Top 10 Places to Visit in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei: Must-See Attractions in the Capital

1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque – Brunei’s Golden Icon of Faith and Power

Completed in 1958, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is one of Southeast Asia’s most stunning Islamic landmarks. Rising above an artificial lagoon in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, this mosque was named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei and is a symbol of national identity.

Blending Mughal and Italian architectural influences, the mosque is constructed with imported white marble, golden domes, and crystal chandeliers. The main dome, covered in pure gold leaf, gleams day and night — a shining beacon visible from nearly anywhere in the city. Surrounding it, the tranquil lagoon creates dramatic mirror-like reflections, especially at sunrise and sunset.

A ceremonial barge replica sits permanently on the lagoon, representing Brunei’s royal heritage and Islamic traditions. Inside, visitors are welcomed by handwoven carpets, intricately designed walls, and one of the tallest minarets in Brunei — which doubles as a viewpoint for panoramic cityscapes.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour reflections and cooler temperatures
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: Modest dress required (robes provided at the entrance for visitors); shoes must be removed before entering prayer halls

Visitor Tips
• Photography: Allowed outside; limited inside (check signage)
• Tip: Visit just before Maghrib prayers to hear the beautiful call to prayer echo across the water

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Lagoon Bridge: For symmetrical reflection shots of the dome
• Opposite Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas: Full skyline view with mosque in the center
• Minaret Base: Framed upward shots of the golden dome through the marble arches

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex: Shopping and dining with mosque views
• Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas (Golden Jubilee Park): Scenic riverside walking trails
• Kampong Ayer Jetty: Quick boat rides to the Water Village for a traditional contrast

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2. Kampong Ayer – The World’s Largest Water Village

Known as the "Venice of the East," Kampong Ayer is a sprawling network of stilt houses and wooden walkways over the Brunei River. Home to over 10,000 residents, it’s a living heritage site that dates back over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest and largest water villages in the world. The village includes mosques, schools, police stations, and markets — all built over water. Residents travel by boat, creating a unique rhythm of life. A free boat shuttle takes you from the city’s riverbanks into the heart of Kampong Ayer.

Visit Info
• Duration: 60–90 minutes (self-guided or local tour)
• Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather
• Entrance Fee: Free (including boat shuttle to Kampong Ayer Cultural Gallery)
• Clothing Restrictions: No strict dress code, but modest attire is recommended out of respect for residents

Visitor Tips
• Access: Use the jetty near Yayasan Complex or Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
• Tip: Hire a local boat guide for personal stories and hidden corners

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Wooden footbridges: Panoramic shots of colourful houses
• Riverbanks: Wide-angle views of the village against the city skyline

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery: Free museum with exhibits on water village life
• Floating convenience stores and cafés: Try local snacks while on stilts

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3. Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque – A Gift of Majesty to the People

Built in 1994 to honour the 25th year of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign, Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is Brunei’s largest and grandest mosque. With 29 golden domes representing the Sultan’s place in the royal lineage, the mosque is both a spiritual centre and an architectural marvel. Its serene gardens, mosaic tiles, and towering minarets make it a must-visit at dusk, when the lighting transforms the structure into something truly celestial.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Best Time: Sunset (6:00–7:00 PM)
• Entry: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: (modest dress required; robes provided)

Visitor Tips
• Photography: Outside only
• Tip: Avoid Friday afternoons (closed to non-Muslims during prayers)

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Garden fountains: Framing the mosque with reflections and floral foregrounds
• Main entrance arch: Symmetrical domes and lights

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Gadong Night Market: A 10-minute drive away for local food and souvenirs

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4. Royal Regalia Museum – Inside the Life of a Sultan

This beautifully curated museum offers an immersive journey into Brunei’s royal history. Designed to honour Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the Royal Regalia Museum houses golden chariots, ceremonial weapons, opulent garments, and gifts from global dignitaries. The centrepiece is the full-size replica of the Sultan’s coronation parade float — a lavish display of monarchy in motion.

Visit Info
• Duration: 45–60 minutes
• Best Time: Mid-morning (less crowded)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: Modest dress required (robes provided at the entrance for visitors); shoes must be removed before entering prayer halls

Visitor Tips
• Photography: Not allowed inside
• Tip: Bags and phones must be stored in the provided lockers

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Exterior mosaic dome: One of the most underrated photo ops in the city
• Grand entrance steps: Framed by the Brunei crest

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Secretariat Building: Colonial-era architecture just around the corner

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5. Tasek Lama Recreational Park – A Jungle Within the City

Tasek Lama Park is a lush green escape just minutes from the city centre. Popular with locals for jogging and picnicking, it features forest trails, a manmade reservoir, and a picturesque waterfall.

