Brunei travel guidelines - The peaceful independent Islamic sultanate

Brunei is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and travelers can see it in their magnificent architecture. Despite its oil wealth, the country has preserved its naturally rain forests or magnificent Islamic arts providing travelers something to look forward to. If visiting Brunei for an experience is high on your list of future travel destinations, heed the Brunei travel guidelines below!

Brunei travel requirements & Brunei quarantine rules

If a tourist visits Brunei for a short period of less than 14 days, a visa may not be required. The list of visa-exempt countries is posted on the Government of Brunei website. If the tourist stays in Brunei for more than 14 days, it is necessary to apply for a visa and prepare the relevant documents.

As of 15 September 2022, Brunei travel requirements do not impose vaccination requirements, travelers can enter Brunei regardless of your vaccination status. Although Brunei quarantine rules have been removed, tourists are encouraged to be fully vaccinated and self-monitor their health when traveling in the country.

As of 15 September 2022, travelers can enter Brunei regardless of your vaccination status

Especially, for trips of fewer than 90 days, travelers are obliged to get medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 20,000 Brunei Dollars. Having Brunei travel insurance will protect you against unpredictable risks while abroad such as: hospital room and board expenses, Covid-19 medical expenses, trip delay and interruption, lost baggage,... Travelner are partnered with Trawick Insurance, which Forbes lists as one of the top insurance providers. You can find Brunei travel insurance here with the maximum liability of US$ 50,000.

For trips of fewer than 90 days, travelers are obliged to get medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of BND 20,000

When is the best time of year to visit Brunei?

If you don't know what is the best time of the year to visit Brunei and what attractions to visit, these Brunei travel guidelines are really for you. This little sultanate, one of the richest nations on earth and covered in equatorial woods, has a tropical climate that is hot and humid all year long. The dry season is the ideal time to travel to Brunei. Although June through September is Brunei's peak tourism season, January through May is the best time of year to visit Brunei. It's the ideal time of year to enjoy days at the beach and the ocean.

Brunei has a tropical climate that is hot and humid all year long, the dry season is the ideal time to explore Islamic magnificent architecture

Additionally, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the biggest traditional festival of the year in Brunei. The Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival takes place immediately after Ramadan as an occasion to celebrate a month of fasting. The end of Ramadan and the beginning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is also a fantastic time to visit Brunei because the gates to the Sultan's palace would be open to both locals and tourists.

Best places to visit in Brunei

Istana Nurul Iman Palace

The Royal Palace of Brunei, Nurul Iman Palace, is regarded as the "Palace of the Century" and is one of the world's six biggest palaces. Brunei's Royal Palace may be described as a gold-plated palace. The entire royal complex is decorated in Islamic hues.

Nurul Iman Palace is regarded as the "Palace of the Century" and is one of the world's six biggest palaces

The palace of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and the royal family, as well as the residence and work of the Brunei government and the prime minister's office, is Istana Nurul Iman Palace. Normally, visitors are not permitted. Every year, on the occasion of the Hari Jaya Aidilfitri festival, which follows the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Palace is open for two days for Bruneians and guests to come and greet the King.

Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer Village consists of 30 stilt house communities on both banks of the Brunei River with a rustic environment is another best place to visit in Brunei. Life here is full of adventure, and the floating village has retained its original design after more than 5 centuries.

Kampong Ayer Floating Village has a rural atmosphere and is considered a symbol of history, culture and development of Brunei

Evening visits to the water village are much more exciting. Standing on the bank, viewing the water town on the Brunei River, the stars meander for 8 kilometers, making a fire tree and the Milky Way. The panorama on both sides of the Brunei River is much more stunning if you take a yacht along the Brunei River to the palace's lawn.

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

One more attraction that cannot be mentioned in any Brunei travel guidelines is the largest mosque in Brunei - the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque. The mosque has a highly contemporary architectural style, which makes it even more stunning and lovely at night when lit by lights. It was constructed to commemorate the present Sultan's 25th anniversary of ascending to the throne, and it was even given the name Hassan Narborkia. Even though visitors just looked at the façade, we were amazed by the majesty and beauty of the architecture.

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the largest mosque in Brunei, which has has a highly contemporary architectural style

Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum is a notable museum that displays Brunei's history and culture. This is also the place to keep the evidence of the life of the royal family of Brunei through many different periods. When coming here, visitors will have the most comprehensive and complete view of the life and lifestyle of the royal family. Besides, with a luxurious and modern design, the royal museum will make you unforgettable.

The Royal Regalia Museum is a notable museum that holds evidence of the life of the royal family of Brunei through many different periods

Brunei may not be a popular tourist destination, but its enchanting beauty, welcoming environment, and fascinating history and culture would make a trip there unforgettable. Brunei is a worth-visit nation that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

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