BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI
Holiday Houseboys
To fully appreciate Bandar Seri Begawan you need to book a Holiday Houseboys, your local gay friendly tour guide. He will be able to show you around like a local. Whether you want to see the tourist sites, places off the beaten track or discover new experiences, the Holiday Houseboy is there to help you. He looks after your safety and welfare at all times.
Vacancy
How To Book A Holiday Houseboy
To book any of our Holiday Houseboys please go to the booking form.
Or send an email to info@holidayhouseboys.com.
Alternatively WhatsApp +34-676-78 63 51.
Remember a Holiday Houseboy is your gay friendly tour guide who looks after your safety and welfare at all times.
Please note these are guide services and not sexual services.
Make the Most of Bandar Seri Begawan By Booking One or More of These Activities
Powered by GetYourGuide
Highlights of Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city of Brunei Darussalam, a small but wealthy nation located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Situated along the Brunei River near the South China Sea, the city serves as the political, economic, cultural, and religious heart of the country.
The city was formerly known as Brunei Town and was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan in 1970 in honor of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who is regarded as the architect of modern Brunei. Despite being a capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan retains a calm and orderly atmosphere, reflecting Brunei’s stable governance, strong Islamic traditions, and high standard of living.
Bandar Seri Begawan is best known for its impressive Islamic architecture, particularly its mosques. The most iconic landmark is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, often considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia. With its golden dome, marble minarets, and reflective lagoon, the mosque symbolizes Brunei’s deep connection to Islam and its royal heritage.
Another major religious site is the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign. This grand structure features multiple golden domes, lush gardens, and elegant interiors, highlighting the importance of Islam in daily life and governance.
One of the most unique features of Bandar Seri Begawan is Kampong Ayer, the famous water village built on stilts along the Brunei River. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” Kampong Ayer is home to thousands of residents and includes schools, mosques, shops, and police stations connected by wooden walkways and water taxis. It represents centuries of Bruneian history and traditional river-based living.
The economy of Bandar Seri Begawan is closely tied to Brunei’s oil and gas wealth. While large-scale extraction occurs outside the city, the capital hosts government ministries, corporate offices, and financial institutions that manage the nation’s energy resources. This wealth allows the city to maintain excellent infrastructure, free healthcare, and strong public services.
Culturally, Bandar Seri Begawan is modest yet refined. The city offers museums such as the Royal Regalia Museum, which displays gifts, artifacts, and ceremonial items related to the Bruneian monarchy. The Brunei Museum and nearby cultural centers provide insight into the country’s history, indigenous groups, and Islamic traditions.
Food culture in the city reflects Malay, Islamic, and regional influences. Popular local dishes include ambuyat, nasi katok, satay, and various seafood-based meals. Night markets, especially the Gadong Night Market, are popular gathering spots where residents and visitors enjoy affordable local food and a relaxed social atmosphere.
Bandar Seri Begawan has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity, warm temperatures year-round, and frequent rainfall. Despite the climate, the city is clean and well-planned, with green spaces, riverside walkways, and carefully maintained public areas.
Transportation within the city is straightforward, with well-maintained roads and limited traffic congestion. Water taxis remain an essential mode of transport, especially for residents of Kampong Ayer. Brunei International Airport, located just outside the city center, connects Bandar Seri Begawan to regional and international destinations.
In conclusion, Bandar Seri Begawan is a peaceful and dignified capital city that reflects Brunei’s wealth, religious values, and royal traditions. While not fast-paced or heavily urbanized, it offers a unique blend of modern governance, historic water settlements, and Islamic culture, making it a distinctive capital in Southeast Asia.
