I spent one night and one full day in Brunei.
It was a good choice, Brunei is a must to see!
TRANSPORT
We arrived by bus from Miri, really simple, 4 hours, with PHLS company, the only one that is allowed do this kind of transportation. 20 BDN (Brunei Dollar).
There are 2 means of transport a day from Miri, one at 8:05 and another at 16:05, leaving from Terminal Bas Tudan and arriving at Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront.
I bought the tickets online, at easybook.com; you need to register, but it is not a great deal and then to take with you a print out of the reservation… Not more! Anyhow, the people that travel to Brunei are not so much and in case you could also “risk ” to get your ticket the same day at the Terminal!
The bus is really comfortable and the sightseeing amazing!
BORDER
Passing through the border, not a big deal! No needs to pay or to get Visa in advance, just fill up the paper, give your passport, smile and go!
SLEEPING
We spent the night at the Brunei Hotel (97 BDN) in a superior twin room booked with Agoda, great value for money and really great food! With our superior room the transportation to the airport was included.
SEEING
I just got a useful map on the web.
After a great and complete breakfast, we start our full day in Brunei.
We decided for a visit by boat (30 SDN for both). The man was also a great guide. He showed us, Kampong Ayer, the water village, that is basically the biggest of the world, the Mosque, the Sultan Palace. Inside the mangroves, we also saw the proboscis monkeys and a coral snake!
Then we walk through the shopping center and in front of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
We spend more than 1:30 hours at the Royal Regalia and then we took some food just to eat it in our room (see chapter “RAMADAN”)
After that, we decided to take the circular bus and just to see all the city by a public transportation. It was amazing because the people were really curious.
Before getting to the airport we spend the remaining time in one of the markets close to the river, in Tamu Kianggeh
I need to say that the best part of Brunei is people! It is not full with tourist, and people are really kind and they are trying to help you every time, even if not asked!
WEATHER
Hot! Wet! Rain!
It is Borneo, so… rain is a must!
RAMADAN
Just some few words about it. We went during the Ramadan period.
The Brunei law says that is not allowed to eat and to drink in public, jail is the penalty. It means that the restaurants are open, but they are not allowed to serve you anything. If you want, you just need to buy, take away the food and eat it with “discretion” in your room.
So please be discrete, don’t ask, it is not allowed to serve you.
ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES
We used it to fly to Denpasar (272 BDN).
We left in delay because they were waiting for another flight coming from China.
The personal on board were really smart and friendly, food good on board and entertainment great.
I did not like the landing… In case it would have been perfect!
wherever traveler 