How to See Proboscis Monkeys in Brunei for $15 (The Waterfront Boat Hack)

And why you shouldn't pay $90 for a "River Safari" tour.

If you’ve been researching a trip to Brunei, you’ve probably seen the "River Safari" tours listed on major travel sites for $85 to $120 per person. They promise air-conditioned vans, "professional" guides, and hotel pickups.

But there’s a better way.

You don’t need an expensive tour desk to see Borneo’s famous "Big-Nosed" monkeys. In fact, you can do the exact same 1-hour river loop, including a view of the Sultan’s Palace and the world’s largest water village, for just $15 USD.

Here is the exact "Waterfront Hack" I used to see wild proboscis monkeys for 20 BND.

The $15 vs. $100 Reality Check

In Bandar Seri Begawan, the mangroves are literally a 15 minute boat ride away from the city center. You aren't paying $100 for the monkeys; you’re paying for the marketing and the van. 

By going straight to the source, you cut out the middleman and put money directly into the hands of a local family.

For an official river safari, here's what to expect:

• $85 - $120 USD
• Large group
• Fixed schedule
• Required to book in advance

The reality is that you don't need to do this. Here's what I did to save costs, spend my money more locally, and have a more unique experience.

How to Pull Off the Waterfront Hack (Step-by-Step)

1. Find the "Frame" Jetty

Head to the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront (Jalan McArthur). Look for the giant "Brunei" picture frame near the Yayasan Mall. This is the unofficial hub for the local water taxis.

2. The Negotiation Script

You don't need to hunt for a boatman; they will find you. As soon as you look like a tourist near the water, a driver will approach you.

Use this exact script to get the $15 rate:

"Hi, I'm looking for a 1-hour tour to see the proboscis monkeys and a quick loop of the Water Village (Kampong Ayer). Can you do it for $30 BND for the two of us?"

• The current fair rate is $20–$40 BND per boat (not per person!). If you are two people, $40 BND is roughly $15 USD each.

3. The Route: What’s Included?

A standard 1-hour hack tour includes:

• The Mangroves: Your driver will head upriver toward the dense mangroves where the monkeys live.

• Istana Nurul Iman: You’ll pass the Sultan’s Palace. From the water, you get an incredible view of the gold domes that you can’t see from the road.

• Kampong Ayer: On the return trip, they will zip you through the stilts and give you a run-down of the floating infrastucture.
  
  

The Secret Ingredient: Timing

The most important part of this hack isn't the price. It's the time.

Go at Golden Hour (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Proboscis monkeys are most active as the sun begins to set because they move toward the riverbanks to find trees to sleep in. Plus, the boat ride back toward the mosque at sunset is the best photo you’ll take in Brunei.

What to Bring

• Binoculars: The monkeys stay high in the canopy. If you don't have a pro-zoom lens, a cheap pair of travel binoculars is essential. If you're planning on moving on towards Kinabatangan after Brunei, you'll thank me for getting yourself a pair of these.

• Small Notes: Have $10 and $5 BND notes ready. Most boatmen won’t have change for a $50.

If you are comfortable with a bit of "DIY" negotiation, the Waterfront Hack is the absolute best way to see Brunei’s wildlife. It’s faster, cheaper, and far more adventurous.

Ready for more Brunei Budget Hacks?

Check out my guide on How to Visit the 7-Star Empire Hotel for the Price of a Coffee HERE or my 1-Day Budget Itinerary for Bandar Seri Begawan HERE.