Tourism in Brunei and the most prominent 6 tourist destinations in Dar es Salaam
Tourism in Brunei is one of the hidden gems in Asia that has not yet been known. It has a huge range of tourist ingredients that many are looking for, which made it one of the most beautiful and best ideal tourist destinations in the Asian continent. Here in this article is a comprehensive report on everything you need to know about tourism in Brunei, the most important tips before traveling and the best tourist cities in Brunei that we suggest you visit…
Brunei has beautiful rural villages, with long homes, museums, beaches, and national parks. As well as Brunei’s privileged location, it is home to the world’s largest floating village, dense pristine rainforests, volcanic peaks, unique wildlife, shimmering mosques and golden-headed minarets, stunning arabesque palaces and many impressive modern urban buildings.
Tourism in Brunei
Explore tourism in Brunei
Brunei is known by many names, including “Dar of Peace” and “Island of Black Gold”, due to its fame in the industrial business of the petroleum and petroleum products industry. It is one of the richest countries in the world, and despite being a small country, it is rich in pristine landscapes and diverse tourist attractions.
Best places to stay in Brunei
Brunei hotels
You can enjoy a distinguished stay in the Sultanate of Brunei, because Brunei has many high-end hotels equipped with the latest services that meet all your needs, as well as suit the different tastes and desires of guests. Among them are located among the views of beaches or forests or close to prominent landmarks … Read more about the best hotels in Brunei.
Where is Brunei located?
Where is Brunei located?
The Sultanate of Brunei is located on the northern coast of Borneo Island in the South China Sea in Southeast Asia. Forests cover nearly three quarters of Brunei’s land area.
Brunei is bordered on the north by the South China Sea, and on all sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, which divides it into two parts, and the coastal plain rises to the mountains in the east.
Best time to travel to Brunei
The best time to travel to Brunei is between the months of January and May. That’s where the weather is dry and warm, but not hot. It is a good time to travel in Brunei, as you will avoid the summer heat and the tourist crowd during the high season. Learn more about the nature of tourism in Brunei during the seasons:
Spring (January to May):
Spring season is the ideal time for tourism in Brunei, where the pleasant dry climate and less humidity compared to summer. At that time, you can enjoy exploring Brunei away from the summer crowds, where you can relax on the beaches, explore unique Islamic architecture such as Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, visit Kampong Ayer water village and many more.
Summer season (from June to August):
It is the peak tourist season in Brunei, the weather is much warmer and wetter with the rains. Temperatures rise in the summer, which makes people resort to the mountains and beaches. You can enjoy many recreational activities such as exploring tropical rainforests, watching rare species of plants and animals, as well as the national celebration of the Sultan’s birthday.
Autumn semester (September to December):
The fall climate in the Sultanate of Brunei is humid with heavy rains throughout the Sultanate. Which makes it difficult to move or travel freely in the country. Therefore, it is one of the low seasons of tourism in Brunei. In that season, the tourist enjoys going to Tutong, the most famous beach destination, as well as exploring many important sites such as the Brunei Museum on Jalan Kota Batu, or the Arts and Crafts Center and others.
The language in Brunei
Standard Malay is the official national language in the Sultanate of Brunei, although there are many languages spoken in the country. Brunei Malay or Brunei Melayu is an alternative language to Standard Malay, which is spoken at casual occasions, at home, in stores, and with friends.
There are also five minority languages spoken in Brunei which are:
{ Chinese language, Hindi and Nepali, expatriate languages such as “Batak, Indonesian, Javanese, Betawi, Sundanese, Ammonian, English, Filipino and Dutch”, foreign languages such as “Arabic and English”. }
Brunei tourist visa
Travel visa to Brunei
If you intend tourism in the Sultanate of Brunei, there are many necessary documents and conditions, the most important of which are:
Submit your Brunei visa application and fill it out accurately and clearly.
Pay the visa fee of 20 Brunei dollars.
Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background.
A copy of the passport and it must be valid for a period of no less than six months.
Reservation of a return flight ticket to ensure departure from Brunei.
Proof of hotel reservation or accommodation for the duration of your trip in Brunei.
A bank statement for the last 3 months from the time of your trip, to ensure that you will be able to spend during your holiday period in Brunei.
The ideal period of tourism in Brunei
The ideal duration of travel and tourism in Brunei is approximately three days. You can enjoy the following program
me or modify it to your liking:
Day 1: Visit the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan
The tour begins with an exploration of the prominent landmarks of the capital, such as a visit to the Brunei Museum, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, the Regalia Royal Exhibition Hall, and the Hassan Bolkiah Mosque. He stopped and took the most beautiful pictures at the entrance to the largest residential palace in the world “Istana Nur Al Iman”, which is the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Negara Brunei Darussalam. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques on Thursdays and Fridays and the tour will only cover the garden area and the two mosque complex.
The second day: the monkey river safari trip
Board a local open plan wooden boat for a cruise along the Brunei River past the water village. We will begin to slowly sail under the mangroves, you can witness the wonders of the world of mangroves, which are the cradle of countless marine life. You will have the opportunity to see a unique fish that can live underwater as well as on land, as the bird navigates the muddy river banks in search of food.
