Brunei or Brunei Darussalam is a sultanate country in Southeast Asia that is located on the northern coast of Borneo Island. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei, which is known as the largest city in the country.
After spending some time in Kota Kinabalu for 4 days (for the second time around), I decided to fly from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei as part of my 29th birthday trip. Brunei had always been part of my travel plans; in fact, I was supposed to go backpacking Borneo islands last year, all the way from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Though Brunei hasn’t always been on my top list, I decided to spend my birthday here. This is also my way of finally taking advantage of the opportunity to learn what this sultanate country has to offer. In addition, Brunei is my 9th country for my Southeast Asia travel journey!
Thus, if you’re also planning to visit Brunei Darussalam soon, here’s a 3-day Brunei itinerary! Find out what the country has to offer—the best places to visit, things to do, and everything in between!
Table of Contents
How to get from Manila, Philippines, to Brunei?
Brunei is just a two-hour flight away from the Philippines. You can take a direct flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila to Brunei International Airport (BWN). You can book a flight via Cebu Pacific, Airasia, or Royal Brunei Airlines.
For Filipino travelers, we don’t need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Brunei. Filipinos can stay up to 14 days in Brunei without a visa.
How to get from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei?
If you also plan on exploring the Borneo Islands (like me), and your entry point is Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, traveling to Brunei can be done in several ways:
By Air
The quickest option is to take a direct flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to Brunei International Airport (BWN). The flight takes about 50 minutes.
By Road
Drive or take a bus from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei via the Pan Borneo Highway. The journey takes around 8–9 hours, passing through multiple border checkpoints.
By Land and Sea
You can take a bus from Kota Kinabalu to Menumbok (approximately 2 hours). From Menumbok, catch a ferry to Labuan (1 hour). Finally, take another ferry from Labuan to Muara, Brunei (about 1.5 hours).
In my case, I flew from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, then flew from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei with Royal Brunei Airlines. Taking the bus could have saved me a lot, but taking the plane was the best option since I wanted to save time.
However, if you want to collect as many passport stamps as possible, you can opt to take a bus from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei Darussalam since you have to go through a lot of immigration.
Essential Travel Guides & Tips
- Taxis are available but can be expensive. You can try using ride-sharing apps such as Grab. In my case, I hired a Filipino tour guide who has been living in the country for over 20 years.
- Brunei Dollar (BND) is the official currency, but Singapore Dollars are also widely accepted. BND is pegged to SGD so it has the same currency rate.
- Malay is the widely spoken language in Brunei, but English is also commonly spoken, especially in tourist areas.
- Brunei is an Islamic country, so make sure to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, like mosques.
- Alcohol is banned in Brunei. Non-Muslims can bring limited amounts for personal consumption, but they cannot purchase them locally.
- Brunei has a tropical climate; expect hot and humid conditions. Make sure to bring water with you and put on sunscreen.
- All establishments are closed from 12 NN to 2 PM every Friday for prayers.
Best Places to Visit in Brunei Darussalam
My 3-day trip to Brunei is apparently just a short visit. Nonetheless, I was able to see some of the best places to visit in Brunei. Thus, if you’re visiting Brunei, consider visiting these places:
Tamu Kianggeh Market
This is a bustling local market where you can try some authentic Bruneian dishes like:
- Ambuyat: A sago-based delicacy served with various sauces.
- Nasi Katok: Simple yet delicious meal consisting of rice, fried chicken, and spicy sambal.
- Assorted tropical fruits: Try fresh durian, mangosteen, and rambutan.
One of the best things about Brunei is that their local food is very affordable, which costs 1 BND! My favorite local Bruneian dish would definitely be the famous “Nasi Katok.” My tour guide shared a back story behind the dish name, wherein its name comes from the tradition of customers knocking on the rice seller’s door to place an order. In Malay, “Nasi” means rice, and “katok” means knock.
Kampong Ayer – The Water Village
Known as the “Venice of the East,” Kampong Ayer is the world’s largest stilted water village. This 1,000-year-old village on stilts houses thousands of people and is a fascinating glimpse into traditional Bruneian life. For convenience, you can book the Brunei Water Village Tour via Klook!
