8 Reasons Why Brunei Should Be Next On Your Travel Bucket List

When we talk about going for a quick getaway with our friends, we often think of Malaysia or Indonesia. Perhaps Thailand or even Vietnam. However, the small country of Brunei, tucked away in the Northern part of Borneo, is often overlooked.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider making Brunei your next travel getaway: 1) Brunei is safe and peaceful If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Brunei is the place to be. The citizens of Brunei pay no taxes and have access to free education and healthcare so they seem to be pretty contented. 📷 Credit: Remotelands.com As a result, the general feel of the country is mostly relaxed and peaceful. Crime rate is also relatively low, so you can enjoy your time in Brunei without much worry about safety or conflict within the country. 2) You can enjoy the spectacular architecture Brunei has been an Islamic nation since the 15th century when Islam was brought over to the country by Arab traders. It is interesting to see how Islamic practices dominate everyday life for the people of Brunei and if you’re a fan of Islamic architecture, there are a few places in Brunei that you should consider visiting. One of the most iconic sites that you can visit is the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, said to be the most famous tourist attraction in the country. At 52m tall, this mosque has an elevator to the top of its minaret where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. The main dome, covered in pure gold, signifies the Islamic faith which is a major part of the Bruneian identity. 📷 Credit: www.pixabay.com/en Another beautiful mosque to check out is the Jame Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque. It is located in Kampung Kiarong and with the capacity to accommodate 5000 worshippers at a time, it is known as the biggest mosque in Brunei. 📷 Credit: world-around-me.com 3) Brunei has lush forests filled with wildlife If you’re a nature lover, you would not want to miss out the incredible wildlife that Brunei has to offer. It is home to the Proboscis Monkey which is easily identified by its long, unique nose and the tangerine shade of its fur. If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of this magnificent, endangered creature, you can do so by joining the Brunei River Cruise. This cruise will bring visitors to a mangrove forest where they will be treated to the sight of these monkeys as well as other native animals such as kingfishers and crabs. 📷 Credit: www.pixabay.com/en Another popular attraction in Brunei is the Canopy Walk at Ulu Temburong National Park. It is the first national park to be established in the country as well as a protected forest. 📷 Credit: tanawintravelandtours.weebly.com 4) There is a rich history While you’re in Brunei, why not visit one of its many museums to gain a deeper understanding of its history? One such example is the Royal Regalia Museum where you can admire the gifts the Sultan has received from other countries. Gift-giving is important to establishing good ties between countries, so the museum’s concept is definitely unique and interesting. Another plus point is that the museum is free of charge. 📷 Credit: wanderlustingk.com 5) You can take a glimpse into Brunei’s past Another experience that you cannot afford to miss is the Kampong Ayer Water Village which has also been called the “Venice of the East”. This village has survived hundreds of years and also served as the country’s capital in the past. You can book your own tour or ride in a water taxi to explore this beautifully preserved place. Some local homes may also offer tea or homestays if you want a more authentic experience. 📷 Credit: bradtguides.com 6) You can shop like a local If you are interested in experiencing how the locals go about their daily lives, you may want to visit Tamu Kianggeh also known as the Kianggeh Open Market. There are hundreds of stalls selling a vibrant selection of vegetables, spices and freshly-caught seafood. Apart from that, you can also try the local savoury snacks or kuehs (sweet cakes) found in the market. 📷 Credit: halaltrip.com If you’re more of a night owl, an alternative would be the Gadong Night market where you can sample a wide selection of grilled chicken and fish satays. You can then wash that down with some thirst-quenching plum or coconut juice. 📷 Credit: nurunhm.wixsite.com 7) Food Once you’re tired from all the exploring, you may want to sit down at Aminah Arif restaurant for the famous Ambuyat. Made with sago palm, it has a distinctive gooey texture and to eat it, you roll it around with a bamboo fork called chandas and dip it into the variety of sauces available. 📷 Credit: maksinwee.com Another food that is commonly eaten in Brunei is Nasi Katok. Priced at about only 1 Brunei Dollar, you will be served a plate of steamed rice with a piece of fried chicken and sambal (chili paste). The meal’s appeal lies in its simplicity and affordability, so it is no wonder that it is a local favourite.

📷 Credit: thanislim.com 8) Brunei is underrated Perhaps one of the most important reasons to discover Brunei is the fact that it remains relatively unexplored. Brunei is often overlooked in favour of its neighbours but give it a chance and you may uncover a hidden gem in this tiny nation. 📷 Credit: ukclassifieds.co.uk At first glance, it may seem that Brunei may not have much to offer but once you experience it, you will surely see that there is a lot to be appreciated and explored.