Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei Darussalam, a tiny oil-rich sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo. The city sits along the Brunei River and serves as the administrative, cultural, and commercial heart of a nation covering just 5,765 square kilometres, one of the smallest countries in Southeast Asia. With a population of roughly 100,000 in the capital area and around 450,000 nationwide, Brunei offers a travel experience markedly different from its neighbours.

The city's most iconic landmark is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia-Pacific region. Completed in 1958, it features Italian marble floors, English chandeliers, and a golden dome visible from much of the city centre. Across the Brunei River lies Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village, where an estimated 30,000 residents live in stilted houses connected by wooden walkways. The settlement has its own schools, mosques, a hospital, and even a fire station, and has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years.

Brunei is one of only a handful of fully dry nations, meaning alcohol is not sold anywhere in the country. Non-Muslim visitors may import limited quantities of duty-free alcohol for private consumption, but public drinking is prohibited. This is part of the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy that shapes daily life. Despite this, the country is remarkably welcoming to visitors, with English widely spoken alongside Malay.

The Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, holds the record as the world's largest residential palace, boasting 1,788 rooms and 257 bathrooms. While it is only open to the public during the three-day Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, its sheer scale is legendary. Nearby, the Royal Regalia Museum offers free admission and displays the Sultan's coronation regalia, including a gold and silver chariot.

Beyond the capital, Ulu Temburong National Park is Brunei's premier nature destination, accessible only by longboat through pristine mangrove channels. The park's 60-metre canopy walkway provides sweeping views of untouched primary rainforest. Getting around Bandar Seri Begawan is straightforward thanks to affordable water taxis, local buses, and taxis, though the city is compact enough to explore much of the centre on foot.