- Three or four days covers the capital and a night in Ulu Temburong
- Alcohol is not sold, though non-Muslim visitors may bring a small allowance
- Royal Brunei Airlines flies from Heathrow
- Combine it with Malaysian Borneo for a longer trip
- Airports
- Brunei International (BWN)
- Flight time
- about 15-17h from London to Brunei, usually with one stop
- Best time to go
- February-April, the driest months; it is hot and humid all year
- Currency
- Brunei dollar (B$)
Brunei is one of Asia's least-visited countries, a small oil-rich sultanate on the north coast of Borneo wedged between the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. It is calm, clean and safe, with gleaming mosques, the world's largest stilt village and some of the best-protected rainforest on the island. There is no nightlife to speak of, but for a few quiet days of culture and nature, or a stopover between the UK and Australia, it works well.
Brunei is eight hours ahead of the UK in winter (seven during British Summer Time). Plugs are the same three-pin type G as at home, traffic drives on the left and English is widely understood. This Asia guide covers where to go, when and what it costs in 2026.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually visit Brunei visa-free for up to 90 days. You may need to complete an online arrival declaration before travelling, and your passport should be valid for at least six months. Brunei applies Sharia law alongside civil law, with strict penalties for some offences; same-sex relationships are illegal, and drugs offences carry very heavy sentences. Non-Muslim visitors over 17 may bring in a limited amount of alcohol for personal use if they declare it on arrival. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan
The capital is small and easy to explore in a day or two. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, with its golden dome reflected in a lagoon, is the national landmark, and the larger Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is equally impressive. The Royal Regalia Museum displays the gifts and ceremonial chariot of the Sultan, and the Gadong night market is the best place for cheap local food.
Kampong Ayer
Across the river from the centre, this water village has housed people on stilts for centuries and is still home to thousands. Water taxis cross in a couple of minutes, and boatmen also offer short tours that continue upriver at dusk to spot proboscis monkeys in the mangroves. The Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery explains its history.
Ulu Temburong National Park
Brunei's highlight for nature lovers is this protected area of primary rainforest in the separate Temburong district. A long bridge now links it to the mainland, and most visitors join a tour that combines a longboat ride upriver with a canopy walk high above the trees at sunrise. Staying overnight at a lodge gives the best chance of seeing hornbills and gibbons.
Jerudong and the coast
The coast west of the capital has quiet beaches, the Empire Hotel and Jerudong Park, a royal-built amusement park. Further west, the oil town of Seria has the Billionth Barrel Monument.
Best time to visit Brunei
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| February-April | Driest months, hot and sunny; best overall |
| May-September | Hot with occasional heavy showers |
| October-January | Wettest period, with frequent downpours, especially November-December |
Temperatures sit around 30-33 °C all year. During Ramadan, many restaurants close during the day and opening hours change, while the Sultan's birthday in mid-July brings celebrations.
Getting to Brunei from the UK
Royal Brunei Airlines flies from London Heathrow to Bandar Seri Begawan; depending on the schedule, flights may be non-stop or call en route, taking roughly 15-17 hours. Otherwise, connect via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai or Kota Kinabalu. Brunei also works as a stopover on Royal Brunei's routes to Australia.
Getting around
The capital is compact, and water taxis are the classic way to cross the river. Public buses are cheap but limited, and taxis are few, so ride-hailing through the local Dart app or hiring a car with a driver is often easier. Car hire is straightforward for driving on good roads. Overland, buses and ferries connect Brunei with Miri in Sarawak and with Labuan and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.
Money and costs
The Brunei dollar is pegged at par with the Singapore dollar, and Singapore notes are accepted. Brunei is pricier than neighbouring Malaysia for hotels but cheap for food; budget around B$150-250 (about £90-150) per person per day for a mid-range trip, plus tours to Temburong. There is no sales tax.
Visit mosques outside prayer times, dress modestly and remove your shoes; robes are usually provided for visitors who need them.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drink alcohol in Brunei?
Alcohol is not sold anywhere in Brunei. Non-Muslim visitors over 17 can bring in a small allowance, currently two bottles of spirits or wine and 12 cans of beer, for private consumption, as long as it is declared.
How many days do you need in Brunei?
Two days covers Bandar Seri Begawan and Kampong Ayer; add a night in Ulu Temburong for the rainforest.
Is Brunei safe for tourists?
Yes, crime is low. The main thing to keep in mind is respecting local laws and customs, which are stricter than in much of South-East Asia.
Can you combine Brunei with Malaysia?
Easily. Brunei sits between Sarawak and Sabah, so it slots neatly into a Malaysian Borneo trip with Kota Kinabalu or Miri.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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