Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are important for Brunei. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, especially if you plan to explore rural areas or try local foods. Typhoid is also recommended if you’ll be staying for longer periods or venturing off the beaten path.
Japanese encephalitis might be worth considering if you’re planning extended stays in rural areas or during the rainy season.
Lastly, rabies is generally low-risk but worth considering if you plan a lot of outdoor activities or animal interactions.
Always consult with a healthcare provider for the most personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Brunei, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BruneiCulture & Customs
Brunei is conservative and steeped in Islamic traditions. Dress modestly; women should cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Alcohol is banned, so don’t bring any in. Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques. For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s crucial to be discreet as same-sex relationships are criminalized. Friday afternoons are for prayers, avoid scheduling activities then. Respect local customs and avoid discussing politics or religion openly.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Brunei.
- Ambuyat: This is Brunei’s most famous dish, made from the sago palm’s interior trunk. It’s a starchy, glue-like substance, usually eaten by twirling it onto a bamboo fork and dipping it into a variety of sauces. Ambuyat is more about the communal eating experience than the taste itself.
- Nasi Katok: A simple yet beloved dish, consisting of rice, a piece of fried chicken, and a generous serving of spicy sambal, all wrapped in brown paper. It’s quick, cheap, and available almost everywhere, making it a staple for locals and travelers alike.
- Pulut Panggang: This snack consists of glutinous rice filled with shrimp paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled. The smoky aroma and sweet-salty flavor make it a popular choice at local markets.
- Kuih Cincin: A traditional Bruneian dessert, these are ring-shaped cookies made from rice flour, sugar, and palm sugar. They’re crispy and sweet, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Hati Buyah: For adventurous eaters, this dish of marinated and stir-fried beef lungs is a must-try. It’s spiced with soy sauce and chili, offering a unique texture and flavor that’s popular in local households.
Tap water in Brunei is generally treated and safe for locals, but tourists are often advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. While locals might drink it, the difference in water treatment standards from what you’re used to might not sit well with your system. Bottled water is widely available and affordable, making it a practical choice for travelers.
The main language in Brunei is
Malay. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Malay skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Brunei includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Brunei, making it relatively easy for travelers to communicate. As a former British protectorate, English is one of the official languages alongside Malay, and it is commonly used in government, education, and business settings. Most Bruneians, especially in urban areas, are proficient in English, and you will find that many signs, menus, and public information are available in English.
In addition to the general population, younger generations are often fluent in English due to its inclusion in the school curriculum. While some older individuals may have varying levels of proficiency, basic communication is usually not a problem.
In tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops typically have staff who speak English, further facilitating interactions. However, learning a few basic Malay phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture. Overall, travelers should feel comfortable navigating Brunei with English, but being open to learning the local language can enrich the experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Brunei is BND ($).
Brunei isn’t exactly flooded with ATMs, so it’s smart to carry some cash, especially if you’re venturing outside Bandar Seri Begawan. ATMs in the capital accept major cards, but double-check for international acceptance logos. Credit cards are mostly accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller places and markets are cash-only zones.
Brunei Dollar (BND) is the local currency, and it’s pegged to the Singapore Dollar (SGD), which is also widely accepted. No need to bring euros; USD might be accepted in a pinch, but it’s not the norm. For exchanging money, head to banks or authorized money changers. They’re usually in shopping malls or commercial areas. Avoid exchanging at the airport unless you like paying more for less!
Brunei doesn’t have a strong tipping culture, and service charges are usually included in bills at restaurants and hotels. Locals rarely tip, but if you feel inclined to reward exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not expected. In taxis, rounding up the fare is generally sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.