10 Brunei hotspots for your bucket list

1.  Ulu Temburong National Park

Perhaps the biggest tourist attraction in Brunei, Ulu Temburong National Park, spanning 50,000 hectares of pristine rainforest, is a haven for biodiversity, largely shielded from human impact due to its remote location and rugged terrain. Accessible via longboat, this park offers an immersive experience with forest trails, elevated plank walkways, and a breathtaking canopy walkway high above the treetops. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventurer, or a curious traveller, Ulu Temburong National Park promises an unforgettable encounter with Brunei's natural wonders. Click HERE for the location.

2.  Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

This magnificent mosque, named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, is a testament to architectural grandeur. Completed in 1958 and crafted with the finest materials, including Shanghai granite, Italian marble, stained glass, and crystal chandeliers from England, as well as exquisite carpets from Saudi Arabia, this mosque exudes opulence. The dome, adorned with gold leaf, glistens with regal splendour. The design artfully weaves in local Bruneian elements, featuring rope-like pillars reminiscent of the Brunei "kalat" (a thick rope) and a replica of a 16th-century Bruneian royal barge by the reflective pool outside. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome during specific hours and days, provided they observe silence, remove their shoes, and wear robes offered on-site. Click HERE for the location. PHOTO CREDIT: Brunei Tourism

3.  Kampong Ayer

A captivating traditional settlement situated in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, Kampong Ayer spans approximately 10 sqm along the Brunei River. It is renowned as the largest water village in the world and is nicknamed 'Venice of the East.' The village's charm lies in its picturesque houses, delicately perched on sturdy stilts above the water's surface, constructed using traditional Malay architectural styles. Running through the village is an intricate network of stilted walkways and pedestrian bridges, constructed from wood, concrete, or metal, providing essential connections between homes and other structures. For areas separated by wide waterways, motorboats, locally known as 'perahu tambang' or 'water taxis,' efficiently transport residents and visitors, embodying the timeless spirit of this waterborne community. Click HERE for the location. PHOTO CREDIT: Stock

4.  Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

This “time capsule”, unveiled on Aug 19, 2009 by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince himself, showcases the history of Kampong Ayer, safeguarding the water village from the relentless march of modernity. Inside, five sub-galleries take you on a historical journey dating back to the 10th Century A.D., displaying antiques and handicrafts from significant periods in Brunei's history. The fourth and fifth sub-galleries provide a glimpse of present-day Kampong Ayer. Witness weaving exhibitions on the "Sunken Gallery" stage, where Bruneian kain tenunan fabric is crafted. The gallery is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm on Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays and is accessible by water taxi from the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront. Click HERE for the location.

5.  Colourful buildings on Jalan Roberts

Located between Jalan Pretty and Jalan McArthur, this uber picturesque street is named after E. Roberts, who headed the Public Works Department in 1906. Stroll through this picturesque lane flanked by charming vintage shophouses adorned with timeless louvered wooden shutters, and your Instagram feed will thank you for the burst of colour. For an idyllic experience, visit on Car-free Sunday when the street becomes your playground for the day. Click HERE for the location. PHOTO CREDIT: Brunei Tourism

6.  The Big Wall

In Bandar Seri Begawan, visitors are treated to a vibrant display of local artistry, especially along Jalan Roberts, thanks to the "Pedestrianisation of Jalan Roberts and Adjacent Alleyways" project. "The Big Wall," part of the project's third phase, is a stunning mural on the LOT 155 Building created to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Bandar Seri Begawan. With the involvement of local and guest artists, this transformative project celebrates Brunei's cultural heritage through captivating artwork. Click HERE for the location. PHOTO CREDIT: Larvshco

7.  Royal Regalia Museum

Located in the heart of the city, this museum showcases the astonishing gifts bestowed upon Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah by foreign dignitaries, including a splendid golden chariot that embodies both opulence and intricate craftsmanship. Originally commissioned for the 1992 Silver Jubilee celebration, this chariot still serves the royal family during national events and serves as the museum's centrepiece. The museum's permanent exhibition delves into Sultan Bolkiah's life, Queen Saleha's contributions, and offers a more personal look at the royal family. With its distinctive white and silver dome, the museum is a city landmark, featuring an interior adorned with imported marble and bearing historical significance as the "Churchill Memorial Building," a tribute to Winston Churchill by Sultan Saifuddien. Click HERE for the location. PHOTO CREDIT: Brunei Tourism

8.  Merimbun Heritage Park

Spanning 7,800 hectares, this park is a prized natural and cultural gem in Brunei. Located south of the Tutong-Kuala Belait coastal highway, it features diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, swamp forests, and lowland dipterocarp forests, housing unique plant species such as pitcher plants and agarwood. The park also boasts a rich array of wildlife, from clouded leopards to proboscis monkeys. Additionally, it's home to the ethnic Dusun village, hosting the annual Adau Gayoh Festival. Visitors can explore traditional Dusun houses, a Purun Hall, and serene lakeside gazebos, along with archaeological sites. Click HERE for the location.

9.  Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre

Established on Sept 1, 1975 by the late Sultan Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddin Saadul Khairi Waddien, the centre is dedicated to preserving and revitalising Brunei’s traditional arts and handicraft industry, housing exceptional examples of the country’s renowned brocades, the 'kain tenunan,' woven with intricate golden and silver threads. This centre also offers training programmes in various crafts, including weaving, silver smithing, woodcarving, brass smithing, basketry, and songkok making, and showcases exquisite creations at two showrooms, one located on-site and another at the Brunei International Airport's Departure Hall. Click HERE for the location. PHOTO CREDIT: Brunei Tourism

10.  Jerudong Park

Get ready for an action-packed day filled with laughter, screams, and watery fun. Jerudong Park, dubbed "The Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures," boasts over 30 thrilling rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Experience heart-pounding drops, wild water rides, and classic favourites like merry-go-rounds and bumper cars. For the adrenaline junkies, the Adventure Kingdom offers Brunei's longest zipline, a roller glider, and a giant swing. And to top it off, the WaterPark, running from morning to night, features a multi-level water play area with slides and tunnels for both the young and the young at heart. Click HERE for the location. PHOTO: Jerudong Park