You’ll likely spot macaques, monitor lizards, and tropical birds along the trails — a real treat for nature lovers.

Visit Info
• Duration: 60–90 minutes
• Best Time: Morning (before it gets hot)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: Modest dress required (robes provided at the entrance for visitors); shoes must be removed before entering prayer halls

Visitor Tips
• What to Bring: Water, mosquito repellent, good walking shoes
• Tip: Stay on main trails — some paths can be steep or slippery

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Waterfall: Great for slow-motion video or misty portraits
• Reservoir platform: Panoramic nature views

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Bukit Markuching Trail: Longer hikes that connect to other jungle paths

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6. Istana Nurul Iman – The World’s Largest Residential Palace

The official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Istana Nurul Iman, holds the record as the largest residential palace in the world. While it's not open to the public year-round, the palace becomes accessible during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, when citizens and tourists are invited to meet the royal family. Outside of the holiday, the palace can still be admired from across the river or from the gates.

Visit Info
• Duration: 15–30 minutes (outside viewing only unless visiting during Hari Raya)
• Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for best lighting
• Entry: Public entryis allowed only during Hari Raya (check local dates)
• Clothing Restrictions: Modest dress required (robes provided at the entrance for visitors); shoes must be removed before entering prayer halls

Visitor Tips
• Tip: Combine with a boat tour to see the palace from the Brunei River

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• From Jalan Tutong viewpoint: Full view of the palace with golden domes
• Water taxi from Kampong Ayer: Unique angle of the estate

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Empire Brunei: A luxurious resort about 15 minutes away if you're continuing your royal-themed tour

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7. Tamu Kianggeh – A Traditional Open-Air Market

Tamu Kianggeh is a riverside market brimming with local produce, herbs, dried fish, and handcrafted goods. This is where locals come to shop, making it the perfect place to experience Brunei’s everyday life. From turmeric roots to banana fritters, this vibrant morning market is as authentic as it gets.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Best Time: 7:00–9:00 AM (before it gets hot and busy)
• Entry: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: No strict dress code, but modest attire is recommended out of respect for residents

Visitor Tips
• Tip: Bring cash (small notes) and try the local kuih (sweets)

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Colourful produce stalls: Perfect for lifestyle content
• Market bridge: Framing the river and shoppers in action

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Small food court inside the market: Try nasi lemak or teh tarik

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8. Malay Technology Museum – Preserving Traditional Bruneian Culture

This underrated museum showcases the tools, dwellings, and customs of Brunei’s indigenous groups and Kampong Ayer residents. The Malay Technology Museum focuses on sustainable living, crafts, and architecture, giving visitors a rare look at how traditional knowledge shaped Bruneian society.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Best Time: Anytime (usually quiet)
• Entry: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: No strict dress code, but modest attire is recommended out of respect for residents

Visitor Tips
• Tip: Read the exhibit plaques carefully — they’re highly informative

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Replica water village: Indoor photo ops with stilt houses
• Roofline against blue sky: A modern, clean architectural shot

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Brunei Energy Hub: Newly opened science and innovation museum, just a few minutes away

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9. Eco-Corridor Park – Brunei’s Riverside Promenade

A recent addition to the city, Eco-Corridor Park is a landscaped public space connecting the city center to the Brunei River. Featuring walking paths, native plants, fountains, and panoramic viewpoints, it’s a favourite for evening strolls and outdoor photo shoots. The view of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque from the park is unmatched, especially during golden hour.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–60 minutes
• Best Time: Sunset (5:30–7:00 PM)
• Entry: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: No strict dress code, but modest attire is recommended out of respect for residents

Visitor Tips
• Tip: Bring a tripod for twilight shots of the mosque and river

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Central lawn with mosque backdrop
• Pedestrian bridge at night: Subtle lighting and river reflections

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Riverbank performance area: Occasional cultural shows and live music

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10. Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja – Innovation on the Waterfront

Located inside a restored royal customs building on the Brunei River, the Energy Hub is a modern interactive museum about Brunei’s past and future in energy. Designed for families and curious travelers alike, it features digital exhibits, VR experiences, and science demos.

It’s an exciting contrast to the city’s historic and spiritual sites — and a great place to cool down.

Visit Info
• Duration: 45–60 minutes
• Best Time: Midday (indoor, air-conditioned)
• Entry: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: No strict dress code, but modest attire is recommended out of respect for residents

Visitor Tips
• Tip: Check for temporary exhibits and special events

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Rooftop deck: Overlooks Kampong Ayer and the mosque
• Interactive light installations: Fun for creative reels

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Royal Wharf: Cafés and street vendors along the Brunei River promenade

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