Experiences in Brunei
Great Outdoor Activities Around Brunei
Grab your hats, sunscreen and water bottles, and get ready to step out into the fresh air to make the most of the great weather all year round and bask in all the lush outdoor greenery Brunei has to offer!
From a day trip to the verdant lush jungles of Brunei, to roller skating, archery and football, there’s something for everyone waiting to be had in Brunei.
As with all outdoor activities, please ensure that you do not litter, damage or cause any harm to our wildlife and flora and collaborate together as advocates in the preservation and cleanliness of Brunei’s wonderful outdoors!
Day Trip to Temburong
Located just a 45-minute boat ride away from the Bumbungan 12/Kianggeh Bandar Jetty, disconnect from the busy fast-paced city life and enjoy a day out by immersing yourself in nature. From a canopy walk adventure at the Ulu-Ulu Temburong National Park to a river tubing experience with Sumbiling Eco Village, there’s plenty for you to do. Alternatively, you could even just sit back, relax, disconnect and just bask in the sounds of the wild at Trandie Resort. There are plenty of day trip packages and operators to choose from to suit your travel needs!
Day trip to Waterfalls
Located 2 hours away, at the very end of Jalan Labi in the Belait District lies the verdurous Teraja jungles. Famed for its scenic beauty and pristine rainforests, Teraja is also known for its beautiful waterfalls (all 40 of them!), wildlife spotting and hiking trails. Make sure to register yourself at the Teraja Longhouse or the Teraja police station before you go into the jungle, and it is highly recommended to hire a trekking guide from the longhouse prior to the start of your trek. There are three waterfalls usually frequented by the public — Teraja, Belulok and Geratung. It would take an entire day to visit all three waterfalls, so be sure to be fully rested for the trek as the challenging terrain requires a whole lot of stamina!
Hiking
Surrounded by pristine jungle, Brunei has many different hiking trails for different levels of endurance and stamina. Enjoy a scenic hike at Tasek Lama Recreational Park in the capital up to Bukit Sarang Helang (Eagle’s Nest Hill) where you can catch treetop glimpses of the vast expanse of Brunei’s jungles, or reward yourself with views of the coast and seaside from the top of the hills of Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreational Park, or for a more exciting day trip, take a 2-hour drive to Labi in the Belait District for a wildlife hike to the Wong Kadir Waterfalls!
Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas
The Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, formerly known as Eco Corridor provides a beautiful course for inline skating, skateboarding or jogging. The 12-hectare riverfront park with its beautifully manicured landscape boasts a 7-kilometre trail to and fro the newly opened RIPAS Bridge and has been flocked by many with their skates for a little cityscape adrenaline adventure. Best time to indulge in this outdoor activity is during sunset, as the park then becomes picturesque with the sun setting at the water village and the golden rays hitting the golden domes of the nearby Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Remember to be mindful of where you skate and be careful not to litter or cause any damage, as local government authorities can impose fines.
ATV Adventure at Katimahar Agripark
30 minutes away from the capital, you can find Katimahar Agripark – a 250 acre park with an offroad track that is sure to give you an experience like no other. You can rent an ATV and get a guided tour which lasts 2 hours, going through muddy trails and a challenging terrain. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately and be prepared to get muddy all over!
Jerudong Park
Brunei’s famous amusement park, and the largest in Borneo – Jerudong Park boasts beautifully landscaped playground with all kinds of amusement rides for all ages. With a kids waterpark and some adrenaline inducing activities, one can enjoy a whole day with the family out in one place. You can also find an outdoor food court to curb all your hunger pangs after an eventful day! Do make sure to check out the entrance fees and operating hours before heading there to avoid disappointment.
Archery
Do you think you can be the next Robin Hood? Try this low impact activity, suitable for both beginners and professionals – you can drop by Ar-Rafi Archery at their centre in Kilanas for some indoor archery, where you can test your accuracy skills and practice hitting a bull’s eye with a bow and arrow!
