I am up for anything and want to go everywhere. I regularly kayak, cycle, hike and camp so i am tru...
I am up for anything and want to go everywhere. I regularly kayak, cycle, hike and camp so i am true outdoor person
Member since:23.08.2007
Reviews:50
Members who trust:1
Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam is a very interesting place to visit. Most people arrive by air and the well appointed airport is only 15 minutes from the city. Most hotels will provide a transfer, with exception of the only true budget option which is the local youth hostel. Apart from that you can expect to pay in excess of 25 pounds per night, with prices rising to hundred of pounds for the empire resort. There asre buses from the airport to the central bus stand in the city but they are infrequent, although cheap at $1 (brunei dollar).
Transport in the city is fairly efficient and in fact rarely needed, as its so small. As an avid walker i found i could get anywhere by foot. However the bus system is easy to understand and easy to use. Useful buses include the 39 which goes to the museum, 01 which goes to Gadong and 37,38 and 39 which all go to Muara. Taxis are also available but rather pricey and rarely needed. Finally there is also the wonderful water taxis, which are small boat that ferry people to Kampong Ayer and around, these are also useful for going up river to the interior.
Accommodation is sparce on the budget end of things in Bandar and in my opion the best option is the Jubilee hotel - relatively cheap at 26 pounds but well appointed with various facilites and in a good location. Of course if you fancy splaching out there are a plethora of places to do so, especially the Empire esort, created by the Sultans brother.
Eating in Bandar is no problem either as there are plenty of informal hawaker places or if you fancy something a little mroe special there are some excellent top-end restaurants, most of which can be found attached to hotels. Prices for a main meal start at about 1 pound and upwards.
Finally the attractions: Bandar isn't really a place where you can spend anymore than 5 days, without having nothing to do, although there are definitely a few places worth a visit:
1. Jerudong Park Playground is a themepark located out of town, entry is $15 and its often empty so definitely worth a visit. However the problem is that its open from 5 till 12 pm so there are no buses, as they stop at 6pm which means it is rather hard to reach especially as a taxi will cost $80.
2. Regalia Museum - a very interesting place documenting the sultan's life - most definitely worth some time and very easy to reach in the centre of the city.
3. Omar Ali Saiffuden Mosque - the most prominent feature in the city is impressive from the outside but less so inside - only worth visiting if you have lots of time.
4. Kilarong Mosque - This inmy opinon is the most impressive of the mosques and although its further from the centre it is still walkable.
5. Brunei museum - again another good museum and reccommended but as there on no pavements on the road to it you have to take the bus.
6. The old British Residency "Twelve Rooves" - an intersting place with photos showing the Uk - Brunei relationship over the years - not far from town and easy to find.
7. Kampong Ayer - the water village is probably the most famous attraction and can be reached/seen either by the myriad of board walks or by a tour on a boat for about $25.
8. The Istana - the sultans palace is best viewed from the river and is quite a sight.
Ther are also numerous possible excursions from Bandar, including Temburong District which can be reached via the town of Bangar by boat from the jetty in Bandar. There are also several nice beaches near to Muara which is only 45 mins by bus from Bandar.
All in all i think if anyone is in the region, Brunei is definitely a place to see.
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Jul 28th, 2008
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