Plan a CruiseBandar Seri Begawan, often called BSB or Bandar, is the capital of Brunei. The cruise terminal is located approximately 25km from the city center of BSB. While the city itself is compact and can be explored on foot once you arrive, the distance from the port means independent transport is essential. The cruise center offers a range of amenities for passengers, including a restaurant, a cybercafé, a foreign currency exchange booth, a souvenir shop, and a recreation room.
Getting Around from the Port
Given the 25km distance from the cruise terminal to Bandar Seri Begawan, transportation is required.
- Ship Transfer: Your cruise line typically offers transfers to BSB for around 40 Euro per person.
- Local Bus: A local bus service is available near the port, offering a cost-effective option at $2.00 SGD (Singapore Dollars). The journey takes approximately one hour, providing an interesting scenic route through local towns and villages. Be sure to check the bus schedule for your return trip to the ship.
- Taxis: Taxis in Brunei are generally expensive, making them a less economical choice for independent travel.
- Getting Around BSB: Once in BSB, the city center is compact enough to explore the main attractions on foot within about an hour. For destinations outside BSB or off major routes, hiring a car is often necessary (Brunei drives on the left). River taxis are a good option for visiting Kampong Ayer.
Attractions and Activities
Bandar Seri Begawan offers several key attractions for a day in port:
- Omar Saifuddin Mosque: A truly impressive landmark, particularly stunning at night when green lights illuminate its dome, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pool. Note the strict dress code: no shoes are allowed on the marble floors (bring extra socks), gentlemen must wear long trousers, and ladies must be fully covered.
- Royal Regalia Building: This free museum showcases the Sultan's treasures, including coronation regalia and a myriad of gifts from various heads of state.
- Kampung Ayer (Water Village): Explore this historic water village by taking a river taxi. Sharing a taxi can make this an inexpensive option. You can walk along the wooden planks connecting many of the houses.
- Nature Reserve Boat Trip: Take a boat tour through the nearby mangrove swamps. This offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and even large snakes sleeping in the trees. You'll also get a distant view of the colossal Sultan's Palace, which is said to resemble an airport terminal.
- Cruise Line Excursions: Many passengers opt for organized excursions, which often include city tours covering major mosques and museums, water village explorations, nature tours to spot proboscis monkeys, or visits to the Jerudong area. It's advisable to compare these offerings with independent options.
- Ulu Temburong National Park: For those interested in nature beyond BSB, the extensive forests within this park offer excellent day trip opportunities, though they require more dedicated transport.
- Pantai Muara (Muara Beach): Located 2km from Muara town (which is separate from the cruise terminal), this is a popular local weekend retreat.
Shopping
The cruise center features a souvenir shop. For more extensive shopping, BSB offers various options. *
Dining
A restaurant is available at the cruise terminal. Brunei strictly prohibits the sale of alcohol, so there are no bars or clubs selling alcoholic beverages.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is on par with the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Singapore Dollars are also widely accepted throughout Brunei. Communication: Free WiFi is available at the cruise terminal. The official language is Bahasa Melayu, but English and Chinese are also commonly spoken.