Kampong Ayer Walking Trail
Seen Kampong Ayer from the water taxis and the river banks? Why not experience Kampong Ayer on foot? Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, take a peaceful stroll along the walking trail and see everyday life in Brunei’s centuries-old water village. The trail is designed to be visitor-friendly so you can explore it with or without a tour guide, and explore the unique homes of the residents. If you’re lucky, you may even get invited in to have a look around! Take a water taxi and asked to get dropped off at the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (this should only cost about 50 cents per person) and begin your trail from there!
Fishing in Tutong
Fancy fishing for your dinner? Look no further than Pangkalan Waris. Located in Kampong Penapar, this charming little fishing site is a hidden gem in the Tutong District. Fishing enthusiasts normally go to try catch the giant river prawns, or locally known as udang galah – a favourite delicacy of many. It is also a hub for local woodcrafting and fruit picking. It is normally busy over the weekends so it is highly recommended to give them a call prior to visiting to avoid disappointment!
Football/Soccer with Super Squad
Want to play football but don’t have a team? No problem! With Super Squad, players only need to sign up on their website, purchase match credits and select a date, venue, time and field position. Playing Football has never been easier!
Water Sports and Activities Around Brunei
Brunei’s coastline of some 160km along the South China Sea boasts excellent picturesque sceneries, sunsets and its huge collection of marine life. Located on Borneo Island, Brunei has many beaches attracting visitors to indulge in different kinds of water sports and activities, from strolling and scuba diving to snorkeling and jet skiing.
If you’re looking for an exciting thrill of water-related activities, head down to Serasa Beach in the Brunei/Muara District where you can find the Serasa Water Sports Complex, a one stop shop for all water sports and adventures, or plan a trip down to Temburong for a complete different experience of water sports and activities in the river.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Brunei is gaining popularity worldwide, especially for its amazing shipwreck diving. Many international divers are lured in by the unpolluted waters and uncrowded beaches with its warm tropical climate and clear visibility of corals and marine life. Non-swimmers and those who have always wanted to learn to scuba dive can sign up and choose from a wide array of dive courses and certifications for beginners from the operators located there.
Snorkeling
A 45-minute boat ride from Serasa Beach, try snorkeling at the beautiful Pelong Rocks! With the right water temperature and visibility, Pelong Rocks has many shallow corals making it an ideal place for a family adventure and to be enjoyed by all. A snorkeling session is usually accompanied by a picnic and barbecue by the beach. Transportation wouldn’t be a problem as there are speed boats available for hire and is normally part of the package. It is recommended and best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Banana Boating
Imagine sitting and holding on to a huge floating banana boat as you get pulled out to sea and getting thrown into the water at high speed. Feel the adrenaline rush yet? For a 15-minute round, you can enjoy soaking under the sun and witness the exhilarating beauty of the South China Sea as the boats take you out on an wild water adventure. Make sure to slather on lots of sunblock and wear safety vests provided by the operators.
Jetski
For the adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers, jetskiing can be an outrageously fun water sport. You can opt for different types of jetski packages for a fun ride on the warm Bruneian waters with your friends and family surrounded by landscapes of tree-lined shores and sun on your skin. As always, be sure to wear sunblock and adhere to all safety measures and precautions before embarking on your adventure.
Kayaking
Want a more slower-paced and personalized tour of the waters? Give kayaking a go! The tour takes you around the nearby islands where you can get the chance to get up close and personal with nature on land and sea without getting wet!
Parasailing
Step out of your comfort zone and face your fear of heights as you get lifted up to 300 feet above the beautiful waters. The one-seater parasail lets you experience heightened thrill as you parasail through the waters at top speed, pumping adrenaline whilst giving you the pictures like no other!
