seamlessly combines modern 20th-century Islamic Mughal and Italian Renaissance styles, making it a symbol of contemporary Islamic architecture. Deserving its reputation as one of the most stunning mosques in the Asia-Pacific region, it is a captivating destination for tourists.
Kampong Ayer Water Village
The Kampong Ayer Water Village, with a history of over 600 years, features houses built entirely above the river connected by long wooden bridges. Visiting in the evening allows tourists to admire the sunset over the riverbanks, providing a picturesque and romantic scene.
Royal Regalia Museum
The Royal Regalia Museum impresses visitors with its opulent beauty, situated conveniently near the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Externally, the museum captivates with its grand architectural splendor, while internally it showcases and preserves numerous royal artifacts and statues across generations. Additionally, the museum presents a historical narrative of the current monarch's life through detailed family photos and texts, prominently featuring the monarch through various portraits and three-dimensional images.
Jerudong Amusement Park
Situated near Jerudong Beach, approximately 10km from Bandar Seri Begawan, Jerudong Amusement Park features numerous small islands with various play areas for children, adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, a cinema, and more. Exploring the play zones here provides visitors with an incredibly enjoyable holiday experience.
Peradayan Forest Recreation Park
Peradayan Forest Recreation Park, an ecological amusement park located within the Peradayan Forest, is home to a diverse range of plant and wildlife species. Visitors can engage in various entertaining activities and experience the vibrant ecosystem.
Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas Park
Situated in the heart of Bandar, Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas Park is a public recreational area offering a unique beauty. Locals often visit the park for leisurely strolls, walks, and engaging in entertaining activities.
Menara Cendera Kenangan Monument
The Menara Cendera Kenangan Monument is considered a national pride of Brunei. Gazing at the scenery here during the evenings truly leaves visitors in awe of its beauty.
Ash Shaliheen Mosque
One of the most modern Islamic architectural masterpieces in Southeast Asia, Ash Shaliheen Mosque offers a glimpse into the unique artistry of its architecture. Visitors will be mesmerized by the natural beauty of the surroundings.
What to Eat in Brunei?
Durian
Durian in Brunei is unique, with various sizes resembling jackfruit and durian. Locals creatively incorporate it into many dishes such as ice cream, desserts, cakes, or beverages. When visiting, give Brunei's durian a try to experience its distinctiveness compared to Vietnamese durian!
Grilled Brunei Fish
Grilled fish is considered a traditional dish in this region, featuring large, meaty fish. After thorough cleaning, it's marinated with a rich blend of spices and then grilled over medium heat. The special touch lies in the dipping sauce, with different regions having unique preparations, offering distinct flavors to each dish.
Baked Wheat Bread
Commonly found in Brunei's culinary streets, this bread is thinly sliced, with the filling varying based on individual preferences, offering diverse flavors and ingredients. Served with vegetables, stewed meat, the aroma of wheat, and the rich taste of milk create an enticing dish for tourists to savor.
Stir-fried Lamb
Due to their Islamic faith, Bruneians mainly consume lamb, which can be prepared in various dishes such as wine-stewed lamb, stir-fried lamb, lamb sauce, grilled lamb, and can be paired with noodles or rice to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Ketupat Rice Cake
Ketupat is made from rice, wrapped in palm leaves, woven together, and boiled similarly to square-shaped Chung cakes. There are two types of Ketupat: Ketupat nasi, a square-shaped rice cake made from brown rice, and Ketupat pulut, a triangular-shaped rice cake made from glutinous rice. Enjoying this cake with beef curry or grilled meat is truly delightful.
Ambuyar Sago Porridge
Using the Saga palm's core, the inner pulp is extracted, finely grated, and then boiled with water until it thickens. Ambuyat is quite bland, so it is commonly served with a peanut butter sauce for a delightful aroma and rich taste. Some people also use Ambuyat for weight management since it is primarily water-based.
Where to Stay in Brunei?
Address: 95, Jalan Pemancha, BS 8811, Brunei
Address: LOT 45238, SPG 88, KG KIULAP, Brunei
Address: Badi’ah Complex Mile 1 1/4, Jalan Tutong, Brunei
Important Tips for Traveling to Brunei
It's advisable to exchange Brunei currency in Vietnam before departure.
Taxis in Brunei are scarce and relatively expensive. The primary modes of transportation are walking or using buses.
Consuming alcohol is prohibited in Brunei, and during the fasting month, visitors are not allowed to smoke in public places.
Female travelers in Brunei should dress modestly. When visiting mosques, remove shoes outside, and women should cover their heads with a scarf, avoiding clothing that exposes knees or arms.
Due to Islamic beliefs, pork is not consumed in Brunei. There are no bars, beer gardens, nightclubs, or karaoke lounges. Brunei strictly prohibits large gatherings in public places.
When calling Vietnam, travelers can use the following format: 00673 + Area Code + Number – Landline.
As per Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJuly 18, 2022
