Brunei Budget Travel Guide: Affordable Tips for Safe Trips | Homejourney

Brunei has a reputation for being expensive, but with the right strategy, a Brunei budget trip can be surprisingly affordable, safe, and deeply rewarding for Singapore travellers and international visitors alike.

As a Singapore-based writer who has travelled in and out of Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) several times on weekend hops from Changi, this guide brings together first-hand experience, verified cost data, and Homejourney’s safety-first philosophy so you can plan a cheap Brunei getaway without compromising comfort or security.

1. Brunei on a Budget: Why It’s More Affordable Than You Think
2. Best Time to Visit Brunei on a Budget
3. Getting to Brunei from Singapore (and Beyond)
4. Currency, Costs & How to Save Money in Brunei
5. Top Attractions & Experiences for Budget Travellers
6. Practical Travel Tips: Visas, Transport, and Safety
7. Where to Stay in Brunei: Budget to Mid-Range
8. Eating Well on a Budget: Brunei Food & Dining Guide
9. Suggested 3‑Day & 5‑Day Budget Itineraries
10. From Brunei to Singapore: Real Estate, Relocation & Investment
11. Brunei Budget Travel FAQ (For Singapore & International Travellers)

1. Brunei on a Budget: Why It’s More Affordable Than You Think

Brunei Darussalam is a small, oil-rich sultanate on the island of Borneo, bordered by Sarawak (Malaysia) and facing the South China Sea. For Singaporeans used to polished city environments, Brunei feels familiar in its cleanliness and safety, but the pace is slower and the overall vibe is more laid-back and conservative.

Despite its wealthy image, several recent travel cost breakdowns show that budget travel in Brunei can be done from roughly BND 28–60 per person per day, depending on your style.[1][2] Budget backpackers can get by on shared rooms, cheap local meals, and almost free public transport, while mid-range travellers still find prices comparable or cheaper than Singapore dining and hotels.[1][2][3]

For Singapore-based readers on Homejourney:

Daily costs in Brunei are often lower than a weekend in central Singapore, especially for food and attractions.
English is widely spoken, similar to Singapore, which reduces the risk of miscommunication when arranging transport or accommodation.
Brunei’s strong focus on safety and social order aligns well with Homejourney’s own commitment to safe, trusted experiences.

If you plan carefully, Brunei can be an affordable Brunei destination that makes a great comparison point when you later explore regional property markets such as Singapore via Homejourney’s property search tools Property Search .

2. Best Time to Visit Brunei on a Budget

2.1 Weather & Seasons

Brunei has a tropical equatorial climate, similar to Singapore: hot, humid, with frequent showers year-round. There is no dramatic four-season pattern, but you will notice periods with heavier rainfall, usually from around October to January.

Because temperatures are relatively stable, budget travel decisions are more about:

Flight prices from Singapore
Hotel promotions
Ramadan and major religious dates (when opening hours change)

For families and those used to structured season guides, you can think of Brunei timing in the same way we break down Switzerland’s seasons in our other guides Budget Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit Switzerland by Seasons | Homejourney , but simplified: high, shoulder, and quieter periods.

2.2 Best Time for a Brunei Budget Trip

If your priority is cheap Brunei travel and smaller crowds:

Shoulder periods: February–April and September–early November typically see fewer tour groups, and you can find better hotel deals.
School holidays (Singapore): Expect higher airfares during June and year-end holidays; booking early is crucial.
Ramadan: Brunei is a Muslim-majority country; some eateries may close in the day, but night markets and evening dining can be especially atmospheric and budget-friendly.

Travelling off-peak also supports an affordable Brunei trip because you’ll have more leverage to negotiate room rates directly at smaller guesthouses.

3. Getting to Brunei from Singapore (and Beyond)

3.1 Direct Flights from Singapore

The most convenient route is a direct flight from Changi Airport (SIN) to Brunei International Airport (BWN), just outside Bandar Seri Begawan. Royal Brunei Airlines has historically operated this route with a flight time of roughly 2 hours (always check current schedules).

For a Brunei budget trip:

Book early and monitor fares across weekdays; mid-week flights are often cheaper.
Use fare alerts and consider flying light to avoid check-in luggage fees.

3.2 Overland from Miri (Malaysia) – Ultra-Budget Route

For more adventurous and cost-conscious travellers, there is a very cheap route from Miri (Sarawak). One detailed backpacker account describes taking a ride-share or Grab to the border, crossing on foot, then hitchhiking into BSB.[4] This can save money but adds complexity and time.

As someone used to Singapore’s reliable MRT and bus systems, I recommend this only if you’re experienced and comfortable with flexible timings. For most travellers focused on safety and predictability, the direct flight is worth the extra cost.

