How to Find Hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Brunei is a tiny country in the vastness of the Pacific, but don't let its size fool you. The Sultanate of Brunei is an important oil-producing nation on the island of Borneo and it enjoys a fine tourist economy as well. Bandar Seri Begawan (nicknamed BSB) is the largest city in the nation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A valid passport from your nation of origin
• A computer with Internet access in order to book accommodations online

Know Your Destination

1. Have a few foreign language phrases under your belt. Malay is the official language, but English and Chinese are both commonly spoken.
2. Dress for warm weather. Average temperatures in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei range from 77 degrees to 88 degrees. The humidity is of note, however, hovering at about 80 percent year round.
3. Know that Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei and home to the majority of the nation's manufacturing. All manner of shops producing furniture and textiles can be found in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Organize Your Transportation

4. Fly into Bandar Seri Begawan from a number of international connection points, most of which are in Asia or Australia.
5. Travel within the city easily with regular bus and taxi service.
6. Regular boat services are available to other locations in Malaysia. Check at your hotel for routes, departure times and prices.

Select Your Hotel

7. To book accommodations, contact Brunei Tourism at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
   
8. Spend more to get more in terms of lodging. Less expensive accommodations are available, although the adage "you get what you pay for" often applies. Inns or motels for less than $50 a night are going to be small, cramped and lacking in any true customer service.
9. Stay in the city center to be near the waterfront, shopping centers and sporting arenas.
10. Be prepared to shell out for hotel accommodations in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Lodging can be pricey, thanks to the tiny nation's natural beauty and position in the tropics. Expect to pay over $300 for the nicest accommodations.

Read Up on Local Information

11. Take a trip to the Jerudong Playground, a grown-up amusement park in BSB's suburbs.
12. Visit the beautiful gold-domed Omar Saifuddin Mosque.
13. See the sultan's treasures on display at the Royal Regalia Building.

Tips & Warnings

• Citizens of most nations may only stay in the country for 14 days without a visa. U.S. citizens are permitted to stay for 90 days. Contact your embassy for more information.
• There is an airport departure tax of $7.50. The tax for those traveling on to Malaysia and Singapore is only $3.00.
• Dengue fever is the only prominent health concern in Brunei. The disease is spread by mosquitoes, so always wear a repellent that contains DEET and stay as covered up as you can.