Cost-saving Tip:
Renting a Car in Miri for a Road Trip to Brunei Instead of Flying
- LocationMalaysia & Brunei
- Duration2 days
- Rating★★★★
- Average CostMYR 100
If you're considering a trip to Brunei, flying directly there might seem like the most straightforward option. However, you might want to consider an alternative option: flying to Miri, a city near Brunei, and then taking a road trip to Brunei.
Miri is a small city in Sarawak, Malaysia, which is conveniently located near Brunei, which makes it an excellent starting point for a road trip.
Why Starting Your Brunei Journey in Miri is a Great Idea
Cost-Effective: The cost of a return ticket from Singapore to Miri is about $100 SGD, while a return ticket to Brunei could cost you about $400 SGD. This means you could save a significant amount on flight tickets alone.
Affordable Car Rental: Renting a car in Miri is also relatively cheaper compared to Brunei. In Miri, the rental cost is about $50 SGD per day (including an authorisation letter). In contrast, car rentals in Brunei can cost between $80 - $100 SGD per day.
Cross the Border
We started our journey in Miri and reached the border in about an hour. The process at the border checkpoint was smooth. We first reached the Malaysian side where we only had to present our passports. Then, we drove for about 5 minutes to reach the Brunei border. They didn't check any vehicle documentation, but it's always good to have it just in case. And if you need a visa on arrival, you can get it at the office located nearby.
We then drove on the highway for about 2 hours. The road was not crowded, which allowed us to drive at a good speed and reach the capital city quickly.
We spent two days exploring the city. For more details on what we did, check out my other post. So, if you're planning a trip to Brunei, consider taking a detour through Miri. It could make your trip more cost-effective and add a fun road trip to your journey.