Brunei family-friendly travel guide

Brunei enjoys a temperate equatorial climate all year round. Temperatures range from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius but the average temperature sits at around 27 degrees Celsius consistently.

While there is no distinct rainy season in Brunei, the period from October to December tends to bring heavier rainfall with an average of 270mm. The average rainfall per month sits at around 242.4mm.

The government of Brunei Darussalam requires all visitors to have a valid passport and onward tickets or sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country. Visa requirements vary by nationality:

• Australia: visas granted on arrival for visits not exceeding 30 days.
• USA: 90 days entry with no visa.
• Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom: 30 days entry with no visa – A 72-hour transit visa issued on arrival is available to all nationalities except for Israeli passport holders.

Please contact your nearest Brunei Darussalam diplomatic mission for further details regarding visas and entry procedures.

Tipping is not customary in Brunei. There may be a 10% service charge at large restaurants and hotels.

Considering Brunei is an Islamic state, tourists tend to dress modestly when visiting Brunei. In warm weather, sun cream and flip-flops are a must (also handy to wear in public showers). In the colder months, thermals, scarves, gloves, hats and a waterproof jacket are necessary.

A non-Muslim over 17-years of age may bring in two bottles of liquor (about 2 litres) and 12 cans of beer for personal consumption, which must be declared to customs upon arrival.

Bruneians are generally very tolerant and will understand that visitors are not familiar with all of their customs and Islamic traditions. Nonetheless, keeping these few things in mind will go far in showing the Bruneian people that you respect and appreciate their culture, thereby enriching your experience:

• Tourists should observe the local dress code and dress modestly. Clothing comfortable for hot weather is acceptable, except when visiting places of worship or for social and business functions.
• Bruneians shake hands by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. Some people do not to shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
• You should not point with your finger; instead, use the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it. · When visiting a mosque, all visitors should remove their shoes. Women should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed. You should not pass in front of a person in prayer or touch the Koran. Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand to support the right wrist.
• It is polite to accept even just a little food and drink when offered. When refusing anything offered, it is polite to touch the plate lightly with the right hand.
• During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims do not take food from sunrise to sundown. It would be inconsiderate to eat or drink in their presence during this period.
• In deference to the Muslim majority, alcohol is not sold in Brunei, but private consumption by non-Muslims is allowed. Non-Muslim tourists are allowed a generous duty-free allowance of 2 bottles of alcohol (wine, spirits, etc) and 12 cans of beer per entry, and may consume alcohol with sensible discretion in hotels and some restaurants.

Brunei, although occupying less than 1% of Borneo’s land area, is the only sovereign country on the island, which it shares with the Indonesian provinces of West, East, South and Central Kalimantan and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. The country is bounded on all sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, except in the North for a 161 km long coastline with the South China Sea.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies non-stop or direct to most major destinations in the Asia-Pacific, while Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways provide easy one-stop connections to the rest of the world through their hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok.

Metered taxis are available at most hotels, shopping centres and the airport. In the capital, taxis are located at the Jalan Cator car park.

Many of Brunei’s attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the heart of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. A comprehensive public bus system serves the capital and other destinations.

There are six bus routes serving Bandar Seri Begawan, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes. Fares start from B$1.00. Buses to other major towns such as Seria and Kuala Belait depart from the bus terminal located at the Jalan Cator car park in downtown Bandar.

Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available for hire from major hotels and the airport.

If you’re looking for something authentic, then Brunei’s vibrant street food is the way to go. If your preference is to dine-in, yet also receive an authentic gastronomic experience, be sure to visit Mawar Emas Restaurant in Tutong, which is a family hot-spot.

Electricity mainly operates on 240 volts and the power sockets are type G. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Brunei is free from malaria and other tropical diseases, is outside the typhoon belt, has no volcanoes, and is not prone to earthquakes or other major natural disasters. The country also enjoys government stability and economic prosperity, resulting in a very low crime rate.

Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, but English is the language of business and is widely spoken at all levels. Mandarin, Chinese dialects and native Borneo languages are also spoken by segments of the population

Hello – Selamat Pagi
Goodbye – Sampai jumpa lagi
Thank you – Terima kasih
How are you? – Apa Khabar?
What’s your name? – Siapa nama anda?
My name is…  – Nama Saya…
I don’t understand – Saya tidak faham
How much is this? – Berapa harganya ini?

Famous for its long boardwalk and picturesque sights, Penanjong Beach is an important addition to any Instagram feed! Watch the sun set over the sparkling water after a day spent by the beach, fishing along the shore rocks or relaxing at the many picnic spots available on site.

With an intricate array of river inlets and a vast coastline, Brunei is best-explored on board a boat, kayak or cruise. A host of businesses charter tours will take you along the Brunei River or surrounding inlets to snap a photo of a proboscis monkey, the floating village of Kampong Ayer or the fragile mangrove forest. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for your own kayak and explore Brunei’s scenic rivers.

Named after the country’s 28th Sultan, this towering place of worship looks out over Bandar Seri Begawan’s skyline. For over 50 years, the mosque has promised ornate gardens, golden domes and contemporary Islamic architecture. With views of Brunei river, this site also offers the perfect opportunity for another stunning picture.