Everyone loves traveling to the famous Asian countries to experience the local culture, adventurous peaks, and relaxing beaches. Usually, the common denominator among these is that they are overcrowded and expensive. We believe that traveling should be fun, and your budget should never stop you from exploring underrated destinations. Brunei is the right choice for you if you are looking to travel on a budget to Asia. It has quite a small population but offers a large variety of interesting sites to explore. To enjoy a calm atmosphere, you can sit along the riverfront of Kampong Ayer and observe the colorful houses. And you should visit the Gadong Night Market to relish the traditional dishes. Here’s a Brunei budget travel guide that will help you explore this unique place.
A Comprehensive Guide: Brunei Budget Travel
1. Kampong Ayer River
Kampong Ayer River, also known as the Venice of the East, is the world’s largest floating village, housing thousands of people. You can take the wooden taxi from the Bandar Seri Begawan waterfront for about $1- $2 BND. In this water city, you can see pastel-colored houses, stilted mosques, and riverside wildlife. You can enjoy modern utilities while witnessing the traditional way of life.
2. Tasek Lama Park
The Tasek Lama Recreational Park has no entry fee for visitors and is open every day. It is an amazing spot to see cheeky macaques and vibrant butterflies. From the observation tower, you get a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. You can also hike up the trails if you’re looking for something adventurous. Visit in the early morning to beat the heat.
3. Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas
The Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas is a riverfront park. It is an ideal spot for watching the sunset while enjoying the serene garden filled with tulips and baobab trees. You can even stroll along the river at night, enjoying the well-lit Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddein Mosque and experiencing a peaceful atmosphere. The well-maintained garden and the impressive monument are sure to get imprinted in your memory.
4. Meragang Beach
Another place to experience the pristine sunset and a calming environment while listening to the soothing rhythm of the waves is at Meragang Beach. Here you can enjoy exciting activities like horse riding and ATV rides along the beautiful coast. You can enjoy a relaxing picnic and sunbathing with your family here.
Where to Stay In Brunei
1. Homestays
If you are interested in experiencing the traditional Bruneian lifestyle and learning their language, you can book a homestay and live with local families. It will help you connect better with the people there and also help the local economy. The hosts usually provide home-cooked meals and guides to local markets and other places.
2. Dorm Beds
Dorm beds are another popular lodging option for budget travelers. In this, you are given shared accommodations that include a single bunk bed, a locked storage box, and a shared bathroom. They are generally separated by gender and located near local markets for easy access to tourist spots. It is perfect for a one-night stay.
3. Hotels
Hotels in Brunei cost more than the other accommodations and provide a luxurious stay. Located near the beaches, you are sure to wake up to beautiful views of the city. Not many people are ready to give up their modern comforts, so book hotels that offer spacious rooms and spa facilities.
How to Travel in Brunei
1. Public transportation
Public transportation is quite affordable and runs a network around Bandar Seri Begawan. These buses are color-coded and serve various lines, such as the central, southern, and western lines, and run in a loop throughout the day so you can visit all tourist destinations. These buses operate from 6 am to 8 pm, so make sure to plan your itinerary around this time.
2. Hitch Hiking
Hitchhiking is not something that most tourists know about. As most locals each have their own cars, during the day you will generally see someone driving down the road you are going on almost every 5 miles. Since tourists are easy to spot, you are sure to be picked up by locals. They do not charge anything; they are just eager to help.
3. Water Taxis
The water taxis, which are speedboat-type vessels, help transport tourists to various attractions. And if you’re frugal enough, you can easily negotiate the prices. They connect the downtown Bandar Seri Begawan and the floating village, Kampong Ayer.
They can be hailed from any of the docking ports, whichever is closest to you. Make sure to carry cash, as the cost of the ride is between $2 BND and $5 BND
What to Eat in Brunei
1. Ambuyat
Ambuyat is the national dish of Brunei. It is made from sago palm starch, served with grilled fish and stir-fried vegetables, and can be paired with binjai (a tangy dipping sauce made from mango). You can try it out at the popular local chain, Aminah Arif Restaurant, where it’s made in a traditional style.
2. Kelupis
Kelupis is a traditional snack that is made from glutinous rice and steam-rolled. It’s served alongside curry or a spicy meat dish called rendang. The creamy coconut blends perfectly with the hot stew and chili. You can taste freshly made snacks at the Gadong Night Market for between $1 and $3 BND.
3. Soto
Soto Brunei is a traditional noodle soup dish served with tender chicken and aromatic spices. It is a comfort food for many; you can pair it with spicy chili paste for an authentic flavor that warms your heart. You can relish soto in the food hub of Tamu Selera.
Alcohol restrictions: Brunei has strict Sharia law, so the sale of alcohol is completely banned. You are allowed to import 2 liters of liquor for consumption in private hotels or residences.
Also, read this: Bangkok Hidden-Gem: Local Experiences You Should Try
Bottom Line
Brunei is a tropical country located in Southeast Asia. Here, you will have an amazing opportunity to explore the beautiful Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddein Mosque and the pristine gardens of Tasek Lama Park. This country is still quite underrated, so you can sunbathe at the beaches without being interrupted by crowds. Even the food here has authentic flavors, with options like noodle soup served with spicy chili paste and the national dish, Ambuyat, from the local food chain. Tourists can explore the famous spots either by hitching a ride with locals for free or by taking public buses, which have lower fares than taxis. For first-time visitors, this Brunei budget travel guide will help you immerse yourself in local culture and leave with unforgettable memories.
