Bandar Seri Begawan in One Day: Is Brunei’s Capital Worth the Stopover? (Budget Guide)
A Note on Value: While Brunei is famous for oil wealth and expensive cars, there is a lack of information online about what to do there, leading many budget travelers to skip it. Is spending a single day in the quiet capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), worth the cost and time? The Verdict is Yes. You can see all the highlights in one, well-planned day for very little money.
Budget Transport: The Secret to Saving Money in Brunei
Forget the expensive taxis and private vehicles. BSB's downtown core is easily conquered for less than $5 USD.
The Local Bus (The Cheapest Way)
Brunei has a simple franchise bus network, and the fare is a fixed BND $1 (approx. $0.75 USD) per ride, regardless of distance.
This service runs from 6:00 AM but stops running early (by 8:00 PM, and often earlier at 6:00 PM). Plan your sightseeing to finish before dark.
Most routes begin and end at the bus terminal on Jalan Cator downtown. Look for the bus number and destination displayed clearly on the windscreen.
Water Taxi (The Budget Ferry)
Water taxis are small speedboats that operate along the Brunei River.
Cost Anchor: A ride across the river to the Water Village costs as little as BND $1 per person.
Value: This is a cheap and scenic way to navigate the city's waterfront and explore the famous stilt village.
Ride-Hailing Alert
The main ride-hailing app in Brunei is Dart. Taxis are metered (starting at BND $3.50) but are nearly impossible to hail outside the airport or major hotels. Use Dart only as a backup if you miss the 6 PM bus cut-off.
The Morning Itinerary (Walking and Culture)
You can walk to all of the major downtown sites from the central bus terminal.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: Start your day here. This iconic mosque features a stunning golden dome and reflecting pool. Entry is free (check the strict visitor times/dress code).
The Royal Regalia Museum: This free museum showcases the Sultan's coronation items and gifts. Entry is free and makes for a great 1-2 hour stop to escape the midday heat.
Tamu Kianggeh Market: The local, open-air market by the river.
The Afternoon Adventure: Mosques and Monkeys
Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (The Largest): This magnificent mosque with 29 golden domes is a must-see. It requires a short bus ride.
Take a bus (Bus #1 often runs this route) from the central bus station. Cost is only BND $1. Ask the driver to drop you off near "the Mosque."
Ensure you dress modestly (robes are often provided for free if needed). The gardens and exterior are a major highlight.
Kampong Ayer (The Water Village): Take a BND $1 water taxi across the river. This is the world's largest stilt village. Explore the boardwalks and visit the Cultural Gallery (free entry).
Proboscis Monkey Spotting: This is your only major expense. Hire a water taxi driver at the waterfront for a mangrove tour to see the rare Proboscis monkeys and crocodiles.
Negotiate hard. The price is often quoted around BND $20–$30 for a private, hour-long boat trip, but often starts higher. This is your high-cost, high-reward item.
The Budget Luxury Hack (The Day Pass)
If you want to spend the entire day relaxing in luxury, there is a specific budget optio
n. The Empire Hotel is often referred to as one of the world's only '7 star hotels'.
The Day Pass: The hotel often sells a day pass to use the pools and recreational facilities (usually excluding the gym). This costs around BND $25.
Click HERE to view our guide to having a day of royal luxury in Brunei for less than $20 USD
Final Verdict and Logistics
The Final Word: Yes, a single day in BSB is absolutely worth it for a budget traveler. It is one of the only places in the world where you can spot Proboscis monkeys, or live like royalty on a budget.
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