The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Who can stay, how long can you stay, and how do you get to stay?
Brunei is one of the easier Southeast Asian countries for Australians to enter. The visa process is straightforward and the immigration officials are efficient and polite. It's a small, wealthy country that doesn't get a huge amount of tourists, so the process is usually quick and painless.
Australian passport holders get 90 days visa-free on arrival. That's generous by any standard. Just rock up with a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. No visa application, no fee, no hassle. Immigration is typically processed in under 10 minutes at Brunei International Airport.
Your passport needs at least 6 months validity from the date of entry. You'll also need at least two blank pages for the entry and exit stamps. Brunei immigration is strict about passport condition — if your passport is damaged (water damage, torn pages), you may be denied entry. Make sure yours is in good nick before you travel.
You'll need to fill out an arrival/departure card on the plane or at immigration. Standard stuff — name, passport number, address in Brunei, purpose of visit. Some airlines distribute these on the flight, otherwise grab one at the immigration counter. Keep the departure portion safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Extensions beyond 90 days are possible through the Brunei Immigration Department but they're not guaranteed and require a valid reason (employment, family, study). Tourist visa extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis. Given that most visitors do Brunei in 3-7 days, the 90-day allowance is more than enough for the vast majority of travellers.
If you're coming overland from Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo), the two main border crossings are at Kuala Lurah/Tedungan and Labu/Limbang. Both are straightforward. You'll go through Malaysian exit and Brunei entry immigration. Same visa-free 90-day rule applies at land borders. Buses from Miri (Malaysia) to Bandar Seri Begawan run daily and cost around BND 10-15.
Non-Muslims aged 17+ can bring in 2 bottles of liquor (up to 2 litres total) and 12 cans of beer (totalling no more than the equivalent of 2 litres of alcohol) duty-free. You MUST declare it at customs. Cigarettes: 200 sticks duty-free. There are restrictions on bringing in publications, videos and media that are deemed offensive to Islam. Declare everything — Brunei customs officers are thorough.
Working in Brunei requires a separate employment visa sponsored by your employer. The process involves a labour department approval, then an entry visa, then a work permit. Brunei's oil and gas sector employs a number of Australians, particularly engineers and technical specialists. Your employer will typically handle all the paperwork — it's their problem, not yours.
Brunei implemented Sharia Penal Code in stages from 2014-2019. While it primarily applies to Muslims, some aspects apply to everyone. Be aware of the legal framework before you arrive. Homosexuality, adultery and blasphemy carry severe penalties under the code. In practice, enforcement against tourists has been rare, but don't test the boundaries. This is not a country where you push limits.
Brunei is hot and humid year-round (27-33°C). The dry season (February to April) is the most pleasant. Ramadan dates change yearly — the country operates at a slower pace during this period, with limited daytime dining options. If you're planning around Ramadan, check the dates before booking. Outside Ramadan, any time is fine.
Passport with 6+ months validity, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or letter of invitation), sufficient funds (no specific amount but have evidence if asked), completed arrival card. No COVID vaccination requirements as of 2025. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic area.
What to eat and where to find it
Bruneian food is a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, with heavy use of rice, seafood, coconut and spice. It's halal across the board — this is a Muslim country. The food is solid, hearty and well-priced. You won't find the same street food madness as Bangkok or Manila, but there are plenty of good feeds to be had.
A sticky, starchy blob made from the interior of sago palm trunks. You twirl it around a pair of bamboo chopsticks (called chandas) and dip it into various sauces. It's essentially flavourless on its own — the sauces do the work. Think of it as the Bruneian version of plain rice, just with a much weirder texture. You need to try it at least once. Aminah Arif restaurant in BSB does a solid version.
The cheapest meal in Brunei. A packet of rice, a piece of fried chicken and sambal (chilli sauce) wrapped in paper, usually sold from home stalls and small shops for just BND 1 (about AUD $1.10). That's not a typo — a dollar for a meal. Available everywhere, especially late at night. The ultimate budget feed. Multiple nasi katok a day is a genuine survival strategy.
Rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, a boiled egg and your choice of meat or fish. It's a breakfast staple across Brunei and Malaysia. The sambal is the make-or-break component — good sambal elevates the whole dish. Seri Damai restaurant and countless gerai (food stalls) serve excellent versions.
Marinated chicken, beef or mutton on bamboo skewers, grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce, rice cakes and cucumber. Found at night markets and food courts throughout the country. Typically BND 0.40-0.60 per stick. Order 10-15 sticks and go to town. The charcoal flavour makes it — avoid the pre-made stuff at food courts and find someone grilling fresh.
Pasar Malam Gadong is Brunei's most famous night market, operating from around 4pm to 10pm daily. Hundreds of stalls selling every type of local food — grilled meats, seafood, kuih (sweets), fresh juices, nasi katok, satay, and more. Prices are cheap and the variety is enormous. This is where locals eat and where you should eat at least a couple of nights. Located in Gadong, about 10 minutes from central BSB.
Bruneian laksa is a spicy coconut-based noodle soup with prawns, chicken, bean sprouts and herbs. Different from Singaporean laksa but just as good. Mee goreng (fried noodles) with egg, vegetables and your choice of protein is another reliable option. Both available at most local restaurants and food courts for BND 3-5. The Tamu Kianggeh morning market area has good laksa stalls.
Brunei sits on the South China Sea coast, so seafood is fresh and plentiful. Prawns, crabs, fish and squid prepared in Malay style — grilled, fried, or in coconut curries. Ikan bakar (grilled fish with sambal) is a standout. Head to Seria or Muara for waterfront seafood restaurants. Budget BND 15-30 per person for a proper seafood spread.
All food sold commercially in Brunei must be halal certified. That means no pork anywhere. If you're a bacon-and-eggs-for-breakfast bloke, you're out of luck for the duration of your stay. Chinese restaurants in Brunei serve halal Chinese food (chicken and beef, not pork). Don't ask for pork, don't try to bring it in, don't joke about it. Respect the rules.
During Ramadan, most restaurants close during daylight hours. Non-Muslims are allowed to eat, but you should do so discreetly — not in public view, not in front of fasting locals. Hotels and some restaurants will serve food behind screens or in private areas. After sunset (iftar), the food scene explodes — night markets ramp up and special Ramadan dishes appear. It's actually a great food experience if you adjust your schedule.
Nasi katok: BND 1-1.50. Night market meal: BND 3-5. Local restaurant meal: BND 5-10. Mid-range restaurant: BND 15-25. Hotel restaurant: BND 30-60. Brunei is surprisingly affordable for food given the country's wealth. Water is safe from the tap in BSB but most people drink bottled. Teh tarik (pulled milk tea) and kopi (local coffee) are BND 1-2 at any kopitiam (coffee shop).
The dry country situation — what you need to know
Here's the big one, mate. Brunei is a dry country. The sale of alcohol has been banned since 1991. There are no bars, no pubs, no bottle shops, no alcohol on restaurant menus. Nothing. Zilch. If you're the kind of bloke who needs a cold beer at the end of the day, you need to plan ahead or adjust your expectations. Here's the full picture.
Under Brunei law, the sale of alcohol is completely prohibited. There are no licensed premises anywhere in the country. No bars, no pubs, no clubs selling booze. Hotels don't serve it. Restaurants don't serve it. Supermarkets don't stock it. This isn't a grey area or a loosely enforced rule — it's a blanket ban that is taken seriously.
Non-Muslims aged 17 and over can bring in 2 bottles of liquor (up to 2 litres total) and 12 cans of beer per person. You MUST declare this at customs on arrival — there's a specific form for it. They will check. If you don't declare it, you can have it confiscated and face a fine. Buy your grog at duty-free before you land or at the Labuan duty-free shops if crossing from Malaysia.
Non-Muslims are permitted to consume their duty-free alcohol in private — meaning your hotel room or a private residence. You cannot drink in public spaces, on the beach, in parks, or anywhere visible. Keep it behind closed doors and you're fine. Don't be the idiot stumbling around BSB at night — there's no pub to blame it on and you'll attract attention you don't want.