River Tubing
The Temburong River’s calm and steady cascading stream creates the most perfect small waves that create the thrilling experience of river tubing. River tubing is a relatively easy activity for all ages to enjoy as you only need to hold tight and enjoy the ride. Get awed by the beautiful sights and sounds of the wildlife around you as you float downstream and experience a journey like no other.
Waterskiing & Wakeboarding
Being one of the fastest growing water sports in the world, waterskiing and wakeboarding are definitely not for the faint hearted. A combination of skateboarding and surfing, get high on adrenaline pump with the right amount of speed, balance and pressure giving you the skills you need to enjoy a good ride. The Bruneian waters are perfect for this sport due to its less populated and calm waters.
White Water Rafting
For a more unique nature adventure experience, head down to Temburong and try white water rafting on the Temburong River. Rafting down the river after a day of exploring the jungles of Ulu Temburong National Park is a fun mixture of thrill and gentle paddling. Ideal for both new and seasoned paddlers, especially with Grade 1 and 2 rapids, make up a good challenge. Disconnect from your busy life and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the thick jungle and wildlife.
Indoor Activities in Brunei
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia and close to the equatorial line, Brunei gets a generous amount of sunshine and rainfall throughout the year, especially during the monsoon periods, which typically occur from October to January. However, this does not mean you have to be confined to your hotel rooms or homes as there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in Brunei!
From indoor ice skating rinks and climbing gyms to museums and various classes for those looking to pick up a new skill, this guide on various types of indoor activities caters to just about any budget and preference.
Go Rock Climbing
Searching for a gravity defying thrill? Check out UP Climbing Centre – Brunei’s first and only indoor climbing centre suitable for beginners to advance climbers. They offer leisure climbing for walk-in customers as well as Level One and Two courses for those interested to get certified. With a Bouldering Cave and 300sqm of climbing surface, they also cater to corporate or private climbing sessions.
Try Ice Skating
Located at Aman Hills Shopping Centre, Brunei’s first and only indoor ice-skating rink offers a different and memorable experience for people of all ages to enjoy. Never tried ice-skating before? Have no fear! The rink has trainers to assist you in getting confident in your skates and, dolphin skate aides for your little ones.
Test your target skills with Archery
Test out different levels of skill and master hitting the bull’s-eye at the Ar-Rafi Archery Brunei Club’s indoor centre. They offer archery training for ages 6 and above, with trainers to assist in the different categories available: Training & Sports, Academic Academy, or the fun shooting Games & Culture. They also have fun and outdoor shooting sessions to cater to different occasions.
Solve Mysteries with Escape Square
Ever wondered what it’s like being in the shoes of Sherlock Holmes? Gather a team of up to 5 and test your skills and relationship by playing London detectives solving crimes and mysteries in the 1900s with this unique escape room experience with original storylines catered to you. Try solving the mysteries in less than 60 minutes!
Strike a game of Bowling
Located not far from the Brunei International Airport at The Airport Mall, bowling is one of the favourite pastimes of many locals. Golden Bowling Brunei features 22 state-of-the-art bowling lanes. Their super unique glow bowling and their entertaining atmosphere is sure to be an experience for beginners or even experts alike!
Battle in the Cyber World
With the increasing popularity in online gaming and E-Sports worldwide, you can jump on the bandwagon and challenge yourself by competing in one of the many popular online games available – either with an online team or as a single player, all in the comfort of being indoors. For the ultimate gaming experience, BlackAce Cybercafé has multiple branches around the country, equipped with the best gaming facilities and DXRacer ergonomic gaming chairs for the comfort of your long gaming hours. Don’t forget to get up and stretch every hour!
Catch a movie at the cinema
Catching up with new movies while indulging in fresh sweet or salty popcorn and snacks is one of the best decisions you can make for an indoor activity. To catch the latest releases from the movie world, head down to any of the Times Cineplex movie theaters around the country. They’ve got multiple screenings of various films a day, with different show times – with a variety of films to choose from, you’ll definitely find something entertaining for the whole family!