Days there: 2

Route:

Traveling Malaysian Borneo east to west, it makes sense to cut through Brunei for a day or 2. I entered in from Miri in Sarawak thru to Kuala Belait in Brunei. Then bused up to Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), took a boat to Bangar for the night and the next day left Brunei by boat from Muara to Pulau Labuan, Malaysia.

Costs:

2 days and 1 night costed about $30 CN. Including all transportation, tours, food and beverage.

Overview:

Brunei is one of the smallest countries in the world, with one of the richest rulers. This country is rich in oil and houses the best intact natural rainforest on Borneo. It would be safe to suggest that the oil business has saved the rainforest from logging, for now. With oil depleting and expected to be tapped in the next decade or so, problems could arise considering how fortunate the people are by not paying income tax as well as getting free medical treatment and education.

Best Experience:

-Hands down, the boat ride from Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangar. This is a wild ride zipping through winding riverbanks and open channels. Check out the video ‘A Wild Ride to a Cheap Room in Brunei’.

Cultural Highlights:

-The Brunei Museum will give you a great look into the history, culture and art of this interesting little country. Also home to the in-depth Oil and Gas Gallery.
-Take a boat tour of the water villages of BSB and see how 30,000 people live on the water.

Party Spots:

-Not sure if you’ll find one here. Also a muslim country, and a seemingly strict one judging from the border formalities and questions.

Chill spots:

-Bangar was an incredibly chilled out riverside town set in the beautiful jungle. It closes early and there is not much to do but chill out.

What to Expect:

-Strict muslim culture, very friendly locals, and a considerably longer time at the border than in the rest of SEA. I was held back for questioning twice, had my bag searched and temperature taken.

Travel Tips:

-Know where you are staying when you cross the border and save some headaches.
-BSB accommodation is rather expensive so take the speed boat to Bangar for a $6 room at the Youth Centre. The nicest and cleanest place I stayed in months.
-Don’t take out too much money as you will have a hard time getting rid of it if you don’t spend it.

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