Explore the gilded kingdom of Brunei by laying your hands on its golden structures.

Brunei, the oil-rich nation, hides treasures behind its guarded gates. Once you step foot here, you'll embark on unforgettable experiences by touching two monumental golden landmarks.

Discover the gilded kingdom of Brunei by reaching out to its golden wonders.

Day 1: Lay your hands on two magnificent golden structures

You can purchase roundtrip tickets from the budget airline Air Asia for the Vietnam - Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) route, then proceed with two additional roundtrip flights from Kuala Lumpur to Brunei. For a royal experience, opt for Royal Brunei Airlines for your flight from Kuala Lumpur.

For flights departing from Brunei airport, you will be required to pay a $12 Brunei dollar (BND) or $12 Singapore dollar departure tax, payable only in cash. In this country, both Brunei and Singapore currencies are used interchangeably at par value.

Life in Brunei is affluent, with many residents owning multiple cars as a common occurrence. Consequently, taxis are scarce, with only about 50 cars in the entire country. There are no bus stops; you simply need to stand by the roadside, and a taxi will arrive within 5-10 minutes. You communicate your destination to the driver, and the fare is 1 BND per trip. Taking a taxi from the airport to the city center takes 20 minutes, costing approximately 25 BND.

After two flights, you'll arrive in Brunei in the late afternoon. This is the ideal time for you to admire two magnificent golden structures. Brunei has a culture heavily influenced by Islam, with two-thirds of the population following the Islamic faith. Hence, the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, always shines alongside grand mosques.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque stands as a symbol of the kingdom's prosperity, named after the 28th Sultan. Built-in 1958, it sits atop an artificial lagoon on the banks of the Brunei River. Rising 52 meters tall with a golden-domed roof, its columns and walls are adorned with marble.

Meanwhile, the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the holiest site in the country. Built in 1992, it's adorned with gold throughout and materials imported from abroad: brick walls from Italy, decorative patterns from Australia, carpets from Arabia… Its golden domes make the mosque stand out, with water fountains and lush green gardens surrounding it, creating a serene backdrop for this grand mosque.

Day 2: Experience the opulence of royal life

Today, you can visit the Royal Regalia Museum. It offers an overview of the royal life of Brunei through various eras. The museum is elegantly designed, as it once served as the residence of ancient kings. Inside, numerous treasures of the Brunei royalty are on display, adorned with gold, silver, and precious gemstones.

The symbol of power in the kingdom of Brunei is epitomized by the luxurious 6-star resort, The Empire Hotel & Country Club. Formerly the residence of royalty, this resort stands apart from the city center. Voted one of the most upscale hotels in Asia and among the top ten most beautiful hotels in the world, The Empire Hotel boasts a magnificent location: nestled by the beach, complete with recreational facilities, golf courses, swimming pools, banks, and a cinema.

One of the most impressive attractions is the royal palace, Istana Nurul Iman. Currently the residence of King Hassanal Bolkiah and his royal lineage, it also serves as the seat of Brunei's government. Perched atop a lush hill, the palace overlooks the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan.

During the Hari Raya festival, the palace opens its doors to the public and tourists. Built in 1984 at a total cost of $1.4 billion, it showcases distinctive Islamic architecture with 1,788 rooms, a mosque accommodating 1,500 worshippers, a reception hall for 4,000 guests, and a spectacular collection of over 500 luxury cars belonging to the Sultan of Brunei, including 165 Rolls-Royces. It stands as a symbol of the king's power and the prosperity of Brunei.

Day 3: Experience Local Outdoor Activities like a Native

Exploring Brunei through Couchsurfing, a social networking platform, allows for unique outdoor experiences with local hosts. Start the cool morning with a local group exploring Kampong Ayer, the water village. At the waterfront, there are boat rental services for a tour around the stilt village.

Kampong Ayer, Brunei's oldest village with a history spanning over 1,300 years, features schools, mosques, restaurants, hospitals, offices, and homes. Despite residing on the river, residents own cars parked along the banks. Each day, they navigate motorboats to shore, then use cars for commuting, returning home by boat in the evening.

The charming floating village captivates tourists with its traditional stilt houses and wooden bridges connecting one place to another. Wandering through the village alleys, you'll sense the serene life of Brunei.

Next, head to Agro Tech Park to partake in outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, cycling, and exploring botanical caves. Situated in Kampung Tungku, Gadong, the park spans over 20 hectares. From the entrance, visitors are drawn to colorful rows of trees and intricately sculpted botanical gardens. Within the premises, Agro Tech features animal farms, a year-round greenhouse showcasing various plants such as cacti, palm gardens, and orchids...

From the capital city center of Bandar, it takes about a 45-minute drive to reach the outskirts. Along the small road, your vehicle will be the only one traversing. Navigate towards the Tasek Merimbun ecological reserve. Inside the reserve lies a traditional wooden house with Brunei's ancient architectural style. Crossing wooden bridges over small islets, you delve deep into the rivers and waters of the ecological zone. At Tasek Merimbun, you'll feel time stand still amidst the picturesque and tranquil scenery. The air is so fresh that you'll catch whiffs of fragrant grass with every gentle breeze.

According to Zingnews

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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook