Brunei is a diminutive powerhouse of a nation is where natural splendour harmonises with remarkable strides in development, setting a pace that's unmatched in Southeast Asia. Perhaps you've stumbled upon snippets of its acclaim – a pioneer in banning shark finning in Asia, a sanctuary for some of the planet's most ancient and extraordinary wildlife, and a realm rich with oil reserves. Yet, to label Brunei merely by these feats would be to skim the surface of what this gem in the Malay Archipelago truly holds.

Dive into the heart of Brunei, and you'll uncover a world far beyond the ordinary, a place where adventure and discovery are woven into the very fabric of daily life. Each corner of this country tells a story, from the majestic mosques that glimmer under the sun's golden rays to the tranquil water villages that stand as a testament to traditional ways of life amidst rapid modernisation.

The lush rainforests beckon with their primal beauty, inviting you to explore hidden waterfalls and encounter wildlife so rare, it can't be found anywhere else on Earth. As you meander through the local markets, your senses will be tantalised by the aromatic spices and flavours of traditional Bruneian cuisine, a delectable blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indigenous influences.

In Brunei, every experience is an invitation to immerse yourself more deeply in the nuances of a land that balances the past and the present, nature and progress, with effortless grace. Are you ready to step off the beaten path and unearth the treasures of Brunei? We have some handy pearls to drop - just for you!

Read also: 6 Must-Try Food in Brunei

Table of Content

1. Visit the Historical Kampong Ayer
2. Taste Local Brunei Food
3. Spot a Proboscis Monkey
4. Dig Into Ambuyat
5. Play at Jerudong Theme Park
6. Marvel at Istana Nurul Iman

Top Things to Do in Brunei Darussalam

Top Things to Do in Brunei Darussalam

Visit the Historical Kampong Ayer

Why would a measly “kampong'' or village be on the top of this list? Kampung Ayer is not just any village but in fact, it is known to the world as “The Venice of The East’. They may not look like much, but this historic settlement has been around for a whooping 1,300 years! Kampung Ayer which translates to water village is home to 30,000 residents today - making it the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia. It has over 4,200 traditional stilt structures built over the Brunei River, including houses, schools, a hospital as well as other facilities.

How to get to Kampung Ayer, Brunei

Hop onto a water taxi in front of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The children of Kampung Ayer, Brunei

One of the jetty at the floating village of Kampung Ayer, Brunei

The newer houses built at Kampung Ayer are huge, modern and some even come with their own gates!

A public school in Kampung Ayer, Brunei built over the river.

Taste Local Brunei Food

Food market is a staple in Southeast Asian countries. Enjoy the full experience of a pasar with a multitude of local food, drinks, and fresh fruits (yes, even durians) in the big 5,979 square meter space completely protected by a vaulted high ceiling which lets you shop till you drop - rain or shine!

Over the years, Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong has seen drastic improvement in order to provide visitors with a clean, pollution-free (noise excluded) and elevated food market adventure!

Read full article about Gadong Food Market now.

Wild jungle fruits sold in the markets of Brunei

All kinds of local street food and snacks can be found at Pasar Gadong

You can even drop by Pasar Gadong Brunei for lunch or dinner!

The jungle durians of Borneo have red flesh and extra long thorns

Spot a Proboscis Monkey

Go on a cruise along the creeks and rivers of Brunei and revel in the wonders of the mangrove forest in search of the shy proboscis monkeys and other wildlife that are unique to this region only. This is an experience not to be missed as it allows you to witness the two different worlds of Brunei - a sophisticated, modern capital and the serene, virgin forests. Most tours start and end at your hotel with free transfers conveniently provided, and most tour guides speak English!

Go on a river safari to see proboscis monkeys in the wild in Brunei

Dig Into Ambuyat: Brunei's National Dish

Ambuyat is a glutinous and uber sticky paste-like dish made from sago flour and eaten using a bamboo fork called a chandas. While it doesn’t actually contain any flavour or smell, the dish has to be accompanied with a dipping sauce or curry when eaten. Ambuyat is traditionally cooked in bamboo but you may easily get the ready-made version in shops or any local restaurant today.

The consumption of Ambuyat is typically associated with a call for celebration and it is served in a large dish for friends and family to share. An integral part of the Ambuyat experience would also be making your own customised dipping using spicy chillies, lime juice with some Bambangan (Mango) for the spicy tangy kick of flavours! One of the go-to dipping loved by the locals is Pinasakan - a curry dish of braised 'basung' fish which was created by the Bisaya, Dusun-tatana and Brunei-Malay tribes in Borneo.

Ambuyat is eaten as a replacement for rice, along with a variety of flavourful and savoury side dishes

Play at Jerudong Theme Park

All ready and set to be amazed? This renowned amusement park of Brunei might just be your next favourite destination to visit with your family and kids! Jerudong Park is known to be the oldest, most expensive theme park in Southeast Asia. With exciting waterslides, wet park and countless kid-friendly rides, you’re in for a long day here. However, this park is not meant for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies who are looking for some out-of-world experience, but rather for those who could use a fun and relaxing day out.

Fun fact: Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston both performed in this park!

Website | Facebook

Address: Jerudong BG3122, Brunei

Brunei's Jerudong Park is claimed to be the world's most expensive amusement park!
Photo by Brunei Tourism

Marvel at Istana Nurul Iman

The Nurul Iman Palace is astoundingly exquisite and an architectural wonder. Anyone who has had the chance of witnessing its beauty never made it back without being completely in love! Lovingly known as the ‘Palace of the Light of Faith’, it is the world’s largest residential and single-family residence to ever be built. It consists of approximately 1,788 rooms within a 200,000 metre square space, and comes with a built-in mosque that can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers at any given time and a banquet hall that could hold over 5,000 guests. It is also home to Sultan Brunei’s extravagant collection of 700 cars in over 100 garages!

Important note: The palace is only open to the public during Hari Raya Aidilfitri over a three-day period. For Muslims, it can be visited during the 10 days of the Ramadan month for prayers.

Address: Jln Menteri Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan BA2112, Brunei

The beautiful and gigantic Nurul Iman palace seen from a floating village
Photo by Istana Nurul Iman

Brunei might be small and relatively unseen when you are looking at the world map, but they are mighty, resilient and incredibly beautiful! Just like any other country in Southeast Asia, the culture of Brunei is diverse, unique with heavy influences of the Malay archipelago, and has stayed true to their roots over the years.

With over two-thirds of the nation being Malays, visitors from its fellow neighbouring countries do not have to worry about communication issues here. Come to Brunei and experience the friendliness and warmth of the locals for yourself!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!