A little more
Brunei.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Brunei: what to know before you go

Brunei is a small sultanate on the north coast of Borneo, surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and the South China Sea. It combines golden-domed mosques, the world's largest water village and large areas of untouched rainforest. It is quiet, orderly and conservative, and suits short stays focused on culture and nature.

Where to go

• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. A white marble mosque with a gold dome, built in 1958 beside a lagoon in the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, with a replica royal barge in the water.
• Kampong Ayer. A water village of houses, schools, mosques and shops on stilts over the Brunei River, connected by wooden walkways.
• Ulu Temburong National Park. A protected area of primary rainforest in the eastern part of the country, reached by road or river and longboat.
• Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. The country's largest mosque, with 29 golden domes, built to mark the reign of the current sultan, and surrounded by gardens and fountains.

Best time to visit

Brunei has a hot, humid tropical climate year-round. The relatively drier months are from about February to April, while rainfall is heaviest from roughly October to January.

Staying online in Brunei

Mobile coverage is good in Bandar Seri Begawan, the towns and along the main roads, with 4G widely available. Coverage becomes weak or absent deep in the rainforest of Temburong. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, malls and many cafés. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land so ride-hailing works from the airport.