Brunei

Why It Is Difficult

Status, May 2026: stable, prosperous oil sultanate. Dry country (no alcohol sold publicly). Limited tourism infrastructure but completely safe and easy.

Why It Is Worth Visiting

Kampong Ayer - the world’s largest stilt-village water settlement (30,000 people live on the river). Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (the bigger one). Ulu Temburong National Park - pristine primary rainforest accessed by longboat. Royal Regalia Museum (the sultan’s coronation gifts and gold-plated everything). The Empire Brunei resort’s ridiculous opulence.

Practical Travel Notes

Currency: Brunei dollar (BND) pegged 1:1 to Singapore dollar; SGD freely accepted. ATMs and card payments widespread. No alcohol sold publicly. You can bring in 2 litres of spirits + 12 cans of beer for personal use, declared on arrival. Non-Muslims only. SIM: DSTCom or Progresif at the airport. Ramadan: a lot of restaurants closed during the day; eating in public is forbidden. Hotels can deliver to your room. Bug spray for beach trips (sand flies).

Access And Logistics

Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier; direct from London, Dubai, Bangkok, KL, Singapore, Manila, Hong Kong. AirAsia from KL/BKK is cheapest. No overland buses across borders - only ferry to Labuan (Malaysia). Re-enter Sabah from Labuan. Capital Residence Suites: free shuttle to/from the airport and around BSB; 15-min walk to the river. Mid-range, archive’s repeated recommendation. Radisson BSB - walking distance to the main sights; recommended in archive especially during Ramadan (in-room food delivery). The Empire Brunei - splurge, on the coast, sultan’s side project, ostentatious. Avoid Hotel Brunei downtown despite the opulent lobby - quality drops quickly per archive.

Safety Considerations

The main risk is logistical fragility: limited flights, ferry delays, weather disruption, and thin local infrastructure can strand tight itineraries.

Visa Or Permit Notes

Visa-free for most Western, ASEAN and Commonwealth passports: 14-90 days depending on nationality (UK 30, US 90, EU 30-90). No advance form. Bring proof of onward ticket; sometimes asked at check-in (per archive, Jetstar asked).