The capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan is the only town in Brunei of any size.  There are approximately 600,000 people that make this city their home. They are friendly and easy going, so visitors shouldn’t encounter any problems with the populace.

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is one of the most magnificent modern mosques that can be found in the East. Built in 1958 near the Brunei River, it boasts its own artificial lagoon. The mosque is huge with a golden dome atop and the inside has walls of the finest Italian marble along with thick carpeting and there is even an elevator. Tourists are often awestruck by this fabulous piece of architecture.

Kampung Ayer is located near the Brunei River as well. Here you will find a collection of 28 water villages of ancient origin. The villages are built upon stilts and approximately 30,000 people call this home. It is a mix of both the ancient and modern and tourists should not miss a visit to this fascinating relic.

If travelers are interested in history and culture, the city has some great museums to explore. The Brunei Museum has traditional exhibits and the Malay Technology Museum sports exhibits on the architecture of the water villages and the technologies utilized by the citizens who once lived in them.

If you want to visit the magnificent palace of the Sultan you can do so if you visit Brunei at the end of Ramadan’s fasting month. It is only then that the Istana Nurul Iman is open for public viewing.

Dining options in Bandar are limited to local eateries or kedai makan found in Bandar’s downtown. Chinese cuisine is quite popular in Brunei so many Chinese restaurants are easily found. For a true Brunei dining experience try the hawker centers found near the Brunei River. They serve delicious steamboats, grilled fresh fish, whole roasted chickens, noodles and satay. The prices are quite reasonable if you are trying to stay on a budget.

If you enjoy nightlife, then Bandar Seri Begawan is not the place to find it. The streets roll up in the capital city by 9pm. But if you are looking for history, culture and beauty, Bandar Seri Begawan will not disappoint.