Discover 11 Great Tours In Kampong Jerudong

Kampong Jerudong is a surprisingly lively hub for exploring Brunei’s cultural landmarks, water villages, and wildlife. Its strategic location makes it easy to access some of the country’s most iconic sights, such as the Royal Regalia Museum and the Water Village. Whether you’re interested in seeing the world’s largest residential palace, marveling at modern Islamic architecture, or spotting proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, Kampong Jerudong offers a range of tours to fit your interests. We particularly enjoy tours that combine cultural insight with wildlife encounters, such as the Proboscis Monkey Tours — a chance to see these elusive creatures up close and personal.

If you prefer a personalized experience, a private tour like the Bandar Heritage & Water Village Tour offers a tailored way to explore at your own pace. For wildlife lovers, the Proboscis Monkey Tours deliver a chance to cruise along Brunei’s rivers and spot rare primates. For those wanting a bit of everything, the combination tours such as the Bandar Highlight & Water Village Tour blend city sights with water-based adventures. Now, let’s dive into each of these top-rated experiences so you can find one that matches your travel style.

1. Private Bandar Heritage & Water Village Tour

At number 1, this full-day private tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The experience includes hotel pick-up, making it convenient whether you’re arriving from Brunei International Airport or staying locally. Your personal guide takes you from the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, a striking example of modern Islamic architecture built for the Sultan’s 25th reign anniversary, to the Royal Regalia Museum, home to royal crowns and regalia used during coronations. The highlight is a boat ride across the Water Village, known locally as Kampong Ayer, the largest water settlement in the world. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Brunei’s traditional way of life on stilts.

What makes this tour stand out is the personalization—your guide can answer all your questions and tailor stops as you wish. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guide, friendly service, and the chance to see majestic mosques and the Sultan’s palace (photo stops at the Sultan’s official residence). Lunch is included, easing your day’s planning. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an in-depth, relaxed overview of the city’s highlights with the comfort of air-conditioning and no crowds.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for first-timers wanting a personal, flexible introduction to Brunei’s highlights, especially if you appreciate culture and scenic boat rides.

2. Private Bandar Highlight & Water Village Tour

Number 2 on our list offers a condensed, four-hour look at the essentials of Brunei. You’ll visit the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque—an elegant symbol of Islamic faith—and the Water Village by boat. This tour also includes a visit to a local house with light refreshments, giving you a glimpse into everyday life in Brunei.

What makes this tour appealing is the focus on iconic sights and private transportation, which means no rush and plenty of personalized attention. Reviewers emphasize how Fisal, the guide, was very informative about Brunei’s history and culture, making the experience both enjoyable and educational. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but wanting to see key landmarks efficiently.

Bottom line: For those with limited time but a desire to hit the main sights and enjoy a private, comfortable experience, this tour offers solid value.

3. Private Proboscis Monkey Tour

Number 3 is a short, two-hour excursion that offers a natural escape from the city. You’ll cruise down the Brunei River, passing the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Golden Jubilee Crown Waterfront Park. The real draw? Spotting the endangered proboscis monkeys in their native mangrove habitat. This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience Borneo’s unique fauna with minimal planning.

Guides like Mohammad Effendi are praised for their local knowledge, helping visitors locate and photograph these elusive primates. The boat ride also offers glimpses of crocodiles, various water birds, and the lush mangroves. The tour’s compact schedule makes it a good option if your time is limited but wildlife viewing is a priority.

Bottom line: A concise yet rewarding wildlife experience, ideal for travelers eager to see proboscis monkeys and enjoy a relaxing river cruise.

4. Private Bandar by Night Tour

Number 4 is a two and a half hour evening adventure that reveals Brunei’s scenic beauty after sunset. Starting with a sunset boat ride through Kampong Ayer, the tour offers incredible photo opportunities of the illuminated water village. Then, you’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge.

This tour stands out because it combines water, architecture, and city lights into one relaxing evening. Reviewers rave about the nighttime atmosphere—the capital looks especially stunning lit up. The tour includes photostops and bottled water, making it comfortable even in warm evenings.

Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a romantic, photographic perspective on Bandar Seri Begawan’s landmarks, especially at sunset and after dark.

5. Private Bandar Highlight, Water Village & Proboscis Monkey Tour

Number 5 combines city highlights and wildlife in a five to six-hour private adventure. It hits all the major sights: the Mosque, Royal Regalia Museum, Istana Nurul Iman, and the Water Village. Plus, it includes a river boat ride to see proboscis monkeys in their mangrove habitat. This tour is ideal if you want a rundown with the flexibility of private transportation and an included local visit.

