BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT

Dermaga Diraja (The Royal Wharf)

More popularly known as the ‘Waterfront’, the Royal Wharf is situated by one of the Brunei River banks and was recently redeveloped into a scenic promenade that now also leads to the Mahkota Jubli Emas Park. This is a perfect place to enjoy those long strolls at night without ever being too far from some of Brunei’s finest eats (check out Kaizen Sushi or The Horizons Seafood Restaurant). One of the best viewing spots of Brunei’s heritage site – Kampong Ayer, a historic water village. If you require additional help navigating Brunei, a Tourist Information Centre is just around the corner too.

Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka Mural

Commissioned by the 28^th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, this iconic mural boasts a height of 30 metres. You’ll get a quick snapshot of Brunei’s history and heritage as it features 100 figures performing activities related to traditional Bruneian culture such as songket weaving, fishing and rice planting. Conceptualised by local veteran artist Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Asmalee bin Pengiran Ahmad in 1963, the mural was completed two years later and it continues to be one of the photographic highlights of Bandar Seri Begawan.

Indoor Ice-Skating Rink at Aman Hills Shopping Centre

Unleash your inner “Frozen” and let yourself go as you glide along an icy plain at Aman Hills Shopping Centre. Made of actual ice, the ice-skating rink is one of the shopping complex’s most popular family-friendly attractions, featuring trainers for first-time skaters and adorable dolphin skate aids for children. Able to accommodate about 80 to 100 skaters at a time, this is a great spot to move and loosen yourself after a movie or a stroll within the imminent shopping mall.

Jalan Roberts

The most photogenic street in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan is Jalan Roberts, next to Jalan Pretty and Jalan McArthur. This street is named after E. Roberts, the first Head of Public Works Department in 1906. A walk through this technicolour lane comprising vintage shophouses with classic louvered wooden shutters will reward you with a pop of colour for your Instagram feed. Car-free Sunday is the perfect time to stroll around here when pedestrians are kings of the street for the day.

Jerudong Park

Go on a rollercoaster ride with friends and enjoy a picnic at the garden, or get on a magical boat ride and spend some time with a special someone. Wet your feet and refresh yourself at the water park, or take a whimsical stroll along the park's magnificent landscapes. And make sure to take a picture at the Diamond Monument before you leave!

For more information, visit their IG @jerudongpark or visit their website at www.jerudongpark.com

Joyful Garden

Built with love to cultivate joy, Joyful Garden is a tranquil escape that is much needed. The lush garden is home to a plethora of plants and decorated with wooden swings, delightful gazebos and furniture pieces inspired by the Chinese culture. Walk across small bridges and unwind as you listen to the calming sounds of water streaming down from the hill into the ponds. This spot is perfect for visitors who want to slow down and take some time to unwind. And if you come at the right time, you might be able to join in on a Qi Gong session.

The Joyful Garden is free of charge to enter. It is located at No. 40, Simpang 214, Kampung Subok Open daily from 7am – 6pm on Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 7am – 6:30pm on Friday and Sunday.

Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer is one of the largest water settlements in Southeast Asia, this expanse of settlements on stilts is a must-visit for any traveler wishing to complete their tour of Brunei. The Brunei River is home to a lively community. Start off with a scenic boat ride of the Brunei River before taking a walk along wooden paths and bridges rich with culture and history. Complete your experience by paying a visit to the Cultural and Tourism Gallery and learn why Kampong Ayer is known as the "Venice of The East".

For further information, click here.

Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

Begin your walking tour of Kampong Ayer at the Kampong Ayer Cultural Tourism Gallery. Located just beside Jetty 1, it is accessible by water taxi from the Royal Wharf. Learn about this ‘Venice of the East’ and its long history, the society that lived here and the handicrafts handed down through generations. Don’t forget to stop by the sunken gallery which has an informative display of traditional games.

Lugu Lake (along the Jerudong-Tutong highway)

A former man-made pit turned freshwater lagoon, Lugu Lake will definitely dazzle the eyes with its uniquely turquoise lustre. On any given weekend, you can find local resident kids waddling and splashing around in the blue lake. For those who are more experienced on the water, you can try your hand at paddleboarding! Soak in the warm rays as you float atop the dreamy blue lagoon.

Malay Technology Museum

Opened in 1988 by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah, this museum showcases traditional technology employed by the Kampong Ayer residents in their livelihood through a series of exhibits depicting the old Bruneian life on the water village. Take yourself back to the past through dioramas of villagers and their crafts such as boat-making, fishing, metalworking and goldsmithing.

Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque

From its iconic glistening golden dome and towering marble walls to the majestic and magical lagoon housing the historical Mahligai Barge, its no wonder the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque is seen as one of the most magnificent mosques in the Asia Pacific. Named after the 28th Sultan, who is known as The Architect of Modern Brunei, you’ll quickly be immersed in its glorious beauty and wealth of history and culture.

