Plan a CruiseMuara Cruise Port Guide
Muara serves as the primary port for Brunei Darussalam. Cruise ships dock at a pier, with tour buses conveniently located just 5 meters from the ship. However, it's important for independent passengers to note that the port is quite isolated. The town center, Bandar Seri Begawan, is approximately 28 kilometers away and not accessible on foot. There are no taxis or public transport options directly available at the pier, making pre-arranged tours or private transport essential for exploring the country.
Getting Around from the Port
Walking to the town center is not an option from Muara Cruise Port, as Bandar Seri Begawan is 28 kilometers away. Your primary transport options for exploring Brunei will be through organized excursions or pre-arranged private transfers. Tour buses are readily available just 5 meters from the ship for those joining official tours. Be aware that taxis and public transport are not available directly at the pier, so independent travel without prior arrangements can be challenging. To reach Bandar Seri Begawan, you will need a vehicle; journey times will vary but expect around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The Brunei International Airport is 16 kilometers from the port, accessible by taxi or bus from the airport, but not directly from the cruise pier.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, you have time to explore several key attractions, typically as part of a half-day tour:
- Bandar Seri Begawan City Tour: A comprehensive tour of the capital city, including visits to Brunei's two main mosques, the Royal Regalia Building, the Brunei and Malay Technology Museums, and the Sultan's Palace. This is a popular half-day option.
- Kampong Ayer (Water Village) Tour: Explore the unique water village by boat and on foot, walking along the wooden planks connecting the houses. Many tours include an authentic experience of having tea and cakes in a local family's home. This is also a half-day tour.
- Proboscis Monkey & Egret Nature Tour: Head a short distance from Bandar Seri Begawan to spot proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. If timed towards dusk, you might also see flocks of white egrets returning to roost. This is a half-day excursion.
- Jerudong Area Tour: Visit the opulent Empire Hotel and Country Club, the Jerudong Polo Club, and experience some rides at the Jerudong amusement park. This is another half-day option.
- Selirong Island Mangrove Forest Tour: For nature enthusiasts, explore a preserved mangrove forest on Selirong Island. This tour typically takes a half-day.
Third-party excursion operators also offer various tours that can be booked independently.
Dining & Shopping
There are no dedicated dining or shopping facilities directly at Muara Cruise Port. For food, drinks, and souvenirs, you will need to travel into Bandar Seri Begawan. The city offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can experience local cuisine and purchase souvenirs. Many hotels and cafes in Bandar Seri Begawan offer free Wi-Fi for customers.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Brunei dollar (BND) and cents. The Brunei dollar is fixed at par with the Singapore dollar (SGD), meaning 1 BND always equals 1 SGD. While major credit cards are generally accepted in larger establishments in Bandar Seri Begawan, it's advisable to carry some local currency for smaller purchases or local markets. The official language is Bahasa Melayu, but English and Chinese are also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and businesses. Broadband internet, both cable and wireless, is available in most hotels, cafes (often with free WiFi for customers), and some restaurants, including hotspots like Starbucks and McDonald's.