Discovering the Heart of Brunei:
A 2-Day Itinerary of the Seri Begawan
- LocationSeri Begawan, Brunei
- Duration2 days
- Rating★★★★
- Average CostMYR 100
Day 1: From Miri to Seri Begawan
We embarked on our journey from Miri, Malaysia in the early morning, reaching the splendid Seri Begawan, the heart of Brunei, just around lunchtime.
The Iconic Mosque
Our first stop was the awe-inspiring mosque, an iconic landmark of Seri Begawan. Conveniently, free parking is available on the road nearby. Enveloped in the serenity of the area, we spent the afternoon exploring the mosque and its surroundings.
The Floating Village at Sunset
As the day began to fade, we set off for the floating village, aiming to catch the sunset in all its glory. There's a carpark beside the village, making it easy to access. The locals offer tours of the floating village and the adjacent mangroves, and after a bit of negotiation, we secured a tour for SGD$10 per person. Although they promised the possibility of spotting a crocodile in the river, we weren't so lucky. Nevertheless, the two-hour tour was an incredible experience.
Katong Market at Night
Our day concluded at the vibrant and bustling Katong Market. This area is known for its lively atmosphere, which truly comes to life as the sun sets. As night falls, the market transforms into a hub of activity with vendors showcasing their goods and customers thronging to explore the variety of offerings. The energy and excitement of this place provided a fitting end to our day.
Day 2: A Taste of Diversity
The following day commenced with an unusual culinary experience, especially considering the cultural context of the predominantly Muslim country we were in. Our morning kicked off with a delectable feast of pork rice, a dish that we had the good fortune to come across in a local Chinese restaurant. Finding such a dish in Brunei, where pork is not typically a part of the diet due to religious reasons, was a rare and unexpected delight. It was a unique gastronomic find that added an interesting twist to our travel experiences.
Afternoon Tea at the Emperor Hotel
In the later part of the day, we decided to go to the eminent and grand Emperor Hotel. There, we had the pleasure of partaking in the traditional afternoon tea. The hotel, with its palatial decor and upscale ambiance, was the perfect setting for such an occasion. We indulged in a variety of gourmet delicacies and luscious treats, each more tantalizing than the last, making our afternoon tea a truly delightful experience.