As well as watching rare endangered animals like the odd-looking proboscis monkey, the male having a large, shiny orange drooping nose, which can only be found on the island of Borneo and Sumatera in Indonesia.
Third day: Visit the water village
It is a boat tour around the scenic view of the largest water village in the world “Kampong Air”. You can also observe the daily livelihood of typical villagers who live in houses on stilts on the Brunei River. Then you will be served refreshing morning tea and coffee before continuing your journey to the Belalong Wilderness National Park by long boat, which will take a short distance. Then go to the markets and shops and from there to the hotel to prepare to leave the country.
How much does tourism cost in Brunei?
Find out the average prices of tourist services and various recreational activities in Brunei, to be able to adjust your tourism budget:
The average stay per person for one night in Brunei ranges between (13-231) US dollars.
The cost of a tourist trip in Brunei per person for 3 days is about 188 USD.
The average cost of a trip per passenger for one week is 438 USD.
The average price of daily meals per person ranges between (6_9.20) US dollars.
Daily expenditure on bottled water is about $0.89.
Average daily local transportation rates are approximately $3.00.
Average prices for fun activities and admission tickets are approximately $16 USD.
Transportation and transportation in Brunei
Transportation and transportation in Brunei
Brunei has many local transportation, which helps you navigate within it easily to explore its most important attractions and various tourist places. Here are the most important types of local transportation in the Sultanate of Brunei:
Taxis:
Taxis are available in most parts of Brunei at hotels and markets, but the cost is high. Travelers should also note that there is an additional charge for more than two pieces of baggage, as well as carriage of more than four passengers per taxi.
Car Rental:
It is a great means of transportation to explore Brunei and its surrounding landscapes, and you can book through the Internet, and prices vary according to the type and capabilities of the car.
Dart app:
It is a local transportation app, which can be priced competitively against taxis in Brunei, with the added convenience of booking a ride through the app.
Bus:
Brunei has one form of public transportation which is the concession bus, formerly known as the Purple Bus. It is the cheapest way to get around the city, and is characterized by its bright colors.
water taxi:
A form of speedboat, ready to take travelers along the capital’s main attractions, Brunei is home to the sprawling water village of Kampong Air, and rates are advised to negotiate.
Food and drinks in Brunei
Food and drinks in Brunei
The Sultanate of Brunei has a distinct selection of delicacies with strong flavours. Brunei’s food is often spicy, and meals are usually accompanied by rice or noodles. And being a Muslim-majority country, it relies on halal food. One of the most popular dishes in Brunei is the Beef Rendang, a slow-cooked beef in a lemon-coconut sauce.
So is the ambuyat, a sticky, flavorless ball of sago starch wrapped with a bamboo fork and dipped in sour fruit sauce. and Serongeng Padang which is chicken fried with garlic and wrapped in pandan leaves. As well as shrimp cooked with coconut milk and hot pepper. and “Nasi Lemak,” a rice dish cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, and is usually served for breakfast. As for the drinks, “coffee, tea, iced coconut cappuccino, lemon juice and turmeric.”
The official currency of Brunei
The official currency of Brunei
The Bruneian dollar is the official currency of the Asian Sultanate of Brunei. It is denoted by the symbol (B$).
Communications and the Internet in Brunei
Brunei has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with high-level services throughout the country. Here are the main types of telecom companies in Brunei:
Progressif Company:
It is a company whose inception was linked to the government, and it provides telecommunications services, high-speed Internet, and services to institutions in the country. And it provided the Progressive Media application, which contains local content for creators, as well as some local and international films and productions.
imagine company:
It is a diversified telecommunications company that provides telephone services via optical fibers, with a speed of up to 2.5 Gb/s.
TelBru:
It is the leading telecom company in Brunei, providing broadband services
Broadband services, leased data, as well as the provision of line services, in addition to fixed line services and Internet services.
Distance between the most popular cities in Brunei
Developing a tourist program in Brunei, you will definitely need to move between its various tourist cities. Here are the distances between the most famous tourist cities in Brunei:
Kuala Belait to Temburong 101 km 63 miles.
Temburong to Tutung 54 km 34 miles.
Bandar Seri Pekawan to Kuala Belait 89 km.
Bandar Seri Pekawan to Belayet 88 km.
Kuala Belait to Brunei and Muara 89 km.
Totong to Bandar Seri Begawan 40 km.
Totong to Kuala Belait 50 km.
Rent a car in Brunei
Brunei has a large selection of car rental companies, which allow you to enjoy commuting within the country, exploring its highlights and marvelous view of roadside landscapes while driving. Here are the most important conditions for renting a car in Brunei:
Minimum driver age is 25, drivers between 21 and 24 may be subject to additional local fees, and they are not allowed to book luxury cars.
Possession of a valid passport and driver’s licence.
An international credit card, called a pre-authorization.
Prepaid booking voucher.