3.3 Arrival: From Brunei Airport to City

Brunei International Airport is close to BSB (about 15–20 minutes by car). Your options:

Taxi or Dart app: Rideshare availability can be limited; allow buffer time. Previous travellers report Dart rides around BND 5 for short hops into central areas.[1][3]
Hotel shuttle: Some mid-range hotels and guesthouses provide airport transfers—often cheaper or free if pre-booked.

For safety, always confirm the vehicle and driver details in the app and avoid unlicensed touts. This aligns with Homejourney’s commitment to verified, traceable services when we recommend Singapore agents or service providers.

4. Currency, Costs & How to Save Money in Brunei

4.1 Currency & Exchange Tips

Brunei uses the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is pegged 1:1 to the Singapore Dollar (SGD). That means:

1 BND ≈ 1 SGD, making mental conversion incredibly easy for Singaporeans.
Singapore Dollars are generally accepted at par in many places in Brunei, especially larger shops and hotels, though change may be given in BND.

This peg makes budgeting and comparison against Singapore property and living costs straightforward when you later explore Homejourney’s listings and bank rates tools Bank Rates .

4.2 Typical Daily Budgets

Based on recent travel reports and aggregated data:[1][2][3][7]

Travel Style	Approx. Daily Budget (BND)	What This Typically Includes
Backpacker / Basic	28–60	Dorm or simple guesthouse, street food, public buses, free attractions
Mid-range	60–100	Private room, mix of local & sit-down meals, occasional taxis/boat tours
Comfort / Light Luxury	100–150+	Better hotels, restaurant dining, guided tours, day trips to national parks

One detailed breakdown found a total of about USD 28 (~BND 38) per person per day for the lowest-budget style, assuming hostels, street food, and free activities.[1] Another backpacker guide mentions BND 50–60 as a realistic daily spend if you avoid taxis but don’t aggressively cut back on food.[2]

4.3 Key Cost Benchmarks

Street food / hawker meals: about BND 1–5 per meal, depending on portion size and dish complexity.[2]
Dorm beds: around BND 15–25 per night in BSB, though standards can vary.[2]
Simple hotels / guesthouses: from around BND 25–40 per room.[3][4]
Public bus rides: roughly BND 1–2 per ride, regardless of distance.[6]
Water taxi short hop: about BND 1–2 to cross to Kampong Ayer.[1][4]
Private river tour: about BND 20–30 per person for Kampong Ayer and mangroves/monkeys.[1][2]

Because prices are quoted in BND and the peg is 1:1, Singaporeans can instantly understand how these compare to, say, a hawker centre meal in Singapore or an MRT ride.

4.4 Quick “Save Money in Brunei” Checklist

Money-Saving Strategy	Why It Helps
Eat at night markets & hawker-style food courts	Meals from BND 1–5 instead of 10–20 at restaurants
Use public buses instead of taxis	Pay BND 1–2 per ride vs ~BND 5–15 by car for similar routes[6]
Base yourself in BSB and do day trips	Cheaper accommodation; many attractions in walking or short-boat distance
Prioritise free attractions	Mosques, Royal Regalia Museum & beaches are free to enter[1]
Travel off-peak & book flights early	Better airfares from Singapore and more hotel promotions

5. Top Attractions & Experiences for Budget Travellers

5.1 Bandar Seri Begawan Highlights

Most visitors focus on BSB, which is compact and walkable—ideal for budget travel. Much like walking from Bugis to City Hall in Singapore, you can cover many major sights in a single circuit.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Iconic mosque with a stunning golden dome reflected in an artificial lagoon. Entry is free outside prayer times, but dress modestly; robes may be provided for visitors.
Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Another magnificent mosque with grand architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds. Also free to enter; observe posted visiting hours.
Royal Regalia Museum[1]
Showcases the royal family’s regalia, gifts, and historical artefacts. Entry is free, and it is fully air-conditioned—perfect for a mid-day escape from the heat.
Eco-Corridor & Riverfront[5]
A landscaped promenade along the Brunei River with walking paths and views of Kampong Ayer. Free, safe, and pleasant in the evening—think of it as BSB’s smaller equivalent of Singapore’s Esplanade and river walk.

5.2 Kampong Ayer (Water Village)

Kampong Ayer is a sprawling water village built on stilts, sometimes called the “Venice of the East.” It’s one of the most fascinating free experiences in Brunei.

Getting there cheaply: Take a water taxi from the BSB jetty for around BND 1–2 per person for a quick crossing.[1][4]
DIY exploration: Once there, you can walk along wooden walkways, visit schools and small shops, and see how people live above the water with modern amenities.
Guided boat tour: For a more comprehensive trip, hire a boat for BND 20–30 per person to combine Kampong Ayer with mangrove and wildlife viewing.[1][2]

Compared to a Singapore river cruise ticket, these prices are extremely competitive, giving excellent value for an immersive cultural experience.