Top 10 Things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan
1. Royal Regalia Museum
This free museum is located on the edge of the downtown area. Outside, it is quite an impressive building which matches some of the large impressive exhibits inside.
Mostly, this museum houses gifts that the Sultan has received from various heads of state around the world. It is also home to important items that were used in coronation ceremonies and other important events.
If you do not have a keen interest in Bruneian history and royalty, then this museum can be a little boring. It is worth a quick look around though, if nothing else but to enjoy some air conditioning and some of the more impressive exhibits.
Warning: Ensure you take off your shoes before entering and go straight to the information desk where you will be given a locker for all of your items. For some weird reason, unless you are in a tour group, you are not allowed to take photos inside this museum. I happened to walk in at the same time as a tour group and behaved like they did and ended up in trouble!!
2. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
This beautiful mosque is located in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan and is an essential thing to do in BSB.
It is pretty outside and, at 44m tall, is the highest structure in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan. The inside is quite grand, but not as lavish as I had thought it would be.
Non muslims are allowed to enter at non prayer times, although we could only go just inside the building, so unfortunately we could not see the underside of the dome. There are outfits to wear at the entry way to cover up and entry is free.
3. Tamu Kianggeh
One of the worthwhile activities in Bandar Seri Begawan is to vist this local market by the river. It is a great place for a wander or to pick up some fruit and vegies or lunch. We had a great meal here for B$1. This place is well worth a visit in Bandar Seri Begawan.
4. Waterfront
Another thing to do in Bandar Seri Begawan is to take a stroll along the waterfront area. There is a nice promenade by the river with good views over to Kampung Ayer.
5. Kampong Ayer
The world’s largest stilt village surrounds downtown Bandar Seri Begawan in two directions.
What surprised me most was how great much of it looked. Some of it looked just like house and land package areas back in Australia, albeit all the houses were on sticks.
We caught a water taxi over to the Kampong Ayer opposite Bandar Seri Begawan. This cost B$1 each and was quick and easy. There is a tourist information centre where we received free “I