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Things to Do in Bandar Seri Begawan

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the natural beauty of Brunei through various outdoor activities.

Hiking & Jungle Trekking

Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park

Offers marked trails ranging from easy walks to moderately challenging climbs. Good for most fitness levels.

Ulu Temburong National Park

Mainly accessed via organized tours. Activities include jungle trekking to waterfalls and canopy walks.

Conditions & Preparation

Prepare for humid conditions and potential rain. The canopy walk needs moderate fitness due to climbing a tall tower.

Water Sports & Wildlife Encounters

  • Riverboat Tours: Explore the Brunei River, Kampong Ayer, and tidal forests.
  • Kayaking: Offered by some local operators in the mangroves as part of tour packages.
  • Fishing: Available via local charters arranged with boatmen.
  • Proboscis Monkey Boat Trips on the river: Best chance to spot unique monkeys in late afternoon or early evening from Bandar Seri Begawan waterfront.

Adventure Sports

  • Restricted selections.
  • Main adventure is the canopy go for a go for a walk in Ulu Temburong National Park.
  • Provides a thrill with its height and jungle views.
  • No extensive water sports centers.

Wildlife Spotting

  • Mangals host proboscis monkeys.
  • Monitor lizards and different kinds of birds can be seen.
  • A guide in Ulu Temburong improves the likelihood of spotting creatures.
  • Sightings can be elusive due to dense forest.

Cycling Routes

  • Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited.
  • Cycling on main roads can be challenging.
  • Safer in parks or quieter residential areas.
  • Mountain biking is not a developed tourist activity.

Important Note

For activities in Ulu Temburong National Park, pre-arranged tours are necessary. Independent camping is not permitted.

Cultural Immersion

Opportunities for cultural immersion exist, however some require advance planning or specific timing.

Workshops & Performances

  • Limited public workshops for visitors in art, craft, music, or dance.
  • Cultural centers may offer introductory classes for groups with advance arrangement.
  • Public cultural acts are rare outside national holidays or special events.
  • Some hotels might host occasional cultural evenings featuring classic music or dance.

Community & Language

Community-Based Tourism

Not widely developed. Tourism focuses on historical sites and nature, with less emphasis on unmediated local interaction.

Language Learning

No formal short-term language courses for tourists.

Support Local

Help the local economy by purchasing goods from markets and enjoying food at local eateries.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The biggest festival marking the end of Ramadan. The Sultan’s open palace (Istana Nurul Iman) is an unique cultural experience for greeting the Sultan.

Brunei National Day

Celebrated on February 23rd, featuring parades and celebrations. It offers a chance to see national pride.

Sultan's Birthday

On July 15th, a public holiday with celebrations. You might observe parades or public gatherings.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for relaxation and personal well-being in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Spas & Natural Therapy

  • Luxury hotels like The Empire Brunei offer full-service spas with various treatments.
  • No natural hot springs exist near Bandar Seri Begawan.
  • Natural therapy options are not a prominent feature of the tourist offering.
  • Traditional Malay healing practices exist within the local community but are not usually marketed to tourists.

Yoga, Meditation & Clubs

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Not a prominent offering for tourists. Local studios might exist for residents.

Beach & Pool Clubs

The Empire Brunei provides extensive pool facilities and a private beach for guests.

Public Clubs

Public beach clubs like those common in other tropical destinations are not found here.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Very limited. Some cafes or hotel lounges could include occasional live music, but no dedicated scene.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Limited. No regular stage performances specifically aimed at tourists. Large-scale performances are rare.

Nightclubs & Bars

Alcohol is forbidden in public places. As a result, no nightclubs, bars, or pub crawls in the Western sense.

Shopping & Markets

Explore markets for local goods plus up-to-date malls for multinational brands.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Gadong Night Market (Pasar Gadong): Open daily evenings for street food, fresh produce, household goods.
  • Tamu Kianggeh: Daytime market for fresh produce, fish, and local snacks.
  • Artisan Workshops: Limited. Some small shops in Kampong Ayer or Royal Regalia Museum gift shop may have local crafts.
  • Souvenirs: Look for woven items, traditional attire miniatures, wood sculptures, local snacks (Kuih Mor, amplang), pewterware, batik designs.

Luxury & Ethical Shopping

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

The Mall (Gadong) and Times Square Shopping Centre offer multinational brands, fashion, electronics, and large stores.

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex

Near the Waterfront. Offers retail outlets and cafes, convenient after city center attractions.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Support local artisans and small businesses directly at markets to benefit the community.

Gift Ideas

  • Handicrafts with local designs.
  • Traditional attire miniatures.
  • Unique wooden carvings.
  • Authentic local snacks.

Mall Shopping

  • The Mall (Gadong).
  • Times Square Shopping Centre.
  • Global brands and fashion.
  • Electronics and large retail stores.

Shipping & Customs

  • Inquire about shipping services for large purchases.
  • Be aware of home country's customs regulations.
  • Keep receipts for high-value items.
  • Avoid issues upon return.

Late-Night Entertainment Options

Dining & Cafes
  • Mainly involves dining at restaurants or cafes that stay open later.
  • Enjoy late-night coffee or local snacks.
  • Relaxed atmosphere for conversations.
Gadong Night Market
  • Buzzes with activity in the evenings, offering a lively atmosphere.
  • Great for dining and local retail until late hours.
  • Observe local life and interaction.

Local Nightlife Culture

Brunei's nightlife is subdued, reflecting its conservative Islamic culture. The focus is on family-kid-friendly things to do and dining rather than bars or clubs.

Activity Planning Summary

Daily Itinerary Considerations

  • Combine cultural sites and natural attractions in your daily plan.
  • Walkable city center for historical landmarks.
  • Include a river cruise for Kampong Ayer and wildlife.
  • Experience the Gadong Night Market for the evening meal and local atmosphere.

Booking & Local Interaction

  • Book guided tours for Ulu Temburong in advance.
  • Seek opportunities for local interaction at markets.
  • Consider location for accommodation; City Center for sights, Gadong for dining.
  • Plan for unique photo opportunities, especially at sunset.