28 Must See Attractions in Brunei-Muara District, Brunei Darussalam!

Brunei has 4 Districts only, these are: Belait (Largest), Tutong, Temburong and Brunei Muara (Smallest).  I was only able to visit Brunei Muara, but let me tell you, even though it's the smallest, it is the site of the nation's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the center of all commerce. You will need more than 3 days to fully explore this district.

Here are the top things to see and do in Brunei-Muara District according to location and Jubilee Hotel is the starting point:

For the complete itinerary, pelase visit: Brunei Darussalam 3 Days & 2 Nights Itinerary

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN AREA

1. Tamu Kianggeh (Kianggeh Market)

If you are planning on walking to these destinations, you can start your day with a visit to this market. Tamu means Market and Kianggeh is where this market is located, thus the name. Here you will find a variety of fresh local produce. This is also the perfect place to find good bargains such as the tudung dulay (decorative food cover), pemarang (machete-like knife) and local food like kueh cincin and jala.

Must Do:

Rambutan

• Sample tropical fruits like cempedak, tarap, rambutan, belunu, membangan, binjai and kembayau. 
• Try classic Bruneian keuh-mueh (biscuits and sweets) such as cincin, penyaram, jala, bahulu, tapal, and sapit. 

• You can also hail a water taxi from here to Kampung Ayer (Water Village). 

2. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

From Yayasan Complex, you can already see the Mosque. You can just walk straight to get there and enjoy the elegant structure of the one of the beautiful mosque in Brunei. This mosque was built in memory of Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien, the leader who steered the nation to safety after the World War 11. He was regarded as the architech of modern Brunei. Beside the mosque and anchored in a man-made lagoon is a replica of a 16-th century mahligai or royal barge, where royal ceremonies were staged centuries ago. Visitors are are asked to leave their shoes if they want to go inside the mosque. Women are required to cover their heads and dress appropriately. The mosque is closed for non-Muslims during prayers and functions and on Thursdays & Fridays.

Must Do:

• View the Mosque at night to see hot it lit-up like a flame. It's really a beautiful and grand mosque!

3. Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex

If you are not gonna take the water taxi from the Kianggeh Market to Kampung Ayer, you can go straight to Yayasan Complex. It's small compare to the one at Gadong, but complete with everything, from designer-goods boutiques, department store shopping and fine-dining venues. It is one of the popular shopping venues in Bandar Seri, and the it's walkway paved ith polished granite is the perfect spot to have the picturesque view of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

Must Do:

• Grocery shopping. It's the perfect place to buy pasalubong for items that are not available in Manila. I found there the brand of coffee that I love, it's really from Singapore and Rustan's Supermarket used to have one but I don't it anymore, the Boncafe. I also bought the Cadbury Dark Chocolate with Mint as I don't see it in any of the grocery stores I've been to.

4. Mircu Dirgahayu 60

After visiting Kampung Ayer, you can stroll along the riverbanks to eat. There are many options from fine-dining to mid-level restaurants. And while you're there, make sure to check the monument dedicated by the people of Brunei to their Sultan. This is their way of showing their gratitude to their Sultan on his 60th Birthday. It's located not far from Kopi Bandar.

Must Do:

 

Food at Kopi Bandar

• Dine in one of the restaurants along the riverbank. I would recommend the Kopi Bandar for authentic food at a very affordable price.

5. Kampung Ayer (Water Village)

From Silver Jubilee Monument, you can walk back to Yayasan Complex hail a water taxi going to Kampung Ayer, the capital's sprawling water village. This really is a must see to complete your visit in Brunei. This is where the history of the nation lies. Centuries-old web of homes, markets, mosques, schools, medical clinics, and police and fire stations. The village can be reached via a Water Taxi or via the bridge that connect it to the capital. Visitors can explore the water village at an appropriate hours.

Must Do:

• Hail a water taxi to the village and after that, and take a leisurely sunset ride to view the largest residential palace in the world. They said that it's the perfect sight when the palace is lit-up and makes golden dome like a flame in the darkness of the night.

Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay

• Pay a visit or better yet, stay a night at the residence of Haji Mahmud bin Haji Mohamamad, commonly known as Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay.

 Kamung Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

• Visit the Kampung Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, a mini gallery that displays the traditional handcrafted brass ware and other important artifacts about Brunei.

6. The Lapau and Dewan Majilis

You will pass by this building going to the Brunei History Centre and The Royal Regalia Building. Lapau is the ceremonial hall where royal ceremonies are traditionally held. Here is where the current Sultan was crowned in 1968. Adjoining the Lapau is the Dewan Majilis or the Parliament House. Official permission is required to enter the Lapau. We did not arrange a schedule for the visit so we just look at this building from outside.

