Cecelia ChangWhen planning a trip around Southeast Asia, Brunei is often one of those countries that quietly slips under the radar. As a Malaysian based in Kuala Lumpur, I’ll admit, visiting Brunei wasn’t exactly at the top of my travel list either. The stronger currency and the fact that it’s a two-hour flight away made it feel like a destination I could always “save for later.”
But during my recent solo trip to Labuan, I saw the perfect opportunity for a little adventure: a half-day detour to Brunei! I’ll be sharing my half-day Brunei itinerary, how I travelled from Labuan to Brunei, and my total cost of exploring this serene sultanate. Read on to find out more!
Also read: Does Brunei Really Live Up to Its ‘Boring’ Reputation?
My half-day Brunei itinerary
From Labuan to Brunei (Muara Port)
I purchased my ferry ticket to Brunei at the Labuan Ferry Terminal for RM67. Do note that there are only a few ferry departures each day, so it’s best to check the schedule in advance to avoid any surprises. You can easily confirm the latest timings with Seri Mutiara Express, a Brunei-based ferry operator, via WhatsApp at +673 731 7588.
After clearing customs, it was time to board the ferry. A quick tip: bring along a seasickness pill if you’re prone to motion sickness. I, unfortunately, learned this the hard way and ended up throwing up mid-journey. Thankfully, the ride only takes about an hour, and after a short nap, I found myself arriving at Muara Port in Brunei.
Once I got off the ferry, I immediately purchased my return ticket to Labuan at the Muara Port ticket counter. It costs BND23, and they also accept Singapore dollars for payment.
In Brunei, Dart is the most commonly used e-hailing application. But I was lucky to have met Abdul, who offered to drive me to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the country, for the same price. It really helped to shorten my wait time, as Muara is about 30 minutes away from the city centre.
BIBD Frame and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
My first stop after arriving in Bandar Seri Begawan was the BIBD Frame Brunei Darussalam. This striking structure perfectly frames the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the background, making it an unmissable photo spot for visitors.
My time in Brunei was limited, so I didn’t go inside the mosque. Instead, I spent some time taking photos of its majestic exterior and the Royal Barge floating gracefully on the lagoon in front. It was such a stunning view, especially with the mosque’s shiny dome made entirely of real gold!
The Big Wall Brunei
When searching for attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan, I stumbled upon The Big Wall Brunei, a massive wall featuring an incredible art mural. It features the country’s full name, Brunei Darussalam, its national flower, Bunga Simpur, and Jawi calligraphy. It’s undoubtedly an amazing place for picture-taking.
Kampung Ayer
Kampung Ayer, the world’s largest water village and one of the country’s most unique cultural gems. Built entirely on stilts over the Brunei River, this centuries-old settlement is home to thousands of residents who live, work, and go to school above the water. You can explore it by taking a water taxi from the jetty. Sadly, due to my limited time here, I had to skip exploring the village this time.
Local-made snacks
Before heading back, I stopped by a convenience store to grab a bottle of locally made water. And can you believe that it costs more than petrol here? While waiting at the port, I also picked up a pack of Brunei-made shrimp crackers, which turned out to be quite tasty!
Total cost of my Brunei trip
Since I only spent about half a day in Brunei, my expenses were minimal. I didn’t even have the chance to sit down for a proper meal! Here’s a breakdown of my total spending for the trip:
- Ticket from Labuan to Brunei: RM67
- Ticket from Brunei to Labuan: ~RM75 (BND23)
- Transportation (to and from Muara Port): ~RM145 (BND44)
- Water: ~RM2 (BND0.60)
- Snacks: ~RM16 (BND5)
- Total: about RM305
Also read: Brunei Shopping Guide: Where to Go and What to Buy
Even though it was a fleeting visit, I enjoyed my trip to Brunei. In just half a day, I managed to see some of Bandar Seri Begawan’s most iconic landmarks. What stood out to me most was how peaceful and pristine the capital felt, a refreshing contrast to the busier cities in Southeast Asia. I would love to return one day to explore more, and perhaps to try out the food in Brunei!
All images credited to Cecelia Chang
