Why visit
Bandar Seri Begawan is Brunei's quiet capital, known for water villages, golden-domed mosques, and rainforest access. It is small but distinctive, especially around Kampong Ayer and the river.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Bandar Seri Begawan is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Brunei. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Bandar Seri Begawan, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Brunei better matches the trip style.
Bandar Seri Begawan at a glance
City population
64k
Elevation
10 m
33 ft
Time zone
UTC+8
Asia/Brunei
Airport
BWN
Brunei International Airport
Brunei at a glance
Country center
4.5°, 114.7°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
5,765 km²
2,226 mi²
Country population
460k
80/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Brunei dollar ($)
BND
Dial
+673
Language
Malay
Demonym
Bruneian
Internet
.bn
UN
Member state
ISO code
BN / BRN
Where in the world
4.5° - 114.7°
Brunei
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan is one of the world's largest water villages.
- Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is built beside an artificial lagoon in the city center.
- The sultan's Istana Nurul Iman on the city's edge is the largest residential palace in the world.
- Brunei is the only sovereign state located entirely on the island of Borneo.
- The Sultan of Brunei's palace has 1,788 rooms: the largest residential palace in the world.
Bordering Brunei
Traveler notes
- Kampong Ayer is one of the world's largest water villages
- Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is the city's central landmark
- Ulu Temburong rainforest trips start from the capital region
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Bandar Seri Begawan
What currency is used in Bandar Seri Begawan?
Bandar Seri Begawan uses the Brunei dollar ($), ISO code BND.
What languages are spoken in Brunei?
The primary language is Malay.
What is the international calling code for Brunei?
The calling code is +673.
When is the best time to visit Bandar Seri Begawan?
Jan–May. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Bandar Seri Begawan?
Brunei International Airport (IATA: BWN).
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