10 Must-Try Tours & Experiences In Bandar Seri Begawan

Why Bandar Seri Begawan Offers Unique Tour & Experience Opportunities

In Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, you’ll find a surprisingly diverse range of tours and experiences that go well beyond the usual city sightseeing. Here, nature and culture blend seamlessly, offering travelers the chance to explore pristine rainforests, ancient water villages, and impressive royal landmarks in one trip. Whether you’re after a full-day rainforest adventure or a luxury city tour, this small but fascinating city delivers.

Our picks include everything from a full-day trip into the Ulu Temburong rainforest, with a canopy walk that gets you high above the treetops, to more relaxed city highlights like the Royal Regalia Museum and the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. For those wanting to see real Brunei life, the Water Village and Mangrove Safari offers a glimpse into traditional living on stilts and wild proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. Each experience provides a different perspective, making Bandar Seri Begawan a perfect spot for both adventure and culture.

Quick Overview

Our list features 10 top tours in Bandar Seri Begawan, each with its own special focus. You’ll find nature-focused trips like the Full Day Trip of Brunei Ulu Temburong National Park that takes you into Brunei’s first national park, including a canopy walk 50 meters above the forest floor. For a city highlight experience, the Brunei Full Day City Tour covers the Royal Regalia Museum, the Sultan’s palace, and Kampung Ayer. If you’re interested in customized experiences, the Customized Brunei Experience adapts to your interests, from jungle foraging to cultural visits. For a shorter but packed outing, the Brunei Half Day City Tour hits all the city highlights.

Now, let’s dig into each tour to see what makes them special.

1. Full Day Trip of Brunei Ulu Temburong National Park including Canopy Walk

This full-day adventure takes you far from the city bustle into Brunei’s first national park, Ulu Temburong. The tour begins with hotel pickup and a scenic drive to Batangduri, crossing the SOAS bridge—a modern engineering marvel. From there, you’ll ride a long boat called “Temuai” to reach the rainforest, giving you a taste of local transportation.

Once at the park, the walk to the hanging bridge takes you over 110 wooden steps to a dizzying height. The highlight is the Canopy Walkway, which rises 50 meters above the ground, offering sweeping views of the treetops and a chance to spot flora and fauna with your guide. Afterward, you’ll visit a waterfall to swim and relax, making this a true nature immersion. The tour’s reviews emphasize its expert guide and enchanting scenery, with a 5-star rating across all reviews.

Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers craving an active day in one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine rainforests.

2. Customized Brunei Experience

For those who prefer a more personal touch, the Customized Brunei Experience offers flexible options tailored to your interests. The tour can be anything from jungle foraging to meeting indigenous communities such as the Dusun or Iban peoples. It’s ideal if you want to escape the typical tourist trail and get a genuine feel for rural life.

One recent traveler appreciated how their guide, Irene, adapted the itinerary to include cultural visits and personal experiences, making the day completely tailored. Since activities depend on that day’s local happenings, you’ll need to be flexible, but this is part of the charm.

Key highlights include foraging, fishing, or visiting traditional villages, all with local guides who are passionate about sharing their lifestyle. The price point is quite attractive at $205 for a full day, especially considering the depth of experience and customization.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking an authentic, personalized cultural and rural experience.

3. Brunei Full Day City Tour including Tamu Kianggeh, Royal Regalia & Kampung Ayer

This full-day city tour offers a comprehensive look at Bandar Seri Begawan’s top sights. Starting early, you’ll visit the bustling Tamu Kianggeh open-air market, where locals sell everything from tropical fruits to crafts. It’s a fantastic place to buy unique souvenirs.

Next, the Royal Regalia Museum showcases royal treasures, including priceless jewelry and crowns. The tour also features a photo stop at the Istana Nurul Iman, the world’s largest residential palace, and a visit to the Malay Technology Museum highlighting traditional Malay lifestyles.

The day wraps with a boat ride through Kampung Ayer, the water village, where hundreds of stilt houses line the river. This tour is highly rated for its well-planned itinerary and value, offering an excellent introduction to Brunei’s culture and modern cityscape.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full city immersion in one manageable day.

4. Brunei Half Day City Tour with Royal Regalia, Istana Nurul Iman & Kampung Ayer

If your time is limited, this half-day tour covers the essentials. Starting with the Royal Regalia Museum, you’ll see the crown and royal jewels, then drive by the world’s largest residential palace, Istana Nurul Iman—a spectacular sight even from the outside.

The tour also includes a visit to Kampung Ayer, where you’ll walk through the centuries-old floating village. The Malay Technology Museum is also part of the itinerary, giving insight into local crafts and traditions. The tour is praised for its smooth logistics and small group format, making it easy to ask questions and stay flexible.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who still want a well-rounded city experience.

