The Empire Brunei Hotel Day Pass Cost: Visiting Brunei's 7-Star Resort on a Budget (Is It Worth It?)

 

The Empire Brunei Hotel Day Pass Cost: Visiting Brunei's 7-Star Resort on a Budget (Is It Worth It?)

A Note on Experience: The Empire Hotel is legendary. It was built for the royal family and has a genuine "7-star" feel. But if you're on a backpacker budget, paying $400 USD a night is out of the question. We break down the ultimate budget hack: how to visit, what it costs for a day, and why this is the best money you'll spend in Brunei.

Why The Empire is the Ultimate Budget Hack

Brunei is famous for its staggering wealth, and The Empire is the single most luxurious place to witness it.

• This hotel was literally built for the royal family. Stepping into the gold-plated main lobby, walking the sprawling, perfect grounds, and seeing the massive pools gives you an unbelievable, free taste of luxury. The luxury feels legitimate.

• For the price of a mid-range hostel bed, you can access the resort's stunning amenities for an entire day.

The Budget Luxury Hack: The Day Pass Breakdown

The Free Visit (Walk-in)

You do not need to pay an entrance fee to walk through the main atrium, the ground-floor restaurants, and the stunning public areas.

• Take the bus or a shared Dart taxi out to the hotel. Wander the lobby, explore the beautifully manicured grounds, and watch the sunset from the public bar area near the ocean for free.

The Day Pass Cost & Amenities

This is the recommended budget spending for ultimate luxury.

• Day Pass Cost: The hotel often sells a day pass to use the pools, recreational facilities, and beach access. Expect the pass to cost around BND $25 (approximately $18.75 USD).

• For under $20 USD, you gain access to a truly luxurious resort pool and oceanfront area for an entire day. It is absolutely worth the price and is a highlight of any trip to Brunei.

• Contact the hotel's reception directly to confirm the availability and price of the day pass before you go, as prices can change.

Transporting to The Empire Hotel on a Budget

The hotel is located in Jerudong, approximately 15–20 kilometers outside of BSB's center, which makes transport essential.

• The Absolute Cheapest (Local Bus): This takes longer (approx. 45-60 minutes), but is cheapest. Look for Bus Route 57 or 58 from the BSB Terminal, heading toward Pasar Jerudong via Rimba/Empire (Routes 57 and 58 both service the area). The fare is the standard BND $1.

• Dart App: Use the local ride-hailing app, Dart. This is the fastest, safest, and most straightforward option.

  • Estimated Cost: Expect to pay around BND $15–$25 for a one-way trip, depending on traffic and the surge rate.

The local buses stop running early (before 7:00 PM), so Dart may be your only option for getting back to BSB in the evening.

Final Verdict

The Empire Hotel Day Pass is one of the best budget luxury experiences you can have in Southeast Asia. It is a must-do and a highlight of any trip to Brunei.

• Planning your full day in the city? See our budget itinerary for the capital HERE

• Ready to leave Brunei? This is the cheapest way to cross the border.

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