1. Brunei Airport Mosque
One of the very first sights you’ll notice upon landing in Bandar Seri Begawan is the mosque located just outside Brunei International Airport. It’s impossible to miss.
Although smaller than the city’s famous mosques, it stands out with its striking blue dome and three elegant minarets, sitting only a few steps from the terminal entrance. The mosque isn’t open to visitors, but it still makes for a great first impression of Brunei and a perfect quick photo stop before heading into the city.
2. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is the most iconic landmark in Brunei and easily the country’s most photographed attraction. Its massive dome, covered in pure gold, dominates the skyline and creates a truly unforgettable sight.
Completed in 1958, the mosque stands about 50 meters (170 feet) tall and reportedly cost between $7 and $10 million USD to build — an enormous investment for its time. The craftsmanship is just as impressive as the scale.
Luxury materials were sourced from across the globe, including marble from Italy, granite from Shanghai, crystal chandeliers from England, and handwoven carpets from Saudi Arabia. Architecturally, the mosque blends Mughal influences with traditional Malay design, resulting in a structure that feels almost storybook-like — something straight out of a fairytale.
3. Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the largest mosque in Brunei and one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. Its importance is hard to miss — the mosque even appears on Brunei’s $10 banknote.
The structure is breathtaking in scale, featuring 29 shimmering golden domes and four towering minarets that rise about 60 meters (197 feet) high. Every detail feels grand and meticulously crafted, making it one of the most impressive religious buildings in Southeast Asia.
Located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the mosque is only about a 10-minute drive from the airport. Visiting after sunset is especially rewarding, when the exterior is fully illuminated and glows in a brilliant gold. On select days, visitors are also allowed inside, where the interior proves to be just as stunning as the exterior.
4. Royal Regalia Museum
The Royal Regalia Museum is Brunei’s most famous museum and one of the top cultural attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan. Located in the city center, it offers a fascinating look into the country’s royal heritage and modern history.
Admission is completely free, making it an easy addition to any itinerary. Photography isn’t allowed inside, and visitors are asked to leave phones and cameras at the entrance, but free lockers are provided so you can explore the exhibits without any hassle. The displays themselves are well worth the visit, even without photos.
5. Mangrove River Safari
A mangrove river safari is one of the best ways to experience Brunei’s wildlife and natural scenery. This relaxing boat cruise along the Brunei River typically lasts around two hours and offers a completely different side of the country.
As you glide through the mangrove forests, keep an eye out for Borneo’s famous proboscis monkeys, which are often spotted resting in the trees along the riverbanks. Most tours also include a visit to a traditional water village built on stilts, giving you a closer look at local life on the river.
6. Gadong Mall
Often simply called “The Mall,” Gadong Mall is one of the main shopping centers in Bandar Seri Begawan and a popular stop for both locals and visitors.
While it’s not on the same scale as the massive malls you’ll find in places like Dubai, it’s still a convenient spot to cool off during the hottest part of the day. Inside, you’ll find a good mix of electronics stores, souvenir shops, food options, and everyday essentials, making it a practical stop during your Brunei itinerary.
7. Pick Up Some Brunei Souvenirs
Bandar Seri Begawan is one of those lesser-known capitals that not many travelers get to visit, which makes souvenirs from Brunei feel a bit more special. It’s a great place to pick up fridge magnets, small gifts, or locally themed keepsakes to remember your trip.
Even the Bruneian dollar banknotes stand out with their unique designs, making them an interesting souvenir on their own. Bringing something home from Brunei is a subtle way to show you’ve been somewhere a little off the usual tourist trail.
8. Try Durian Ice Cream
For something truly different, try durian ice cream while you’re in Brunei. Yes — the infamous fruit known for its powerful smell somehow makes its way into dessert form.
At Dairy Queen in Brunei, you can find durian-flavored Blizzards, and the taste is every bit as strange as you’d expect. Some people love it, others are completely baffled by it, but either way it’s an experience worth having — even if it’s just so you can say you tried it.
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That completes “Top 8 Things To Do In Brunei & Bandar Seri Begawan” with fully original, SEO-optimized content.
