Where to stay in Brunei for the first time. Guide created with the help of expats.

Where to stay in Brunei was the first thing I researched before our trip. Even though the country is so small, we knew that a car is necessity, so we wanted to stay somewhere convenient. We didn’t want to rely on taxis, because there are not many. Also, we only had 2 days in Brunei, so renting a car was not something we wanted to do.

As I mentioned in other posts, we have friends, who have been living in Brunei for a few years now. With their tips, it was much easier to make a decision on where to stay in Brunei during our short visit.

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Where to stay in brunei (especially if it is your first time)

It seemed quite complicated at first, but choosing where to stay in Brunei is actually much simpler than it first looks. Yes, we had an advantage of getting some insider tips, that’s why I am sharing with you everything I know to save your time. The country is small, safe and extremely easy to navigate, so you don’t really need to overthink location the way you might in bigger Southeast Asian cities, like Hong Kong or Seoul.

Bandar Seri Begawan City Centre (Best overall for first timers)

In fact, most travellers base themselves in Bandar Seri Begawan, and from there everything, including day trips like Ulu Temburong, is within easy reach. What really matters in Brunei is balancing convenience, comfort and access to transport or tours, rather than chasing different “district vibes” like you would in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.

The city centre puts you close to key landmarks like the mosque, waterfront, museums, restaurants and most tour pick-up points. It’s compact, walkable in parts, and very easy for arranging day trips.

This is also where you’ll find reliable mid-range hotels like the Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam, which we personally stayed at. It made a lot of sense for us to be in this area.

The location is central enough that you can walk to key sights during the day, and it’s also one of the most common pick-up points for tours like Ulu Temburong. The hotel itself is comfortable, nothing special, just a normal and conveniet chain hotel.

What stood out most was how easy everything felt from here. We could arrange transport, meet tour pickups, and still return somewhere quiet and air-conditioned after long days in the heat. It’s not the cheapest option in town, but for convenience alone, it’s hard to beat for a first trip.

👉 If it’s your first time in Brunei, this is the most practical and stress-free base.

Gadong (Best for food and local life)

Gadong is easily the most “lively” area to stay in Bandar Seri Begawan, especially if you want to be closer to local life, food options and everyday Bruneian routines.

While it doesn’t have the postcard views of the waterfront or the polished government feel of the city centre, it makes up for it with convenience and energy. This is where you’ll find The Mall Gadong, supermarkets, banks, cafés, fast food spots and some of the best casual eateries in the city all within a relatively compact area.

In the evenings, the atmosphere and the whole life happens in the well-known Gadong Night Market, where rows of food stalls serve everything from grilled chicken and satay to local snacks and fresh juices, it’s one of the best places to experience Brunei’s food culture in a relaxed, informal setting.

Hotels here tend to be more modern mid-range properties, and one of the most reliable options in the area is The Rizqun International Hotel, which is directly connected to The Mall Gadong. It’s especially convenient if you want easy access to food, shopping and transport without needing taxis for every small errand.

👉 A good option if food matters more to you than views.

Jerudong / Beach Resorts (Best for luxury & slow travel)

Jerudong sits along Brunei’s coastline, about 20–30 minutes from Bandar Seri Begawan, and it feels noticeably more spread out and resort-like compared to the compact city centre.

This is where you’ll find some of the country’s larger, more upscale hotels and beach properties, set between quiet stretches of road, greenery and the South China Sea. Around Jerudong itself, there isn’t a dense “town centre” in the usual sense, but you do have a few practical spots nearby like small local eateries, petrol stations, and shopping options if you head slightly inland towards Gadong.

The best hotel in the Jerudong area is widely considered to be The Empire Brunei, and honestly it’s in a completely different category compared to everything else nearby. Even if you don’t stay there, add it to your Brunei itinerary for an evening visit (great for sunsets). You can walk around and have a coffee or dinner and the staff is really nice.

One of the most notable nearby attractions is Jerudong Park, a large recreational park that has gone through different phases over the years and still stands as one of Brunei’s better-known leisure spaces. You’re also within reach of quieter coastal viewpoints and long empty roads that make the whole area feel quite peaceful, especially in the evenings.

The downside is that you’re quite far from most main sights in Bandar Seri Begawan, so you’ll rely on taxis or arranged transport for almost everything, including tours like Ulu Temburong. But if your idea of Brunei is more about slowing down, enjoying hotel facilities, and having a calm base away from the city, Jerudong delivers exactly that.

👉 Better for relaxing stays or “end of trip” unwind.

My top hotel choices in Brunei

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