You might think Brunei is just a tiny and quiet country that has nothing much to offer. But you’d be wrong. Brunei is one of the few places in the world where you can travel freely from Singapore, as long as you follow the Covid-19 rules. And trust me, it’s worth the trip.
Brunei is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural attractions, all within a short flight from Singapore. Whether you’re into wildlife, history, or food, you’ll find something to love in this rich and diverse kingdom.
Here are some of the best things to do in Brunei. Live like a local on the water Did you know that Brunei has the world’s biggest water village? It’s called Kampong Ayer, and it’s where thousands of people live in houses on stilts over the river.
Some of these houses are modern and fancy, with concrete piers and brick walls. Others are more rustic and charming, with wooden planks and colourful decorations. You can even spot some that look like they came out of a fairy tale, with plants, flowers, pottery, and bright colours.
If you want to experience the water village life, you can stay at the Kunyit 7 lodge, a cosy and colourful guesthouse run by a local family. You’ll get to see how they live, eat, and work on the water.
To get around the water village, you’ll need to hop on a water taxi, which is a small speed boat that can take you anywhere for a dollar. You can also hire a boatman to show you around the village for $10 to $20.
Or, if you prefer to walk, you can follow the trails on Brunei’s tourism website, which will take you to the most interesting parts of the village.
Meet the monkeys in the mangroves. One of the highlights of visiting the water village is taking a boat ride through the mangroves, where you can see the rare and funny-looking proboscis monkeys. These monkeys have big noses and bellies, and they are only found in Borneo, the island that Brunei shares with Malaysia and Indonesia.
The monkeys are easy to spot, especially in the evening, when they are looking for a place to sleep. I saw about 20 of them when I went on a boat tour last March.
Some of them were swinging from the trees, while others were sitting on the mangrove roots, showing off their webbed feet. They use these feet to walk on the wet ground, and to escape from the crocodiles that hunt them.
Marvel at the majestic mosques. Brunei is a Muslim country, and it has some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The most impressive one is the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, which is named after the current sultan of Brunei.
This mosque has four towers and 29 golden domes, which shine in the sun and glow in the dark. It can fit 5,000 people inside, and it is one of the two national mosques in the country.
The other national mosque is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is named after the previous sultan. This mosque is white and gold, and it looks stunning from the water. You can see it from a replica of a 16th-century royal barge, which is floating on a lagoon next to the mosque.
Enjoy the best of both worlds in food. Brunei has a lot of delicious food to offer, from traditional dishes to modern fusion cuisine. You can find a variety of food at the Gadong Night Market, which is a clean and organised place that reminds me of Singapore’s hawker centres.
The prices are also similar. You can get a plate of char kway teow for $2.50, or a whole grilled fish with spicy chilli sauce for $6 to $10. You can also try the kueh melayu, or martabak manis, which are thick pancakes filled with peanut or chocolate.
If you’re looking for something more fancy, you can go to Le Keris, which is a popular restaurant that serves Malay-European food. You’ll find dishes like beef rendang, chicken curry, pasta, and pizza, all at reasonable prices. The place is always crowded with young and trendy people, who enjoy the cosy and lively atmosphere.
Experience the magic of the jungle at sunrise in Brunei
If you’re looking for a thrilling and unforgettable adventure, you should head to Ulu Temburong National Park, a hidden gem in the heart of the jungle. It’s a three-hour journey from the city, but it’s worth every minute.
You’ll get to travel by speedboat, car, and longboat, and see the stunning scenery along the way. The last part of the trip is the most exciting, as you’ll cruise slowly down the Temburong river on a wooden boat.
You’ll have to be careful, though, because when the tide is low, the river becomes shallow and rocky. The boatman will skillfully steer the boat to avoid any collisions.
You can choose to visit the park for a day, or stay overnight for a more immersive experience. If you decide to stay, you’ll have the chance to witness one of the most beautiful sights in the world: the sunrise in the rainforest.
You’ll have to wake up early and hike for an hour to reach the canopy walk, a 50m-high structure that lets you walk among the trees. You’ll feel the fresh air and the morning dew on your skin.
As the sun rises, you’ll see a spectacular show of colours and light. The mist will clear and reveal the green canopy, while the sky will change from purple and pink to bright orange and yellow.
It’s a magical moment that you’ll never forget. You’ll feel like you’re in a dream, surrounded by nature and peace.
This is Brunei, a country where time stands still and nature is untouched.
