Brunei Travel Guide

Brunei Travel Guide Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (P1) The largest mosque in Brunei, it features typical Islamic architectural elements such as domes, minarets, and arcades. Its most distinctive feature is the 29 pure gold roofs made of 24K gold. The mosque is fully equipped, and the crystal chandeliers and handmade carpets are extremely luxurious. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (P2-3) Located in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, this mosque is a national landmark of Brunei and is also known as one of the most spectacular mosques in the Asia-Pacific region. The marble mosque is entirely white, with spires and domes on top, including a 52-meter-high main dome plated with pure gold. Istana Nurul Iman (P4) Covering an area of 200,000 square meters and boasting 1,788 rooms, Istana Nurul Iman is one of the largest palaces in the world. Its 257 bathrooms and 5 giant swimming pools alone are enough to amaze visitors. It is only open to the public on Brunei's National Day (February 23) and the three days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri after Ramadan. Kampong Ayer (P5) This village, composed of 30 stilt house settlements, has a rustic, nostalgic, and even somewhat dilapidated atmosphere, far from the image of the "Venice of the East." However, you can still visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery and the observation tower to experience the culture and history of the water village. Pulau Berambang (P6-7) A water taxi can take you to Pulau Berambang, also known as Mangrove Island, located in the middle of the Brunei River. The island is surrounded by mangroves, where the Proboscis monkey, Brunei's "national treasure," hides. At sunset, follow the boatman's instructions, hold your breath, and you might catch a glimpse of them. Ulu Temburong National Park (P8) Temburong District has one of the best-preserved primary rainforest areas in the Borneo rainforest belt, and it is also the first national park established in Brunei. Take a longboat here, and then choose to hike on the canopy walkway to admire the miles of pristine forest. Merimbun Heritage Park (P9) Covering an area of 7,800 hectares, this park is located in the Tutong District and is a natural oasis. The "S"-shaped lake reflects the water birds and green trees on both sides. It is also a great place for stargazing, with the best time being from March to September each year. Gadong Night Market (P10) In this largest night market in Brunei, crowds surge, and satay-flavored skewers are the most popular item. Noodles, fried noodles, and nasi lemak are also common dishes. There are also many fruit vendors, making it a pleasant experience to enjoy some tropical fruits after dinner.