7. Brunei History Centre

The centre is located just beside the Royal Regalia Building . It was built to aid with the research and documentation of Brunei's history. We were not able to visit this centre because it was closed during our visit.

8. The Royal Regalia Building

Situated at the very heart of Band Seri Begawan, this building was built in 1992 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan's accession to the throne. Visitors are required to leave their shoes before entering. Taking photos is only allowed in the display lobby. You will be asked to leave all your belongings and put it in the locker provided before they let you enter the main museum, where the gifts of other leaders to the Sultan are displayed. What I love about their museums, there's no entrance fee.

9. Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Is one of the oldest declared nature reserves in Bandar Seri Begawan. You will never think that there's a park like this in the city. It's the perfect place if you want to escape the busy street of Bandar Seri. It has a trail that leads to a natural waterfall and lake. We went there on our own and no tour guide and we didn't know about this trail. So we just follow the pathway and walk around the park. We also tried the playground equipment located at the very center of the park. We saw one man jogging so I guess this is the favorite place for joggers.

Must Do:

• Follow the trail that leads to the natural waterfall and lake.
• Climb the mountain when you have extra time.

10. The Istana Nurul Imana (Palace of the Light of Faith)

Is the largest residential palace in the world. It is the official home of the Sultan and the site of his Prime Ministerial offices. I'm proud to say that this was designed by a fellow Filipino, Leandro Locsin and the construction was handled a Filipino firm, the Ayala International. From all of the attractions above, this is the farthest so keep this in mind when you prepare your itinerary. You might also need to hire a car to take you there, although nothing much to do there. The palace only open to public during the 3-day Hari Raya Aidil Fitri festivities at the end of Ramadan.

Must Do:

• View the beauty of the palace from the water taxi at the Kampung Ayer. It said to be very magnificent when viewed during sunset, when the sun reflects its light on the golden domes.
• Go to Taman Persiaran Damuan, the palm-tree studded park that ambles along the river of Jalan Turong, to get the perfect view of the palace. 

JALAN TUTONG & KOTA BATU AREAS


11. The Arts & Handicrafts Centre

Built on the banks of the Brunei river this centre, also called Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre, was established as a haven for the preservation of the of traditional Bruneian knowledge and skills. You can drop by here before you head to Brunei Museum or Malay Technological Museum.

Must Do:

• Buy a souvenir if you have extra budget.

12. Bukit Subok Recreational Park

Another park that has vantage points overlooking downtown Bandar and Kampung Ayer. It's just a walking distance from Bandar Seri Begawan.

13. Bubongan Duabelas (The House of Twelve Roofs)

This is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Brunei, turned into an exhibition gallery and offers a panoramic view of the Kampung Ayer. It was formerly sued as residence for previous British Residents and High Commissioners.

14. The Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah

This the resting place of the enigmatic and remarkable Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Bolkian, also known as the Singing Admiral. He is the 5th ruler oif the Islamic Brunei and and his reign is known as the nation's Golden Age.

15. Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum

Brunei Museum is the National Museum and the largest museum in Brunei, located about 6.5km away from Bandar Seri Begawan. Like the Kampong Ayer Gallery, this museum also has a number of galleries. These are the Islamic-art gallery, a natural history gallery, and a gallery to hold temporary exhibitions.

Must Do:

• Walk downhill to reach the Malay Technological Museum. 

16. The Malay Technological Museum

This museum, donated by the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies, is located near the Brune Museum and offers an insight into the kind of tools ancient Bruneians used. There are a exhibits on the ground floor but the majority are located on the 2nd floor. The exhibits features how things were done in ancients times. There are displays in boat making, fishing, metalworking and gold smiting.

JERUDONG & GADONG AREAS

17. Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

If you don't want to drop by at those business centres, then you can just ask your driver to bring you to the biggest and most magnificent mosque in Brunei, the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Museum. It was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sultan. It's so big that it can be seen along the main road going to the airport. It's most noticeable at night when the golden domes are lit-up like a flame. If you can, make sure to arrange your visit when you can go inside the mosque.

18. The Mall

If you don't to drop by at the Rimba Horticulture Business Centre, you can go straight to The Mall to do some shopping or if you want to eat. This 8-storey mall is the biggest shopping and leisure mall in Brunei. It has a shopping arcade, a Cineplex, a food court, and various fine dining establishments. It also has an international hotel.

