These are the best places to travel this summer

Brunei Darussalam

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Classic Brunei

Getty Images/Flickr RF

Overview

The tiny sultanate of Brunei is a remnant of a naval empire that once controlled all of Borneo and part of the present-day Philippines. Nevertheless this quiet darussalam (Arabic for 'abode of peace') has the largest oilfields in Southeast Asia (though they're due to run dry in 30 years).

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Bukit Patoi Recreational Park

    Brunei Darussalam

    Within the protected Peradayan Forest Reserve, this recreational park offers the chance of a 2km (one way) hike to the top of Bukit Patoi (310m). The well…

  • Labi Longhouses

    Brunei Darussalam

    Labi is a small Iban settlement about 40km south of the coastal road with four longhouses: Rampayoh, Mendaram Besar, Mendaram Kecil and, at the end of the…

  • Pulau Selirong Recreational Park

    Brunei Darussalam

    At the northern tip of Temburong District lies this 25-sq-km mangrove-forested island reachable only by boat (45 minutes from BSB). Intrepid Tours runs…

  • Forestry Museum

    Brunei Darussalam

    The Forestry Museum is a small, simple place with seriously thorough information about the local forest. Exhibits detail the history of logging and…

  • Luagan Lalak Recreation Park

    Brunei Darussalam

    If you're craving peace and serenity this is the place to find it: a trident of wooden walkways extend across alluvial freshwater swamp, with tufts of…

  • Billionth Barrel Monument

    Brunei Darussalam

    Commemorates (you guessed it) the billionth barrel of crude oil produced at the Seria field, a landmark reached in 1991. Copper panels leading up to the…

  • Pantai Seri Kenangan

    Brunei Darussalam

    Set on a spit of land, with the South China Sea on one side and Sungai Tutong on the other, this casuarina-lined beach is arguably the best in Brunei,…

  • Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park

    Brunei Darussalam

    Tasek Merimbun is Brunei's largest lake and supports ample birdlife. Near the lake there's a small visitor centre that isn't always open. When it is you…

Advertisement
Advertisement