Brunei is sandwiched between the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, on the northern coast of Borneo. It is a small country with a very rich and interesting history. Malay is the dominant culture in Brunei, however it is much more conservative than Indonesia and Malaysia. As a Sharia country, the sale and public consumption of alcohol is banned. You will not find any pubs or alcoholic beverages on sale here, however as a visitor, you are able to bring a limited amount of alcohol with you for private consumption.
Some of the must-do’s during your visit to Brunei include a visit to Kampong Ayer, the water village, visit and admire the incredible mosques, play a game of golf at the Empire Hotel and Country Club, tour the pristine forest of the Ulu Temburong National Park or dive the magnificent World War Two wrecks, only a short boat ride off shore.
Diving is a mixed bag in Brunei, with two oceanic islands just off the coast with fringing coral reefs, fantastic macro dive sites and the Labuan World War II wrecks not far away. Each of the wrecks on offer are encrusted with beautiful colourful corals and teeming with fish life including cardinal fish, peacock groupers, red snapper and yellow-tailed barracuda. The best time to visit is in the dry season between March and October.
Accommodation in Brunei
The Empire Hotel & Country Club
- Type: Resort
- Suitable For Non Divers: Yes
- Swimming Pool: Yes
- Air-Conditioning: Yes
- Hot Water: Yes
- On-Site Dive Shop: No
- Resort Highlight: The Incredible Architecture
- Diving Highlight: –
- Full Details Coming Soon…
Radisson Hotel
- Type: Hotel
- Suitable For Non Divers: Yes
- Swimming Pool: Yes
- Air-Conditioning: Yes
- Hot Water: Yes
- On-Site Dive Shop: No
- Resort Highlight: Fantastic Spa, Fitness Centre & Swimming Pool
- Diving Highlight: –
- Full Details Coming Soon…
Dive Operators in Brunei
Poni Divers
- Type: Dive Operator
- Snorkelling/ Non Diving Tours Available: Yes
- Dive Courses Available: Yes
- Training Pool: No
- Equipment For Hire: Yes
- Equipment For Sale: No
- Dive Shop Highlight: Beachfront With A Private Jetty!
- Diving Highlight: Fantastic Wrecks
- Full Details Coming Soon…
General Information
- Entry Requirements
- Money
- Language
- Electricity
- Time Zone
- Clothing
- Climate
- Water Temperature
- Departure Tax
- Tipping
Australian passport holders require 6 months validity beyond the intended stay. A visa is issued on arrival with $20 BND payment made in local currency only. For more information and for holders of other passports, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for the latest travel advice.
The Brunei Dollar (BND) is the unit of currency. One Australian dollar buys approximately 1.2 BND.
Brunei Malay is the national language, and Chinese and English are also widely spoken.
230V and uses the British plug type.
GMT+8 (2 hours behind Sydney).
Light casual clothing is recommended, and modest clothing is required in public places. Women should not wear sleeveless tops or skirts above the knee.
Brunei has a humid, tropical climate with a temperature of around 28°C for most of the year.
27-29°C.
$12 BND payable on departure.
Tipping is not widely practiced in Brunei but is always appreciated. Many eateries add a 10% service charge.
A note regarding alcohol: While sale of alcohol is banned in Brunei, visitors may bring in two bottles of wine or 12 cans of beer. It is not recommended to drink these publicly.