5. Full Brunei Experience – City Excursion – Water Village and Mangrove Safari

This full-day tour combines urban sightseeing with nature exploration. You’ll start in Bandar Seri Begawan visiting mosques and the royal palace, then venture into Kampong Ayer, the largest water village in the world. Following that, the mangrove safari offers a chance to spot proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife.

The tour is highly rated, with visitors appreciating its variety and depth. The mangrove cruise is especially popular for wildlife sightings, with the guide sharing insights into the ecosystem and local conservation efforts. At $205, it balances cultural highlights with wildlife watching in a way that’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive experience in one day.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want both city highlights and wildlife in one trip.

6. Brunei Half Day City Tour with Royal Regalia & Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

This half-day tour is designed for those with limited time but eager to see Bandar Seri Begawan’s most iconic sights. It includes a visit to the Royal Regalia Museum, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque—one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful—and a photo stop at the world’s largest residential palace, Istana Nurul Iman.

The tour also takes you through the Kampong Ayer water village, providing a quick but thorough glance at life on the river. The small-group format and inclusion of snacks and water make it both comfortable and convenient.

Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick but rich city overview.

7. Brunei By Night Private Tour & Traditional Dinner

Experience Bandar Seri Begawan in a different light on this evening tour. It starts with a visit to the Gadong Night Market, where you can sample local delicacies, then travels past the Water Village illuminated at night. Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll see the city’s landmarks bathed in evening glow.

The highlight is the traditional dinner, featuring local dishes that you can enjoy in a relaxed setting. The guide’s local knowledge and friendly attitude are often praised, making this a popular choice for night owls and food lovers.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed evening with authentic food and city views.

8. Brunei Mangrove River Safari

This short but sweet mangrove river cruise offers a peaceful escape. Aboard a local wooden boat, you’ll glide along the Brunei River, passing by Nurul Iman Palace and through mangrove forests teeming with marine life. The chance to see proboscis monkeys in the wild is a major draw here.

The tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts or those wanting a gentle nature experience. At just over 2 hours, it’s a good add-on or a relaxing break from city sightseeing. The guide’s friendly approach makes wildlife spotting especially rewarding.

Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife lovers wanting a quick nature fix.

9. Indigenous Home Cooking Class with Market Tour

For foodies, this hands-on cooking class is a treat. You’ll visit the Tamu Tutong market to select fresh ingredients with your local guide, then head to a community garden for the cooking lesson. You’ll learn traditional Brunei recipes and enjoy your own creations afterward.

This private tour costs $120 and offers an authentic taste of Brunei’s culinary traditions. The personalized attention, combined with local ingredients, makes it stand out. Reviews praise how it’s both educational and delicious, with a focus on home-style cooking.

Bottom Line: A must for food lovers wanting an immersive culinary experience.

10. Cuti Brunei Muara Wildlife Cruise

This full-day adventure explores Kampong Ayer and the Brunei River mangroves, with a special focus on wildlife viewing. You’ll see proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and probably some royal palace views in between. It’s a longer tour, about 12 hours, perfect for those who want a deep dive into Brunei’s natural and cultural landscape.

The tour includes scenic river cruises, art and crafts market visits, and local workshops. Its comprehensive nature makes it suitable for serious nature lovers and cultural explorers alike. Booking early is recommended as it’s popular and involves multiple activity sites.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers eager for a long, in-depth day exploring Brunei’s diverse environment.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Bandar Seri Begawan

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re after adventure and nature, the Full Day Trip of Brunei Ulu Temburong National Park delivers a unique rainforest experience. For city highlights with minimal fuss, the Half Day City Tour offers a rich overview.

Those interested in local culture and food should consider the Indigenous Home Cooking Class, which combines culinary skills with authentic Brunei flavors. If wildlife is your passion, the Mangrove River Safari or the Cuti Muara Wildlife Cruise will give you ample opportunities to spot proboscis monkeys and crocodiles.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the rainforest or wildlife cruises, and consider combining city and nature experiences for a well-rounded visit. Remember, flexible tours like the Customized Brunei Experience can be tailored to your specific interests, making your trip more meaningful.

Final thoughts

Bandar Seri Begawan offers a wide array of tours suited for different tastes. Nature lovers will appreciate the rainforest adventures, while culture buffs can’t miss the city highlights and water village. For families or foodies, immersive experiences like the cooking class provide a taste of local life. No matter what you choose, booking early ensures you make the most of your time in this fascinating city.