Hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer

Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) is the capital of Brunei Darussalam on the northern coast of Borneo. The city is defined by the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, completed in 1958 and rising 52 metres above a lagoon in the heart of the capital — a reference point visible from most of the city centre. Directly east, Kampong Ayer houses roughly 30,000 residents across 42 water villages connected by wooden boardwalks; it has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years and remains the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia.

Where to Stay

Hotels concentrate along Jalan Kota Batu and near Gadong, the commercial district roughly 4 km northwest of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Mid-range and upscale properties sit within a short drive of Jerudong Park and the Royal Regalia Museum on Jalan Sultan. The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong, 20 km from the city centre, is a frequently cited option for resort-style stays.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Brunei International Airport is 9 km northeast of the city centre; no rail links exist, so taxis and ride-hail apps are the standard transfer.
• Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND) is pegged 1:1 with the Singapore Dollar, which is accepted at par.
• Alcohol: Brunei enforces a public alcohol ban; non-Muslim visitors may import limited quantities for personal use.
• Climate: Equatorial — average annual rainfall exceeds 2,900 mm; a light rain layer is useful year-round.