Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei 🇧🇳
#1120
4.889545, 114.941757
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital city of Brunei, known for its opulent mosques and royal palaces. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 50 Mbps (average) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BND ≈ 0.74 USD. Local banks like Baiduri Bank and DigiBank offer services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include DST and emag. Prepaid SIMs available at the airport and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa, Mastercard widely accepted; local ATMs available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments like the Radisson Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and Booking.com for flexible stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include the Backpacker Lodge with prices around BND 30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WORQ. Offers high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe B provides a pleasant atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Brunei Chamber of Commerce events and meet-ups are regularly scheduled. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Brunei Expatriates Facebook Group is active for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | BLU Taxi offers convenient rides through their mobile app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; check local hotels or community boards. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jerudong Beach is around 20 minutes away and popular for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Brunei Airlines |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines provide main routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main TAIB Highway connects Bandar Seri Begawan to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses are the primary transit means. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services operate with pay-as-you-go fares. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect Bandar Seri Begawan to neighboring towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | RIPAS Hospital is the main public healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Brunei offers classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Zone is a popular gym with various classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available, such as Laundromat Brunei. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bites provides local food delivery from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Katok, a simple meal of rice and fried chicken with sambal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Brunei Cafe offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf serves a range of desserts and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Gadong Night Market offer budget-friendly eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee operate in Brunei for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services through apps like HappyFresh. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Waterfront area features several pubs and nightlife venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Brunei Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Garage provides a selection of wines and tasting events. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Gadong Night Market is a hotspot for street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tandoori House offers excellent Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a majestic royal mosque located in the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Brunei Museum showcases the history and culture of Brunei. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's Palace, is a notable site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Masjid Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, known for its grand architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Royal Brunei National Day celebration occurs every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Kampong Ayer is a historic water village worth visiting. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre hosts cultural performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Gadong Night Market offers local handicrafts and street food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events are often featured at various community gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in select areas of the city, though limited. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local courses are offered sporadically at community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery at the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Centre showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Royal Regalia Museum displays the history of the Sultan and the country. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural symbols include the Bruneian flag and traditional attire. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ulu Temburong National Park offers stunning rainforest opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Temburong National Park is accessible by boat and offers eco-tourism activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Brunei River routes provide beautiful trails for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills around Bandar Seri Begawan provide panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ulu Temburong National Park is ideal for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at parks like Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and SingPost offer international shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair services available at Plaza Athira. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes offered at the Brunei Language Centre. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Brunei National Library provides study facilities and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Several community centers host events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Hub provides a venue for gamers to meet and play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos due to Brunei's Islamic laws. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BND 100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BND 72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BND 168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BND 132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BND 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BND 200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 18.5% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Brunei has no income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% |
| 🧾 VAT | Brunei does not impose VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules, as there is no income tax. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax applies in Brunei. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 0% for property purchases. |