Take a look inside at these times:

Saturday to Wednesday
8.30AM – 12PM
1.30PM – 3PM
4.30PM – 5.30PM

Closed on Thursdays and Fridays

Rimba Garden Cental

Beauty blooms in abundance at Rimba Garden Cental. Green thumbs and flower lovers, will find a wonderful assortment of herbs, flowers, herbs and other essentials for gardening. Those who are looking for gardening advice, can trust in their team of horticulturists. It is also a wonderful site for recreation, and many visit to stroll and take pictures of the gorgeous garden landscapes and lush greenery.

Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas

The Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas is a 12-hectare riverfront park situated alongside the grand Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the tranquil water village, Kampong Ayer. Enjoy a walk down the promenade, where you can bask in the tranquil gardens full of tulips and baobab trees. Many come here to enjoy a peaceful sunset stroll. You can even rent a 2-seater, 4-seater or 6-seater bicycle for a captivating ride with your family. If you're strolling after dark, watch as the monuments as they light up the park!

Tamu Kianggeh

Located at the banks of Kianggeh river where the waterways are constantly busy with motorboats zooming by, the market features a variety of local vegetables like edible ferns and medicinal herbs. Also on sale are fishermen's catch of the day as well as ready-cooked local dishes that'll whet your appetite for that distinct Bruneian flavor! The market is open daily from 8am-5.30pm, with Friday morning being their most bustling time! However most stalls would pack up by noon so we suggest you head there in the morning.

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Brunei is blessed with plenty of natural rainforest parks and the Tasek Lama Recreation Park might hold the top spot for some. If you are in need of some stress relief, Tasek Lama is the place to head to. Here you will find a great deal of walking and hiking trails of various levels of difficulty, ideal for joggers and hikers. For avid adventurers, pack up your hiking gears and hit the jungle trails of Sarang Helang (Eagle’s Nest) or Bukit Markuching. The viewing tower can give you a nice bird’s eye view of the park. Be sure to stop by the waterfall which you can enjoy on the wooden deck.

Tasek Sarubing

Take a serene lakeside walk in Tasek Sarubing Recreational Park. With a spectacular view of the lake, many visitors enjoy a nice afternoon stroll. Wonder upon its wooden walkways, and sometimes relaxing under shaded huts. Many hikers frequent the place, since the park also serves as an endpoint to a 2-hour hiking trail connected to Tasek Lama.

If you're feeling hungry after a long walk, there are food vendors that operate during the day just nearby!

Teng Yun Temple

Take a drive around downtown Bandar Seri Begawan and you’ll come across the unmissable Teng Yun Temple, the oldest existing Chinese temple in Brunei. Flanked by much taller office blocks and a multi-storey car park, this ornate Taoist temple with its bright red walls and green roof brings a touch of colour to its surrounding commercial area. The interior is decorated with hand-painted tiles depicting Chinese legends and is constantly fragranced with smoke from smouldering prayer joss sticks. Since its establishment in the 1960s, the Teng Yun Temple has been a sanctuary to devotees in the Chinese community which makes up roughly 10 per cent of the population. Visitors flock to the temple during the Lunar New Year celebrations to watch a vibrant display of lion dances.

The Big Wall and 7 Padian Murals

Set your eyes on the biggest mural in Brunei - The Big Wall. Standing high, it demands the attention of all passersby. Designed and created by a collective of local graffiti and independent street artists,  this incredible art piece features the national flower Bunga Simpur and Jawi calligraphy, as well as the iconic Kampong Ayer. Turn your attention to the floor and you can see the Sultanate’s rich history and culture through the ‘7 Padians’ floor mural that illustrates the river commerce  of the 7 ethnic groups (puak jati) of Brunei, each group identified by the distinctive symbols and motifs of their culture.

The Royal Ceremonial Hall

While visitors are not allowed in, the Royal Ceremonial Hall is worth a stop, simply to soak in its historic and cultural importance. Commonly known as the Lapau, this grand building hosts royal ceremonial events including the coronation and crowning of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah in 1968. It is also a short walk to the Brunei History Centre and Royal Regalia Museum – the perfect places for you to embark on a cultural tour around Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum is home to the Sultanate's heirlooms and regalia. From golden chariots to olden-day symbolic weapons and shields, exhibits of His Majesty's Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations, and ornate mementos from historic Brunei, this museum is embellished with the beauty of Brunei's past.

Visiting Hours:

Monday to Thursday
9am - 5pm

Friday
9am - 11.30am

Saturday to Sunday
9am - 5pm

Time Piece Monument

The Time Piece Monument stands in the middle of Bandar Seri Begawan as an important historic landmark. The clock was made as a commemoration for Tuanku Abdul Rahman's visit to Brunei in 1959. He also laid the foundation stone of the clock during that visit. Many refer to the Clock Tower as "Ground Zero", as many use it as reference to measure the distance between the capital and other important places in Brunei.