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Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city of Brunei, serving as the country's commercial and cultural centre. Home to Brunei's seat of government, this municipal area is a fascinating blend of modern development and traditional culture.

Quick facts

Population
50,000 (city)
Currency
Brunei dollar (BND)
Language
Malay
Timezone
+08 (UTC+8)
Local time now
05:20:10

Hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan offers a selection of hotels for visitors to the capital of Brunei, including well-known options such as The Brunei Hotel, Britannia House, The Capital Residence Suites, Jubilee Hotel, and Radisson Hotel. Whether you're seeking business accommodation or leisure stays, these hotels provide convenient options in the city. See all hotels →

The Brunei Hotel
261 m from centre
Britannia House
316 m from centre
The Capital Residence Suites
453 m from centre

Airports in Bandar Seri Begawan

We're still gathering airports listings for Bandar Seri Begawan — check back soon.

Car Hire in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan offers several car hire options for visitors and residents looking to explore the city and beyond. Services including Avis, Syarikat Mufakat Enterprise, Bayu Ilham Motors, and Brunei Pickup Rental provide vehicle rental solutions in the capital. See all car hire →

Avis
1.4 km from centre
Syarikat Mufakat Enterprise
8.7 km from centre
Bayu Ilham Motors
8.9 km from centre
Brunei Pickup Rental
11.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan offers visitors a rich mix of cultural and historical attractions. From the iconic Brunei Clock Tower to heritage sites like Pusat Sejarah Brunei and Makam Raja Ayang, the capital provides insight into Brunei's traditions and history. See all things to do →

Brunei Clock Tower
117 m from centre
Makam Raja Ayang
148 m from centre
Pusat Sejarah Brunei
241 m from centre
Dewan Majlis
265 m from centre
Mercu Dirgahayu 60
323 m from centre
Mahligai
330 m from centre

Restaurants in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan offers a variety of dining experiences across the capital. From established venues like Wisma Baru and Haider Sdn Bhd to contemporary options such as Excapade, Home Dish, and Babu's kitchen, there are restaurants to suit different tastes and occasions. See all restaurants →

Wisma Baru
159 m from centre
Excapade
japanese · 162 m from centre
Home Dish
167 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan offers swimming facilities for both residents and visitors. Kolam Renang Anggerek Desa is among the local options for swimming and aquatic activities in the capital. See all swimming pools →

Kolam Renang Anggerek Desa
4.7 km from centre

Spas in Bandar Seri Begawan

We're still gathering spas listings for Bandar Seri Begawan — check back soon.

Nightlife in Bandar Seri Begawan

We're still gathering nightlife listings for Bandar Seri Begawan — check back soon.

Bars in Bandar Seri Begawan

We're still gathering bars listings for Bandar Seri Begawan — check back soon.

Cafes in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan offers a variety of cafes where you can enjoy coffee, tea, and light refreshments. Popular options include Matcha Mana, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Syazwan Cafe & Catering, Kedai Kopi Cahaya Indah, and Gloria Jean's, providing locals and visitors with comfortable spots to relax and socialise. See all cafes →

Matcha Mana
141 m from centre
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
coffee_shop · 142 m from centre
Syazwan Cafe & Catering
178 m from centre

Shopping in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan offers a variety of shopping experiences, from modern shopping complexes like Kompleks Yayasan SHHB and The One to established department stores such as Hua Ho Department Store and Sim Kim Huat. Whether you're looking for everyday essentials at First Emporium & Supermarket or browsing larger retail outlets, the city provides diverse shopping options for residents and visitors alike. See all shopping →

Kompleks Yayasan SHHB
279 m from centre
The One
1.1 km from centre
First Emporium & Supermarket
1.1 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Bandar Seri Begawan

We're still gathering nature & wildlife listings for Bandar Seri Begawan — check back soon.

Climate snapshot

Bandar Seri Begawan experiences a tropical climate typical of Southeast Asia. The city has warm, humid weather year-round with high rainfall throughout the year, characteristic of the region's equatorial position.

Interesting Facts About Bandar Seri Begawan — Weird & Wonderful

  • The city was renamed in 1970 in honour of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei and father of the current Sultan.
  • Bandar Seri Begawan is nominally the country's only city and serves as its largest urban centre.
  • The city is part of Brunei–Muara District, the smallest yet most populous district in Brunei, home to over 70 percent of the country's population.
  • The capital was formerly known as Brunei Town before its official rename in 1970.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bandar Seri Begawan

What is the population of Bandar Seri Begawan?

Bandar Seri Begawan has a population of approximately 72,133 as of the 2025 estimate, making it Brunei's largest urban centre.

What is the timezone in Bandar Seri Begawan?

Bandar Seri Begawan operates on Asia/Brunei timezone.

Why was Bandar Seri Begawan renamed?

The city was renamed in 1970 in honour of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei and father of the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. It was previously known as Brunei Town.

What district is Bandar Seri Begawan in?

Bandar Seri Begawan is part of Brunei–Muara District, which is the smallest yet most populous district in the country.

What is the size of Bandar Seri Begawan?

The city covers an area of 100.36 square kilometres (38.75 square miles) and is officially a municipal area.

Map of Bandar Seri Begawan

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