Bandar Seri Begawan is a vibrant city dotted with opulent mosques and luxury shopping malls. It's worth dedicating a few days to exploring Brunei's vibrant capital, where you'll find cultural museums and the world's largest water village.

Things to do

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is strung with glittering chandeliers and encircled by a glassy lagoon. Inside you can admire gleaming Italian marble floors, handwoven carpets and colourful stained-glass windows. The Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is equally as impressive, topped by 29 gilded domes.

At the Royal Regalia Building you'll be dazzled by a collection of lavish gifts presented to Brunei's various sultans. Highlights include a golden chariot and a treasure trove of fine jewels. The museum also showcases family photos, portraits and memorabilia offering a glimpse at the life of a sultan.

Made up of over 40 communities, Kampung Ayer is the biggest water village on the planet. It's set on the banks of the Brunei River and is home to roughly 30,000 people living in traditional stilt houses. You can explore the village on a series of plank boardwalks or enjoy a scenic sightseeing cruise along the river.

Bandar Seri Begawan offers a taste of Brunei's colourful local food scene. Specialties include nasi kotok, a paper cone stuffed with rice, meat and spicy sambal sauce. At the bustling Tamu Selera hawker market, you can bite into fresh seafood, satay skewers and sizzling stir-fry.

Getting around

Parts of Bandar Seri Begawan are easy to get around on foot, while taxis and private drivers offer convenient transportation. You can also step aboard water taxis ferrying people back and forth from Kampung Ayer. Brunei International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre.