Getting Around Brunei Darussalam

Majority of Brunei's attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the heart of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. You have many transportation options to get around Brunei.

BUSES

A comprehensive public bus system serves the capital and other destinations. There are six bus routes serving Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) area and Brunei Muara District.

• Central Line
• Circle Line
• Eastern Line
• Northern Line
• Western Line
• Southern Line 

Buses to other major towns such as Tutong, Seria and Kuala Belait depart from the bus terminal located at the Jalan Cator car park in downtown BSB.

The buses usually operate from 6:00am - 8:00pm. Fares is BS1.00 regardless of the how near or far the destinations are.

Some useful routes:  

• Brunei International Airport: Buses 23-24, 34, 36 & 38
• Apek Utama Hotel, Brunei Museum and Malay Technology Museum: Bus 39
• Gadong: Buses 1, 22 & 55
•  Jame'Asr Hassaal Bolkiah Mosque: Buses 1 & 22
• Jerudong Park Playground: Buses 55 & 57
• Muara: Buses 37-39
• Kuala Lurah: Buses 42 & 44
• Kuala Belait/Tutong District (via Proposed Rimba Terminal): Buses 22 & 57
• Kianggeh Jetty: Bus 39
• Labuan/Kampung Munbok (Kota Kinabalu via Muara Passenger/Car Ferry Terminal): Buses 33, 37-39

Express  buses travel between BSB & the Muara ferry terminal roughly every half-hour between 6:50am and 4:50pm.

Brunei Public Bus Map (Click to Enlarge)

TAXIS
There are no metered taxis you can hail around Brunei. They are at most hotels, shopping centres, and the airport. In the capital, taxis are located at the Jalan Cator car park. It is advisable to prearrange your taxi rides by contacting the following numbers:

• Bandar Seri Begawan: (673)222-2214/222-6853
• Kuala Belait: (673)333-4581
• Seria: (673)322-2215
• Airport Taxi Service: (673)234-3671  

Rates:
The 1st km or less from 6:00am to 9:00pm: B$3.00 and from 9:00am to 6:00am: B$4.50. For additional 200m or less: B$0.20 and every minute of waiting: B$0.20.

Surcharge:
Every trip to or from Brunei International Ariport: B$5.00

Luggage Charge:
All luggage placed in the boat per piece of luggage: B$1.00

Booking Charge:
Booking via Phone: B$3.00

Long Distance Surcharge:
after 100km: B$25.00

CART RENTALS
For convenience in exploring Brunei, you can arrange a tour with the hotel you've been staying. Self-drive or chauffeur driven cars are also available from major hotels and the airport.

For list of car rentals, see below. 

• Avis Rent-A-Car: (673)242-6345/244-2284/244-6380/242-4921
• Branch-Sheraton Utama Hotel: (673)222-7100
• Azizah Car Rental: (673)222-9388/785-9888/881-8880
• Booklink: (673)244-6380
• Budget-U-Drive: (673)234-5573/234-5574
• Ellis and Sukma Car Rental: (673)242-7238/242-3777/875-0285
• Hani Car Rental: (673)261-1666/883-7845
• Hertz Rent-A-Car: (673)245-2244
• L&W Automobile Rental Service Sdn Bhd: (673)875-2738
• Qawi Enterprise Rent-A-Car: (673)265-5550/265-5551/265-5552
• Sabli Development & Eng. Co.: (673)239-1122/877-9421

If you want a much cheaper car service, you can look for a local driver who will be willing to drive you around. Don't settle with the price he or she will tell you, haggle. You can reason out with the driver that their petroleum is not expensive so he shouldn't charge you that much.

Muhamar, the Jubilee Hotel driver, who picked us up at the airport offered us a reasonable rate for a tour. We talked to him when we were at Jubilee Hotel, unfortunately I don't have his number. But you can call Jubilee Hotel and ask for his number. He works there and this is just his sideline after work so please be polite when asking for his number.

WATER TAXIS & FERRY SERVICES

Exploring the water villages or Kampung Ayer is best done via a water taxi. It can be chartered along the waterfront of BSB. You don't need to worry about finding the boatmen because they will spot you even before you spot them.

The fare starts from BS$30, but don't settle...haggle. Or find other tourists that want to explore the water villages and split the fare.

Depending on your negotiation skills, the boatman can charter you around the water villages, even take you to admire the very beautiful Sultan's palace, the Istana Nurul Iman. To get the perfect view of the palace, it's best to see it during the sunset.

If you are up for more adventure, ask the boatman to take you further upriver to Pulau Ranggu, an island that's home to a large colony of proboscis monkeys. The best time to head out is late afternoon, as the monkeys are easiest to spot around sunset. Sunset in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei is at 6:30pm.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Don't go to Brunei during public holidays as all of the shops are closed and transportation is very limited. Of if you are, wear comfy shoes and clothes when planning on exploring the city because you might just end up walking.
• Most locals don't speak or understand basic English, so it's not very helpful asking them. Even the policemen are no help.
• Brunei is a very rich country so they don't need tourism to help their economy, so don't expect people to be very helpful.
• Expect people, mostly men, to rush in getting into the bus even if you are still inside and about to get off. It doesn't matter if you are a woman.
• For women, Brunei is a Muslim country so don't wear revealing clothes. Make sure to have something to cover your head or people will, especially men will stare.
• Most of the tourist attractions in Brunei is open until 5:00pm only. 
• Thursday is the rest day for all, so don't expect for shops to be opened.
• Most hotels serve breakfast from 7:00am to 9:30am only. Restaurants for some them are open until 5:00pm only.