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
This is undeniably the largest mosque in Brunei, featuring 29 golden domes. The mosque boasts impressive architectural details and beautifully landscaped gardens. The best time to visit here is at night, as the mosque is magnificently illuminated, offering a breathtaking sight.
Gadong Night Market
This vibrant market offers a plethora of local street food at affordable prices. You can try some local foods like satay and pulut panggang.
Royal Regalia Museum
The Royal Regalia Museum boasts an extensive collection of royal artifacts, including the Sultan’s coronation chariot, ceremonial regalia, and gifts from foreign dignitaries. If you want to have more insight into Brunei’s monarchy and its rich history, then the Royal Regalia Museum is surely a must-visit! Take note that the admission is free yet photography is not allowed inside the main galleries, and you’ll need to leave your shoes and bags at the entrance lockers.
Tasek Lama Recreational Park
If you want to relax amidst lush greenery and enjoy the serene environment, you can visit Tasek Lama Recreational Park. You can climb up for panoramic views of the city skyline.
The Empire Brunei
Visiting the Empire Brunei is a must for its grandeur. You can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea experience overlooking the South China Sea while witnessing the breathtaking sunset from the hotel’s private beach.
The Empire Brunei is one of the most luxurious hotels in Brunei. If you don’t have any plans on staying here, that’s okay. Entering the hotel is free, and you can still look around within the hotel and its beachfront area. One thing that amazed me about this hotel is that even the restrooms are so luxurious and huge!
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
This majestic mosque is an iconic symbol of Brunei’s Islamic heritage. The mosque derives its name from its builder, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, the father of the present Sultan and predecessor, the 28th Sultan of Brunei. Its golden domes, marble minarets, and a lagoon create a picturesque view. Don’t forget to explore its peaceful interiors, which are open to tourists during non-prayer hours.
Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas
This is a riverfront eco park, which is just a walking distance from Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. A nice place to walk around after visiting the mosque.
What’s so wonderful about this place is that it’s very clean and offers panoramic views of the water village (Kampong Ayer) and the Mosque.
3D2N Brunei Itinerary
Day 1
- Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei Darussalam
- The Empire Brunei
- Check in at EZ Suites
- Visit Gadong Night Market
Day 2
- Overlooking view at Kampong Ayer
- Visit Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
- Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas (Eco Park)
- Istana Gate (The Royal Palace)
- Visit Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
- Dinner at Alter Ego Fusion Restaurant
Day 3
- Royal Regalia Museum
- Tamu Kianggeh Market
- Fly back to Manila via Cebu Pacific
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunei good for tourists?
Yes. Brunei is considered very safe for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Brunei is indeed one of the most ideal places to visit in Southeast Asia.
How many days in Brunei is enough?
3 days is enough to visit the must-see places in Brunei. But if you want to explore and discover more about the beauty of the country, 5 days should be enough.
Can you drink alcohol in Brunei?
Alcohol is banned in Brunei. Thus, it is not legally available to purchase in local stores in Brunei.
Is Brunei expensive to visit?
Brunei could be an expensive place to visit, considering that public transportation is quite limited. However, some tourist attractions are free and local dishes are very affordable so it is still fascinating to see the side and beauty of this sultanate country in Southeast Asia.
When is the best time to visit Brunei?
Brunei has a tropical climate. The best time to visit is between January and May, when the weather is drier.
Is it worth visiting Brunei?
Brunei Darussalam is often overlooked by travelers exploring Southeast Asia, but this peaceful sultanate has plenty to offer. The locals are very welcoming and it’s a very safe place to visit even for solo travelers.
My Thoughts on Visiting Brunei Darussalam
I must say that Brunei Darussalam was not part of my top destinations to visit, but this country did not fail to amaze me. While I was in the country, I felt completely safe. Upon observation, Brunei gives me a vibe of Singapore, clean, peaceful, and safe. Not to mention the fact that their currency is pegged to Singaporean dollars.
Brunei continues to captivate me, leaving me with unanswered questions. Thus, I’d love to go back again in the near future and find out more about what Brunei can bring to the table.
If you’re planning to visit this Islamic country in Southeast Asia, then you can follow through on this comprehensive 3-day Brunei itinerary.
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Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.