The best tourist cities in Brunei
To ensure that you enjoy your holiday in Brunei, be sure to travel between its various tourist cities. Here are the 6 most important tourist cities in Brunei that we advise you to visit and include in your tourism program…
Tourism in Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan is located on the northern banks of the Brunei River, and is the capital and largest city of the Sultanate of Brunei. It is also one of the largest settlements of houses on stilts in the world.
You can explore the most luxurious mosques in the country such as Sultan Omar Ali Seif El-Din Mosque, Asr Hassan Bolkiah Mosque and others. As well as the city’s many important museums, displaying culture, history, and struggle. As well as relaxing in the city’s landscaped parks and recreational centers, and learning about Brunei’s culture by visiting the Kiagneh Market. Do not miss visiting the most important and prominent national landmark “Kampung Air Floating Village”, and many more.
Tourism in the village of Syria
syria village
Seria Village is one of the best little folk places in Brunei, the center of the oil industry in the Sultanate, located on the northeastern shore of Brunei Island. The village of Syria has a wonderful group of important tourist sites, which allow you to do many wonderful recreational activities.
This is where you can visit the Oil and Gas Discovery Center, the Sinji Syria Estuary, the Pekan Syria Mosque with unique and impressive architectural designs, as well as visit the Billion Barrel Monument. This is in addition to going to amusement parks, and enjoying various recreational activities such as cycling, horse riding or a wonderful game of golf, so do not miss it.
Tourism in the village of Kuala Plat
Koala Plate Village
Kuala Plate is the second most populous urban center in Brunei. This beautiful village is located in the southwest of the country, bordered by the South China Sea to the north, and is located next to the onshore Rasso gas field. It serves as the administrative center of the Blit district, and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Dar es Salaam that you cannot miss.
The recreational activities in the village of Kuala Plate vary, where its visitors can enjoy spending the best and unforgettable times, including relaxing on the beautiful beaches, visiting the Silver Jubilee Park, and the Kuala Plate Boat Club, as it was a small fishing village inhabited by fishermen, as well as visiting Astana Mangalila For the Sultan of Brunei, as well as go to Todong Saji Market to eat the most delicious local food and buy the most beautiful souvenirs.
Tourism in Tutong Village
Tutong Village
Tutong Village is one of the most beautiful and most visited tourist cities in Brunei. It is known as the “White City” due to the whiteness of its sand, as it appears as if it is covered with snow, and it is very clean, in addition to the attractive sites.
Tutong Village allows you to enjoy many recreational activities, the most important of which is relaxing on the wonderful beaches of the village, which is characterized by its picturesque nature, and visiting gardens and recreational parks such as Sungai Pasong Park, which provides you with a variety of activities, as well as Badano Waterfall Theme Park.
In addition to visiting the Miremban Heritage Complex, which enjoys a privileged location as it is surrounded by the largest lake in Brunei, and visit the Tutong Kampung Serampagon Open Market, which is the largest and colorful market in Brunei. In addition to going to a citrus farm in Echo Ponies Park, do not miss to enjoy diving and snorkeling and watching coral reefs and various marine creatures such as (seahorses, octopus and scorpion fish).
Tourism in the village of Banjar
Banger Village Brunei
Bangar village is one of the best cities to visit in Brunei, located in Temburong district, which is a regional isolated area separated from the rest of the country in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, so it allows you to spend a perfect tourist holiday with the calm atmosphere of nature.
Sikhs in the village of Banjar can practice many enjoyable recreational activities, the most important of which are taking an exciting cruise by speedboat, watching the picturesque landscapes, as well as wandering in the dense mangrove forests, and walking for hours in the wide and lush green spaces of the Nipa palms.
This is in addition to visiting the Ulu Temburong National Park, which is located in the remote part of Batu Apei Reserve, and exploring some of the world’s oldest skyscrapers in the shape of centuries-old plant towers. Learn about the various types of wildlife in this park, visit Banjar quarries, and visit Malay villages, which are home to
l columned and full of fruit trees. Another notable place to visit is the Rainforest Field Studies Center.
Tourism in the village of Muara
Muwara village
One of the popular and favorite tourist destinations in Brunei, Muara Village is a small village located in the far northeast of Brunei, which is home to Muara Port, the main and only deep water port in the country.
Tourists in the village of Muara enjoy a variety of fun activities, the most important of which are relaxing on the pure beaches of fantastic nature and soft white sand, enjoying the various recreational parks, as well as exploring the amazing Islamic architecture, and eating delicious local foods.
Tips before traveling to Brunei
When traveling for the first time to Brunei, you will need to know information and tips, to help you during your vacation. Here are some of them:
Don’t get into political discussions
Be careful what you say about Brunei, and especially about the Sultan, this is a sensitive topic, and it is a crime with legal implications.
Plan well your tourism budget
Be aware that Brunei is not a cheap tourist destination, but it is expensive. So plan well for your travel budget.
Enjoy the fresh air
This is because Brunei has a wide range of lush green spaces, pristine forests and gardens that let you enjoy the fresh air especially every morning.
You can meet the king!
This is where the Sultan of Brunei opens his palace (Istana Nurul Iman) to the public annually, during the last three days at the end of Ramadan. Locals and foreigners get a chance to meet His Majesty