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Bandar Seri Begawan

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At a glance

Country
Brunei
Region
Brunei-Muara District
Population
100,000
Best time to go
February to April
Main airport
Brunei International (BWN)
Coordinates
4.90°N, 114.94°E

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Overview

Bandar Seri Begawan, known simply as BSB, is a small, quiet and spotless capital on the Brunei River. Golden domes rise above the treetops, and across the water lies Kampong Ayer, a village of stilt houses that has stood here for centuries.

Brunei is a conservative Islamic sultanate, so the pace is gentle, dress should be modest, and alcohol is not sold. Two or three days is enough to see the city, but leave time for the rainforest, which covers much of the country.

Things to see

  • Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
    Photo: Abdullah Geelah, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

    A gleaming golden-domed mosque beside a lagoon with a replica royal barge, beautiful when lit up after dark.

  • Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
    Photo: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0

    Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

    The country's largest mosque, with twenty-nine golden domes and landscaped gardens, a short drive from the centre.

  • Kampong Ayer
    Photo: the Tourism Development Department of Brunei, CC BY 4.0

    Kampong Ayer

    A sprawling water village of houses, schools and mosques linked by wooden walkways across the river.

  • Royal Regalia Museum
    Photo: Hajotthu, CC BY 3.0

    Royal Regalia Museum

    Coronation chariots, crowns and royal gifts from around the world, displayed in a domed building in the centre.

  • Istana Nurul Iman
    Photo: Pangalau, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Istana Nurul Iman

    The Sultan's vast riverside palace, best seen from a boat; it opens to the public for Hari Raya celebrations after Ramadan.

Things to do

  • Water taxi and proboscis monkeys
    Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Water taxi and proboscis monkeys

    Hire a water taxi to tour Kampong Ayer, then head upriver at dusk to spot proboscis monkeys in the mangroves.

  • Gadong night market
    Photo: Pangalau, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Gadong night market

    The city's favourite evening market, for satay, grilled fish, rice dishes and sweets.

  • Ulu Temburong National Park
    Photo: SomeBaL_, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Ulu Temburong National Park

    Travel to Temburong for a longboat ride upriver and a canopy walk high above pristine rainforest.

    Find tours

Where to stay

  • City centre

    Close to the main mosque, waterfront and museums; easy to explore on foot.

    Hotels in City centre

  • Gadong

    The commercial district, with shopping malls, restaurants and the night market.

    Hotels in Gadong

  • Jerudong

    Resorts on the coast to the west, for a quieter, beachside stay.

    Hotels in Jerudong

Getting around

Taxis are few and are best booked through an app or hotel; water taxis cross the river constantly. Buses run fixed routes but finish early in the evening.

The airport is around 10 kilometres from the centre, roughly 15 minutes by taxi.

When to go

It is hot and humid all year. February to April tends to be the driest period, while the wettest months are usually from October to January.

Plan your trip to Bandar Seri Begawan

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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