Labuan is a Malaysian duty-free island about 30 minutes by speedboat from Muara port in Brunei. Many Brunei residents (including expats) make regular trips to Labuan to stock up on cheap duty-free booze. Beer is roughly MYR 50-70 per carton (about AUD $16-22). You can only bring back 2 bottles and 12 cans per trip legally, but this is the most common workaround for expats wanting a regular supply.
Miri, in Sarawak (Malaysia), is about 2 hours by road from BSB. It has bars, clubs, pubs and bottle shops. Many Brunei residents drive to Miri for a night out when they want a proper session. There are bars catering specifically to the cross-border crowd. Just remember your legal limits when bringing alcohol back into Brunei. Some people make a weekend of it.
Brunei customs officers know the tricks. Hiding extra bottles in your luggage, decanting spirits into water bottles, or trying to bring in more than your allowance is a genuinely stupid idea. Penalties include fines and confiscation, and in serious cases, imprisonment. The risk-reward ratio is insane — we're talking about a few extra beers versus a criminal record in a foreign country. Just stick to the limit.
Non-alcoholic beer (0.0% ABV) is available in some supermarkets and shops. Brands like Barbican and Holsten 0.0 pop up occasionally. It's not the same — let's be honest — but it's something. Some restaurants also serve mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails. If you're staying for more than a few days, you'll get used to teh tarik and fresh juices as your evening drinks.
Bruneians are big on teh tarik (pulled milk tea), kopi (strong local coffee), fresh coconut water, sugar cane juice, and an incredible variety of fresh fruit juices. Bandung (rose syrup with condensed milk) is another favourite. Air batu campur (ABC — shaved ice with syrups and toppings) is the go-to refreshment in the heat. Honestly, after a few days you'll find yourself enjoying these more than you expected.
If you're visiting Brunei as part of a longer Southeast Asian trip, plan it so Brunei isn't your last stop — you'll want somewhere with a bar at the end. Bring your full duty-free allowance. Budget your supply across your stay. A 12-pack and two bottles of spirits can last a week if you're disciplined. Or just embrace the dry life for a few days — your liver and wallet will thank you. It's genuinely not as bad as you think.
Brunei's alcohol ban is part of the country's Islamic identity. It's not aimed at tourists or foreigners — it's a reflection of the Sultan's vision for the country. Complaining about it won't change anything and will make you look like a disrespectful guest. Accept it, adapt, and focus on the things Brunei does brilliantly — incredible mosques, pristine rainforest, amazing food, and some of the friendliest people in Asia.
Transport options
Brunei is a small country — you can drive from one end to the other in about 2 hours. But public transport is limited, so getting around requires some planning. The good news is that roads are excellent (oil money), petrol is dirt cheap, and everything is well-signposted. Here's how to move around.
Hiring a car is the most practical way to explore Brunei. Roads are modern, well-maintained and rarely congested. Driving is on the left (like Australia). Petrol is absurdly cheap at around BND 0.53 per litre — that's roughly AUD $0.60. Yes, really. Your Australian licence is valid in Brunei. Rental costs start from BND 50-80 per day. Avis and local companies operate from the airport and BSB.
Brunei has very few traditional taxis. Those that exist don't cruise the streets — you need to call or book them. Fares are metered and reasonable. Dart is Brunei's ride-hailing app (similar to Grab/Uber). Download it before you arrive. Coverage is mainly in BSB and surrounding areas. Dart is the closest thing Brunei has to convenient on-demand transport without a car.
BSB has a public bus network operated by the government. Fares are BND 1 per ride. Routes connect central BSB to suburbs like Gadong, Kiulap and Tutong. The problem is frequency — buses run every 20-40 minutes and stop early in the evening. No buses on public holidays. The central bus terminal is at the BSB waterfront. Useful for budget travellers with patience but not reliable for tight schedules.
To visit Kampong Ayer (the water village), you'll take a water taxi from the BSB waterfront. These small motorboats zip across constantly. Standard fare is BND 1-2 per person for a crossing, or BND 20-30 for a guided tour of the water village (30-45 minutes). Negotiate before you get on. The boat ride itself is part of the experience — the views of Kampong Ayer from the water are brilliant.
Temburong District is separated from the rest of Brunei by a strip of Malaysian territory. The new Temburong Bridge (opened 2020) connects BSB to Temburong by road — it's a 30km drive. Before the bridge, you had to take a speedboat via Bangar. If you're visiting Ulu Temburong National Park (and you should), the bridge makes it a straightforward day trip by car.
BSB is relatively flat and compact, making cycling feasible if you can handle the heat. Some hotels offer bicycle hire. The waterfront promenade is pleasant for cycling. However, there are no dedicated bike lanes and drivers aren't accustomed to cyclists. Early morning or late afternoon rides are best. Not practical in the midday heat — you'll be drenched in sweat within 10 minutes.
Brunei International Airport (BWN) is only 8km from central BSB. Taxis from the airport cost BND 25-35. Dart rides are cheaper at around BND 8-15. Some hotels offer airport transfers. There's a bus (Line 24) but it doesn't run late at night. Given the short distance, a taxi or Dart is the easiest option. The airport itself is modern, clean and efficient — a far cry from the chaos of other Southeast Asian airports.
Regular buses run between BSB and Miri (Sarawak) for BND 10-15, taking about 3-4 hours including the border crossing. PHLS Express and Jesselton Express operate the main services. You'll go through two border crossings (Brunei exit, Malaysian entry). Have your passport ready. There are also buses to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) but the journey is 6-8 hours. For comfort, consider a rental car.
Outside of central BSB, Brunei is built for cars, not pedestrians. Suburbs are spread out, footpaths are inconsistent, and the heat makes long walks brutal. Gadong (the main shopping area) is 3km from BSB centre — walkable but unpleasant in the midday sun. Plan your transport for each day. If you don't hire a car, make sure Dart is working on your phone and have the bus schedule handy.
At BND 0.53/litre for premium petrol, filling up in Brunei is laughably cheap. If you've rented a car and you're heading to Malaysia, fill the tank before you cross the border. Malaysian fuel is more expensive (though still cheap by Australian standards). Some travellers fill up jerry cans to take across — technically against border rules but widely done. We didn't tell you that.
Currency, costs and cash
The Brunei Dollar (BND) is pegged 1:1 to the Singapore Dollar — and Singapore Dollars are accepted everywhere in Brunei at par. As of 2025, AUD $1 gets you roughly BND 0.85-0.90. Brunei is a cash-friendly society and while cards are accepted in larger establishments, smaller shops and food stalls prefer cash.
The Brunei Dollar comes in notes of BND 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen (cents). Singapore Dollar notes and coins are accepted everywhere at face value — this is an official agreement between the two countries. You can use either currency interchangeably, which is handy if you're transiting through Singapore.
ATMs are available at banks, malls and the airport. BIBD (Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam), Baiduri Bank and Standard Chartered are the main banks. Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard for withdrawals. Maximum withdrawal is typically BND 500-1,000 per transaction. Fees vary — your Australian bank will likely charge AUD $5-7 per international withdrawal plus a currency conversion fee. Withdraw larger amounts less often.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, shopping malls and petrol stations. Amex is less commonly accepted. Small restaurants, food stalls, night markets and water taxis are cash only. Don't expect to tap-and-go at a nasi katok stand. Carry BND 50-100 in small notes for daily food and transport expenses. Cards are fine for bigger purchases and hotel bills.
Despite being one of the richest countries in Asia, Brunei is affordable for visitors. Nasi katok: BND 1. Night market meal: BND 3-5. Restaurant meal: BND 8-15. Petrol per litre: BND 0.53. Hotel room (mid-range): BND 80-150. Taxi ride across BSB: BND 10-15. The exception is imported goods and anything luxury — those carry premium prices. Day-to-day living costs are lower than Singapore by a wide margin.
Licensed money changers are found in malls (The Mall Gadong, Yayasan Complex) and at the airport. Rates are reasonable — slightly better in town than at the airport. Australian Dollars are widely recognised and easily exchanged. If you're carrying Singapore Dollars, don't bother exchanging them — just spend them directly at 1:1. USD is also easily exchanged anywhere.
Tipping is not customary in Brunei and not expected. Restaurant bills don't include a service charge, and locals don't tip. If you want to leave a small tip for exceptional service, it will be appreciated but not anticipated. Hotel porters might receive BND 1-2 per bag. Tour guides are the one exception — BND 10-20 for a full day tour is a nice gesture.
Brunei has no GST, no VAT, no sales tax, and no income tax. Prices displayed are the prices you pay. This is one of the benefits of living in a country funded by oil revenue. What you see is what you get. Coming from Australia's 10% GST world, this is a pleasant surprise. The sticker price IS the price.
While Brunei is extremely safe, there's no need to carry large amounts of cash. BND 100-200 per day is more than enough for food, transport and activities. Keep larger amounts in your hotel safe. If you're heading to Malaysia from Brunei, exchange your Brunei Dollars before or at the border — BND is not as easily exchanged deeper into Malaysia outside of Sarawak and Sabah.
If you're flying through Singapore to Brunei, buy some Singapore Dollars before you leave Australia. They're accepted at par in Brunei, and SGD is easier to find at Australian money changers and banks than BND. When you leave Brunei, any leftover BND can be spent in Singapore. It's a tidy two-for-one situation that saves you an extra currency exchange.
If you need to transfer money to Brunei for longer stays, Wise (TransferWise) offers good rates with low fees. Bank-to-bank international transfers work but are slower and more expensive. For short visits, just use ATMs and carry enough cash. Brunei isn't a place where you'll be spending wildly — it's modest and affordable despite the oil wealth surrounding you.
Staying safe in the Abode of Peace
Brunei is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia — arguably one of the safest in the world. Violent crime is virtually non-existent, petty crime is rare, and the streets are safe to walk at any hour. The biggest risks are cultural missteps rather than physical dangers. Here's what to know.
Brunei has some of the lowest crime rates in Asia. Violent crime against tourists is essentially unheard of. Petty theft and pickpocketing are rare but not impossible — basic precautions apply. You can walk around BSB at night without any concern. Cars are often left unlocked. It's a genuinely safe place. Don't let your guard down completely (that's just common sense anywhere), but you can relax here.
Brunei's Sharia Penal Code applies to Muslims and, in some areas, to non-Muslims as well. For practical purposes: don't drink alcohol in public, don't engage in public displays of affection beyond holding hands, don't eat in public during Ramadan daylight hours, and don't use offensive language about Islam or the Sultan. These rules are not suggestions — they carry real legal consequences.
Brunei has mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking (300g+ of cannabis, 15g+ of heroin, etc.) and severe penalties for possession. This is not an exaggeration or a scare tactic — it's the law and it is enforced. Don't bring drugs into Brunei, don't buy drugs in Brunei, don't even joke about drugs in Brunei. This is absolute zero-tolerance territory. No exceptions.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques — long pants, covered shoulders, women should cover their heads. Remove shoes before entering. Don't walk in front of someone who is praying. During Friday prayers (12-2pm), many businesses close. During Ramadan, don't eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. None of this is difficult — it's basic respect. Bruneians are tolerant and patient with tourists who make genuine efforts.
Brunei is not in a major earthquake or typhoon zone. Flooding can occur during heavy monsoon rains (November to January) but is rarely severe. The tropical climate means heat and humidity are constant — stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and take breaks in air-conditioning. The rainforest has mosquitoes (use repellent, especially in Temburong), but malaria risk is negligible. Dengue exists but is not common.
Roads are good but some drivers can be erratic, especially at roundabouts. Brunei drives on the left. Speed limits are generally 50-80 km/h. Seatbelts are mandatory. Police checkpoints are common, particularly at night and near the Malaysian border. If stopped, be polite and cooperative. Drink-driving is not possible if you're following the no-public-drinking law, so that's one less worry.
The Sultan of Brunei (Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah) is the head of state, prime minister, defence minister and finance minister. The royal family is deeply respected. Criticism of the Sultan, the royal family, or the government is illegal and will land you in serious trouble. Don't make jokes, don't post negative comments on social media while in Brunei, and don't compare their system to Australian democracy. Just leave it alone.
Homosexuality is illegal in Brunei under both civil and Sharia law. Penalties under the Sharia Penal Code are severe. LGBTQ+ travellers should be aware of this reality. Public displays of same-sex affection should be avoided. While enforcement against tourists has been minimal in practice, the legal framework exists and the risk is real. This is not a progressive environment on this issue.
Don't photograph military installations, government buildings, or the royal palace without permission. Inside mosques, ask before taking photos. Don't photograph people without their consent, especially women. The mosque guards are generally happy for tourists to take photos of the architecture but will tell you if something is off-limits. Breaking photography rules can result in confiscation of equipment and questioning by authorities.
Police: 993. Ambulance: 991. Fire: 995. The Australian High Commission is in BSB (Simpang 74, Jalan Kebangsaan). Register with Smartraveller before you travel. Keep digital copies of your passport, visa and travel insurance on your phone and in your email. In any emergency, Brunei's services are efficient and responsive. The biggest safety advice? Respect the culture and the laws, and you'll have zero problems.
Getting connected in the Abode of Peace
Getting a local SIM in Brunei is straightforward. Mobile coverage is good throughout the country (it's tiny, so the towers cover most of it). Data is reasonably priced and you'll need it for maps, Dart (ride-hailing) and general navigation. Sort your SIM at the airport and you're good to go.
DST is Brunei's largest mobile operator with the best overall coverage. Their Easi prepaid SIM is the go-to for tourists. Available at the airport counter, DST stores in malls, and convenience shops. A tourist SIM with data starts from around BND 10-15. 4G/LTE coverage is solid across BSB, Seria, Tutong and major towns. 5G is being rolled out in BSB.
Brunei's second carrier, government-backed. Competitive pricing and good coverage in urban areas. Their prepaid plans are comparable to DST. Less presence at the airport but available at their stores in malls and town centres. If DST is out of stock at the airport (rare but possible), Progresif is a perfectly good alternative. Both carriers cover the same key areas.
Airport arrivals hall has a DST counter — grab your SIM there before you leave the terminal. Staff will activate it and help you set it up. Also available at DST stores in The Mall Gadong, Yayasan Complex, and Times Square. Registration requires your passport. The process takes about 5-10 minutes. If the airport counter is closed (late-night arrivals), any convenience store can sell you a SIM card.
DST Easi offers data add-ons via their app or by dialling USSD codes. Popular packages: 3GB for 7 days at BND 5, 10GB for 30 days at BND 15, unlimited data for 30 days at BND 35. These change periodically so check the DST app for current promos. For a short visit (3-7 days), a BND 10 tourist package with 5GB data is usually plenty. WiFi in hotels supplements your data nicely.
Free WiFi is available in most hotels, shopping malls, cafes, and some public areas. The Empire Hotel and Radisson have good WiFi. Mall WiFi (Gadong, Yayasan) is free but sometimes slow. Government WiFi hotspots exist in some public areas. Overall, WiFi quality is decent but not outstanding. For reliable connectivity, use your mobile data as the primary and WiFi as backup.
BSB, Seria, Tutong and along the main highways — no problems. Coverage in Temburong and the interior rainforest can be patchy, especially deep inside Ulu Temburong National Park. If you're doing jungle treks, don't rely on your phone for navigation — download offline maps beforehand. Along the coast and in all towns, coverage is reliable with both carriers.
Bruneians primarily use WhatsApp for messaging — unlike the Philippines (Messenger) or Thailand (LINE). WhatsApp is the universal communication tool here. Local calls and SMS are cheap but most people default to WhatsApp calls and messages. Instagram DMs are also common for casual communication. Make sure your WhatsApp is registered to a number before you arrive or update it to your new Brunei number.
International call rates from Brunei SIMs are expensive (BND 0.50-1.50 per minute depending on destination). Use WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime over WiFi or data for calls home. If you need to make a regular call to Australia, buy an IDD package from DST — they offer discounted call bundles. Most of the time, data-based calling is all you need.
Brunei censors some internet content, particularly sites deemed to contain pornography, anti-Islamic material, or content critical of the government. Most mainstream sites (Google, Facebook, YouTube, news sites) work fine. VPN use is not explicitly illegal but is in a grey area. If you rely on specific sites or services for work, test them early in your stay. Major VPN services generally work without issues.
If your phone supports eSIM, providers like Airalo and Nomad offer Brunei data eSIMs from AUD $5-10 for short stays. Activate before you land and you'll have data immediately on arrival. Great for the first day while you sort out a physical SIM. For a short Brunei visit (2-4 days), an eSIM might be all you need — saves the hassle of buying and registering a physical card.
Where to find other Aussies and kick back
Let's be honest — Brunei isn't crawling with Australian backpackers. But there IS an Aussie presence, mainly in the oil and gas sector. Shell (Brunei Shell Petroleum) employs a number of Australians, and there's a small but tight expat community. Here's where to find them and where to hang out.
The social hub of Brunei's oil and gas community in Seria. Originally built for Shell employees, it has a swimming pool, sports facilities, restaurant and bar area (non-alcoholic, obviously). Regular social events, quiz nights, sports days and community gatherings. If you know anyone in Brunei's oil industry, this is where they spend their weekends. Visitors can usually attend as guests of members.
Brunei's most famous hotel and a go-to hangout for expats and tourists alike. The lobby lounge, poolside area and restaurants are popular meeting spots. The hotel has a golf course, cinema, bowling alley and beach. It's grand, slightly over-the-top (it was built by the Sultan's brother), and a good place to meet other travellers and expats. Sunday brunch is an institution — BND 48 for a buffet spread.
Gadong is BSB's commercial centre with The Mall, restaurants and the famous night market. It's where expats go for evening meals, grocery shopping and general hanging out. Excapade Sushi, Nando's (yes, they have Nando's) and various kopitiam are popular. It's the closest thing to a social strip in BSB. Not exactly Lygon Street but it does the job.
The Kiulap area has a growing cafe scene popular with younger expats. Coffee shops like Roasted Sip, Little Audrey's and Piccolo Cafe serve proper coffee (not just Nescafe). It's a pleasant area for a morning coffee and a catchup. Some cafes stay open until 10-11pm and serve as the de facto evening hangout spots in a country without bars.
The Royal Brunei Yacht Club hosts sailing and social events. The Jerudong Park Golf Club has social memberships. Hash House Harriers (the drinking club with a running problem) operates in Brunei — minus the drinking part, obviously, but the social runs and gatherings continue. These clubs are great entry points into the expat community. Ask around or check Facebook groups.
Not a hangout per se, but the one thing every Australian in Brunei will tell you to do. Pristine primary rainforest with a canopy walkway, river tubing, and jungle treks. Day trips from BSB are easy via the new bridge. Tour operators like Borneo Guide and Freme Travel run daily trips for BND 150-250 per person including transport, guide and lunch. This is world-class rainforest — genuinely impressive.
The world's largest water village — an entire suburb built on stilts over the Brunei River. Home to around 30,000 people. Take a water taxi across, walk the boardwalks, visit the galleries and museums, and experience a way of life that's existed for centuries. It's Brunei's most unique attraction and a great place to spend an afternoon. The view back towards the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is postcard-perfect.
One of the most beautiful mosques in Asia, sitting on an artificial lagoon in central BSB. Open to non-Muslim visitors outside of prayer times (check the schedule — usually available 8:30am-12pm, 1:30-3pm, and limited Sunday hours). Free entry, modest dress required. The marble, gold and stained glass are stunning. Visit at sunset for the best photos. It's the defining image of Brunei.
For Aussie expats in Brunei, Miri is the weekend escape. A 2-hour drive gets you bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and a livelier social scene. Miri also has Niah Caves (incredible prehistoric site), Lambir Hills National Park, and a decent beach scene. Many Brunei expats do regular Miri weekends — it's where you go to decompress and, if we're being honest, have a beer.
The expat community in Brunei is small enough that you can find it online quickly. Facebook groups like "Expats in Brunei," "Brunei Expat Community" and "Australians in Brunei" are active. The Shell community has its own internal social networks. If you're moving to Brunei for work, your employer will likely connect you with the existing community. For short-term visitors, hotel concierge staff can point you toward current events and gatherings.