Brunei offers a diverse range of scenic landscapes to explore, from lush rainforests and tranquil mangrove swamps to pristine beaches and traditional water villages. The Ulu Temburong National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, with its …
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Backpacking Brunei in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Brunei with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Brunei
Welcome to Brunei, a small but culturally rich Sultanate nestled on the island of Borneo. Pros? Immerse yourself in the tranquility of lush rainforests, ornate mosques, and a unique blend of Malay culture. Brunei offers safety, cleanliness, and hassle-free travel. However, the compact size might limit extended backpacking experiences, and the cost of living can be higher compared to neighboring countries. For backpackers seeking a serene and culturally immersive experience, Brunei's authenticity and the Sultanate's distinctive charm make it a unique stop, where each moment reveals the Sultanate's cultural and natural splendors.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Brunei
Scenery
People
Brunei’s people are incredibly warm and welcoming, known for their hospitality and kindness to strangers. They take great pride in their reputation for being gracious hosts, always ready to offer a helping hand or a friendly smile. Whether it’s …
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Architecture
One of the most notable ancient ruins in Brunei is the Kota Batu Archaeological Park, which contains the remnants of a historical trading port and settlement dating back to the 7th century. The site includes ancient tombs, Chinese ceramics, and …
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Food
The food in Brunei is so good because of its diverse culinary influences, which include Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Additionally, the country’s access to fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as seafood, tropical fruits, and spices, …
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Uniqueness
Exploring Brunei offers a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich cultural heritage, unspoiled natural beauty, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local way of life. The small Southeast Asian nation is known for its …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Brunei is approximately $30-50 USD per day. This budget includes accommodation in budget hostels or guesthouses, local transportation, street food and inexpensive meals at local eateries, and admission fees to …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Brunei
1. Kampong Ayer - Explore the world’s largest water village and experience the unique lifestyle of the locals living in stilt houses on the Brunei River.
2. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque - Visit this stunning mosque with its golden domes and marble minarets, considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific.
3. Ulu Temburong National Park - Discover the pristine rainforest, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife through activities like canopy walks and river cruises.
4. Brunei Museum - Immerse yourself in Brunei’s history, culture, and heritage with a visit to this museum, housing a collection of artifacts and exhibits.
5. Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre - Engage in educational and adventurous experiences, such as guided nature walks and research opportunities, in the heart of the rainforest.
2. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque - Visit this stunning mosque with its golden domes and marble minarets, considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific.
3. Ulu Temburong National Park - Discover the pristine rainforest, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife through activities like canopy walks and river cruises.
4. Brunei Museum - Immerse yourself in Brunei’s history, culture, and heritage with a visit to this museum, housing a collection of artifacts and exhibits.
5. Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre - Engage in educational and adventurous experiences, such as guided nature walks and research opportunities, in the heart of the rainforest.
But Brunei offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Brunei
The best time to visit Brunei for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from February to October. During this time, the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s natural beauty. The temperatures are also more moderate, making it easier to hike and explore the lush rainforests and national parks.
Additionally, visiting during the dry season allows for better access to Brunei’s pristine beaches and water activities, such as snorkeling and diving. The clear skies and sunny weather also provide great opportunities for sightseeing and visiting cultural landmarks, such as the majestic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Royal Regalia Museum.
It’s important to note that Brunei experiences a tropical climate, so even during the dry season, it’s wise to be prepared for occasional rain showers. However, overall, the dry season offers the best conditions for backpacking and exploring all that Brunei has to offer.
Additionally, visiting during the dry season allows for better access to Brunei’s pristine beaches and water activities, such as snorkeling and diving. The clear skies and sunny weather also provide great opportunities for sightseeing and visiting cultural landmarks, such as the majestic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Royal Regalia Museum.
It’s important to note that Brunei experiences a tropical climate, so even during the dry season, it’s wise to be prepared for occasional rain showers. However, overall, the dry season offers the best conditions for backpacking and exploring all that Brunei has to offer.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Brunei
- Serious crime is rare in Brunei. Petty crime such as theft and burglary does occur. Keep your valuables secure. Lock your accommodation, even when you're inside.
- Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes are common throughout the year. Incidents of objects and people being struck by lightning have occurred.
- Weather conditions can change quickly and leave you stranded or injured, especially at sea or in a remote area. If you're sailing, hiking, or in a remote area, be prepared and take all the necessary precautions that qualified personnel and local authorities recommend.
- Crocodiles are common in Brunei, and crocodile attacks have occurred along the rivers. Use caution when around water sources and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Stray dogs are common. Don't approach or touch dogs and be mindful of dogs when walking or exercising. Although there have been no official rabies cases in Brunei recently, cases have been reported recently in Malaysia close to the border with Brunei. See a doctor immediately if an animal scratches or bites you.
- Terrorism is a worldwide threat. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
BruneiMy tips to get you on the way!Does Brunei sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Brunei. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Brunei may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Brunei. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Brunei may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Brunei, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Brunei, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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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.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
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.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024