Must Do:

Teh Tarek

• Try their local food such as the Ambuyat (Sticky Rice) and Teh Tarek (Milk Tea) at the food court.

19. Bhukit Shahbandar Forest Recreational Park

Located 20 minutes driver from Bandar Seri is this popular yet challenging recreational park. It said that even the most dedicated joggers , hikers and bikers are challenged in the park's landscape. The park also has an observation tower that gives visitors a bird's eye view of the whole terrain.

20. The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Going back the the town centre of Bandar Seri Begawan from Jerudong Park, make sure to drop by at the 6-star hotel. It's not actually advertised as one of the attractions in Brunei  but it's really a beauty. We went there an hour before the sunset so were able to see the hotel during night time. You don't have to dine or stay in order to explore this hotel. Just keep in mind that there are certain areas that are restricted to guests only.

Must Do:

• Wait until sunset or night time to see the real beauty of this hotel.

21. Rimba Horticulture Business Centre

From the Empire Hotel & Country Club, drop by at this centre, that's if you love nature. It's the perfect place to see the tropical indoor and outdoor flowering garden plants.

22. Jerudong Park Playground

We originally wanted to check out this park when we're doing our itinerary, howver, due to time restrictions, we weren't able to visit. This park opened in 1994 to coincide with the Sultan's 48th birthday celebration. Some of the attractions and rides are: Carousel, Giant Drop, Dodgem Cars, Larger Than Life Chess Pieces, Paddle Boat Ride, Pirate Ship & Pusing Lagi.

Must Do:

• While you're there, make sure to visit the Jerudong local market to see what other local produce offered aside from the ones you'll see in Tamu Kianggeh.

BERAKAS AREA


23. Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium

Is a popular public venue for football matches, jogging and athletics training. Here is where the Brunei National Day Celebration is always held. It's 5 km away from the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan.

24. International Convention Centre

Located not far from the National Stadium stands this centre with two theatre-style convention halls that hosts gala events and political addresses. It has numerous meeting rooms, banquet and dining halls and a minsters' lounge, all equipped with state of the art communications facilities and a full scale catering kitchen. We just passed by this convention centre when we left the stadium and trying to find our way back to the hotel.

25. Berakas Forestry Recreational Park & Berakas Beach

Another recreation park for visitors to enjoy the fresh air and be with nature. This is the perfect example of an outdoor spots, perfect for barbeque or just to relax.  It's 10 km away from Bandar Seri Begawan and a must visit if you have a lot of extra time. And while you're there, you might want to check the beaches.

26. Meragang Beach

Another beach that you can visit is the Meragang Beach, also called Crocodile Beach. Despite the name, you'll encounter no such creature in the beach. It said to have a perfect view of the sunset.

27. Muara Beach

And if you want to check their, head to Muara Beach, a long stretch of pale sun-warmed ribbin of sand caressed by the South China Sea. It's 27 km away from Bandar Seri Begawan, so you will need a lot of time to fully enjoy your visit. The beach has a well-equiped picnic area, a playground, changing and toilet facilities and weekedn food and drink stalls.

28. Serasa Beach

This beach is the most well-developed beach in Muara and very popular with water sports enthusiasts. The Serasa Water Sports Complex has a complete facilities for both recreational and sports activities to international competition. 

Brunei has no railway system, but I guess they really don't need them since most of the people there have more than one car, thanks to the cheap price of gasoline. I'm amazed though, because even though they own more than one car, there's no traffic! When you are late, you can't justify it with the traffic.

While writing this list, I realized that I saw/visited most of the attractions in Muara District. I missed some because of lack of time, but at least if ever I go back there, I can move on to the next district.

Helpful tip: When I prepare our itinerary, I always start from the farthest to the nearest. Specially on the last day, to make sure that I can be near the hotel or the town centre before night fall. 

If you need help with your itinerary, just leave a comment below and I'll do my best to help. 

For other interesting attractions in Brunei, please visit:
14  Things to See in Belait District
8 Things to See in Temburong District

4 Things to See in Tutong District

For our (mis)adventure in Brunei, please visit:
Brunei Darussalam Day 1: Tamu Kianggeh | National Day Celebration | Tamu Selera | Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Brunei Darussalam Day 2: Royal Regalia | Tasek Lama Recreational Park | Kampung Ayer | Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Brunei Darussalam Day 3: 45-Minute Free Viewing of the City | Istana Nurul Iman|Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre | Malay Technological Museum | The Empire Hotel & Country Club | Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque