Let’s explore Brunei, the country whose name can be synonymous with luxury and opulence. This country is rich in natural oil resources. Its petroleum industry has paved the way for ambitious architecture planning, such as arabesque palaces, in the country. It is a small country, spanning 5,765 square kilometres, with a population of more than 430,000 people. The country is also called Brunei Darussalam, where Darussalam means “abode of peace.” Where is Brunei? This small country is located on the island of Borneo, the largest in Asia and the third-largest island on the Earth. It borders the South China Sea on the north. The only country Brunei is sharing a border with is Malaysia, i.e., Malaysia’s Sarawak state. A part of the country, Temburong District, is an exclave easternmost region, which is separated from the main part of Brunei by Malaysian territories. Temburong, distinguished by its beautiful nature, is populated by around 11,000 people. The capital and the most populated city of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, which is famous for its amazing buildings. In this article, I will write about Instagrammable places in the country and why you should travel to Brunei. I will inform you about 12 Instagrammable sites and interesting places in Brunei.
1. Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan is the jewel of not only Brunei but also the whole island of Borneo. The most-liked Instagram posts about Brunei comes from this city. It is a perfect manifestation of how oil riches can transform a place to be one of the most richly-adorned cities in the world. It is a coastal trading centre and home to the great Sultan of Brunei. Tourists can visit Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of the country. This massive royal palace is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest official residence of the state leader in the world. Another Instagrammable place is Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. It is an Islamic mosque and is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in Eastern Asia. The mosque was built at the end of the 1950s. It serves as a place of worshipping, a historical building, and a major tourist attraction in the city. Alongside the grand Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, tourists can visit the Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, previously named as Eco-Corridor Park. People can stroll in the park while enjoying the garden full of tulips and baobab trees, or they can ride on 2-seater and 4-seater bicycles while enjoying the sunset.
2. Brunei River
With the destination of Brunei Bay in the northeast of the country, the Brunei River runs through the country. It is the shortest river with a length of 41 kilometres in Brunei Darussalam. On the banks of the river, there are many tourist attractions, including the Istana Nurul Iman. One of the most interesting places in Brunei is located on this river, that is, Kampong Ayer. With its distinctive appearance, this ancient water village hosts thousands of tourists every year. The whole settlement is comprised of around 40 villages connected through rickety boardwalks. One and the only way to visit this astonishingly distinct sprawling settlement is via a water taxi. It is amazing how this water village has its own mosque, schools, and a lot of stores on the river.
3. Ulu Temburong National Park
Arguably, the best Instagrammable location in Brunei is Ulu Temburong National Park. Thanks to oil windfalls, the national park has never incurred any danger of exploitation of natural resources and deforestation. It is a clear example of state-sponsored conservation campaigns in Brunei. Being called the “Green Jewel of Brunei”, Ulu Temburong National Park is located in the easternmost exclave region of the country. Being a mecca for ecotourists and forest lovers, the park is home to ancient trees soaring into the sky. One of the most Instagrammable places in the national park is the Canopy Walk of Ulu Temburong. The trail of the Canopy Walk goes through the dense forests and jungles, leading to mesmerizing waterfalls and natural pools. Tourists can enjoy beautiful accommodation in the national park called Ulu Ulu Resort, which offers eco-friendly rooms in wooden-constructed buildings.
4. Muara Beach
One of the most-liked Instagram posts in Brunei is taken in Muara Beach. Being located within 30 minutes driving distance from Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara Beach is known as one of the top beaches of Brunei Sultans. The beach is very well known for its golden warm sand, perfect picnic sites, and playgrounds for kids. Visitors can enjoy the warm water of the South China Sea, strolling through the stretch of coast with the line of palm trees. As it is one of the most popular beaches in Brunei Darussalam, Muara Beach went through a state-sponsored upgrading scheme leading to the inclusion of seven meters wide grand entrance, a four meters wide walkway and cycling track stretching over more than one kilometres across the park, barbeque, and picnic sites, fields for beach football and volleyball.
5. Tasek Merimbun
Where is Brunei? It is located on the island of Borneo, blessed with beautiful nature. One prime example would be Tasek Merimbun, the largest natural lake in Brunei. You can enjoy the beauties of the lake, either strolling on the boardwalk or through a boat trip. The lake is surrounded by the Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park. It is especially visited by people due to its unique flora and fauna, such as fruit bats, clouded leopards, and so on.
6. Labi Forest Reserve
Labi mukim is one of the interesting places in Brunei. It attracts many eco-tourists who travel to Brunei mostly due to its nature. It is especially famous for the wild Labi Forest Reserve. The reserve is renowned for its wild and untamed nature. The scenery inside the rainforest is breathtaking, making it a beautiful place to get Instagrammable pictures. On the trails, you may encounter different jungle animals, so it is recommended to visit Labi Forest Reserve in a group with reputable guides.
7. Hutan Simpan Bukit Ladan
Another place very appreciated by wildlife lovers and eco-tourists is the Hutan Simpan Bukit Ladan national park. The main attraction here is famous hiking and walking trails. You can enjoy the amazing view of the rainforest surround the trails and walk on the simple suspension bridges while taking amazing shots of nature. Make sure that you wear as comfortably as possible since the trails can be muddy due to a lot of rainfall.
8. Kuala Belait
Pekan Kuala Belait (“Pekan” meaning town in Malay) is a town located in the westernmost part of Brunei Darussalam. Bordering Malaysian Sarawak state, Kuala Belait is an oil-rich town, home to pumpjacks of Brunei. The town is famous for its shops, souvenir boutiques, restaurants, and bazaars.
9. Andulau Forest Reserve
Being located in the southeast of Kampong Keluyoh, Andulau Forest Reserve consists of two recreational parks, namely, Sungai Liang and Luagan Lalak. You will get a chance to see freshwater swamps, the wildlife culture of the Iban people and their longhouses. It is a perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities and enjoy the serenity.
10. Seria
Being located on the northern coasts of Brunei, Seira is an oil-fed town famous for its nodding donkeys. It is the birthplace of Brunei’s oil industry. It is a simple town adorned with some attractions worthy of a visit. The examples are the Billionth Barrel Monument and Teraja waterfall. You may also visit the Oil & Gas Discovery Centre, a museum, to learn more about the history of Brunei’s oil and gas industry.
11. Jerudong
Kampung Jerudong is a small village with various attractions that are worthy Instagrammable places of the country. Jerudong Park Playground is the largest and the most luxurious amusement park not only in Brunei but also in Southeast Asia. But do not expect very fast rides in there. The attractions and rides are usually slow and short. The park is also home to a restaurant with delicious food. The village is also renowned for its picturesque beach.
12. Gadong
Officially a separate town from Bandar Seri Begawan is an amazing place to experience the buzzing nature of marketplaces of Asia. Gadong town is more like a suburban area of the capital, bustling with the largest bazaars of Brunei. The area is full of large malls, fashion outlets, electronics shops, street food sellers, and McDonald’s. The markets here almost work for the whole day.
A quick recap
Blessed with hydrocarbon resources, Brunei is home to luxurious buildings, beautiful nature, and wildlife. In this article, I have tried to inform you about Instagrammable places in Bandar Seri Begawan and interesting places in Brunei. I have also addressed a question: where is Brunei? When you travel to Brunei, you may visit the places from where the most-liked Instagram posts are coming, which are the following: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei River, Ulu Temburong National Park, Muara Beach, Tasek Merimbun Lake, Labi Forest Reserve, Hutan Simpan Bukit Ladan park, Kuala Belait, Andulau Forest Reserve, Seira, Kampung Jerudong, and Gadong town rich for its Bazaars and marketplaces.