Guests praise the guide’s attention and the balanced mix of culture, nature, and architecture. The tour includes all admission tickets, so you won’t be surprised by extra costs, making it good value at the $118.16 price point.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a full day of diverse experiences without feeling rushed, especially if wildlife viewing and cultural sites are equally important.

6. Private Proboscis Monkey & Water Village Tour

Number 6 offers a half-day, four-hour private experience focusing on proboscis monkeys, water village, and local sites. Your guide takes you to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Istana Nurul Iman, and the Water Village by boat, with a visit to a local house for refreshments.

What sets this tour apart is the small group intimacy and focus on cultural and wildlife highlights. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide and the chance to see monkeys, crocodiles, and local life firsthand. It’s a good option if your schedule is tight but wildlife and culture are priorities.

Bottom line: Well-suited for those seeking a condensed yet rich experience with wildlife, local life, and iconic landmarks.

7. Private Proboscis Monkey, Fireflies & Water Village Tour

Number 7 is an evening tour that combines proboscis monkeys, fireflies, and a water village visit. It’s perfect if you want a magical night experience. You’ll cruise the mangrove forests to spot monkeys and, if weather permits, enjoy the fireflies illuminating the darkness. The tour also includes time at the Gadong night market to sample local brunei delicacies.

Guests have loved the combination of wildlife and night scenery, with reviewers praising the friendly, knowledgeable guide and the chance to see fireflies in their natural habitat. It’s a relaxing way to combine nature and local culture.

Bottom line: For a magical, nocturnal adventure that blends wildlife, local food, and scenic boat rides, this tour is a top pick.

8. Private Proboscis Monkey, Water Village & Night Tour

Number 8 offers an evening, comprehensive look at wildlife, water village life, and city views in a 4-hour private trip. You’ll begin with a boat ride through Kampong Ayer, spotting proboscis monkeys, and then visit Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Istana Nurul Iman.

This tour shines for its flexibility and the opportunity to see many key sites at night. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed, personalized experience with a focus on wildlife and the cityscape.

Bottom line: A great option for those who prefer a more intimate, evening exploration with wildlife, cultural landmarks, and scenic river views.

9. Bandar Highlight Private Tour

Number 9 is a short, three-hour private tour perfect for a quick city overview. It covers the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Istana Nurul Iman, and Kampong Ayer, with plenty of photo opportunities. The guide customizes the route to your interests, making it ideal for a brief but meaningful visit.

Reviewers note how the friendly guide and concise itinerary make this a stress-free way to see the highlights, especially if you’re pressed for time. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a focused overview without sacrificing depth.

Bottom line: Best for a short, tailored city visit with flexible stops and personalized attention.

10. Bandar Delight and Water Village Private Tour

Number 10 offers a relaxed 4.5-hour experience with stops at major landmarks and a boat ride through Kampong Ayer. You’ll visit the Sultan’s palace, the Water Village, and enjoy a local house visit with light refreshments, plus a stop at the vibrant Gadong Night Market.

It’s particularly good for travelers who want a bit of everything—cultural sites, water village life, and a taste of local street food. Visitors appreciate the friendly guide and the well-organized itinerary.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a semi-private, flexible tour combining sights and local cuisine.

11. Private Water Village Heritage Tour

Finally, number 11 is a short, 2-hour private tour focusing solely on Kampong Ayer. It includes a boat ride, a visit to a local house with light refreshments, and access to the Water Village Tourism Gallery. It’s a smaller-scale experience, ideal if your time is limited.

While the reviews are mixed, it offers a personalized way to see the largest water settlement and learn about its history. This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, intimate look at Brunei’s floating community.

Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a focused, short visit to Kampong Ayer with a private boat and local insights.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Kampong Jerudong

When deciding among these tours, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a full immersion into Brunei’s culture and wildlife, the full-day private tours like the Bandar Heritage & Water Village Tour or the Bandar Highlight & Water Village Tour offer excellent value. If wildlife viewing is your priority, the Proboscis Monkey Tours and Night Fireflies & Proboscis Monkeys are hard to beat.

Short on time? The Bandar Highlight Private Tour or Bandar Delight & Water Village provide quick yet rich glimpses of Brunei’s key sites. For those who want a memorable night experience, the by night options like the Private Bandar by Night Tour deliver stunning scenery after sunset.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Most tours include hotel transfers and all tickets, but be aware of any additional costs or special conditions like closures on Fridays or Thursdays.

Kampong Jerudong offers a surprising diversity of experiences packed into a small area. Whether you want to soak up history with a personal guide, marvel at endangered proboscis monkeys, or enjoy a beautiful sunset over the city, you’re sure to find a tour that suits your style. For cultural explorers and wildlife lovers alike, these options make it easy to craft an authentic, memorable visit to Brunei. Early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these highly rated experiences.