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Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city of Brunei, serving as the country's primary urban centre, seat of government, and cultural hub. Renamed in 1970 to honour Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the city blends tradition with modern development.

Quick facts

Population
50,000 (city)
Currency
Brunei dollar (BND)
Language
Malay
Timezone
+08 (UTC+8)
Local time now
05:02:25

Hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan offers a range of hotel options for visitors to the capital. Properties such as The Brunei Hotel, Britannia House, The Capital Residence Suites, Jubilee Hotel, and Radisson Hotel provide accommodation choices throughout 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 capital and surrounding areas. Companies including Avis, Syarikat Mufakat Enterprise, Bayu Ilham Motors, and Brunei Pickup Rental provide rental services to suit different travel needs. 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 range of cultural and historical attractions to explore. From the iconic Brunei Clock Tower to important sites like Pusat Sejarah Brunei and Mercu Dirgahayu 60, the capital city provides insight into Brunei's rich heritage and local traditions. 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 diverse range of dining establishments catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for local flavors or international cuisine, restaurants like Wisma Baru, Excapade, Home Dish, Babu's kitchen, and Haider Sdn Bhd are among the options available in the city. 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 residents and visitors seeking aquatic recreation. Kolam Renang Anggerek Desa is among the swimming pools available 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 different atmospheres and beverage choices throughout the capital. 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 range of shopping options from modern malls to traditional department stores. Visitors can explore venues like The One, Kompleks Yayasan SHHB, Hua Ho Department Store, and other local retailers for everything from everyday essentials to specialized goods. 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 with warm, humid conditions throughout the year. The city receives significant rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial location in Southeast Asia.

Interesting Facts About Bandar Seri Begawan — Weird & Wonderful

  • The city was formerly known as Brunei Town until 1970, when it was renamed to honour the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
  • Bandar Seri Begawan is located in Brunei–Muara District, the smallest yet most populous district in Brunei, which is home to over 70 percent of the country's population.
  • The city covers an area of 100.36 square kilometres (38.75 sq mi) and is nominally Brunei's only city.
  • Bandar Seri Begawan serves as Brunei's commercial, cultural, and governmental centre, making it the heart of the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bandar Seri Begawan

What is the population of Bandar Seri Begawan?

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

What district is Bandar Seri Begawan in?

Bandar Seri Begawan is part of Brunei–Muara District, the smallest yet most populous district in Brunei, home to over 70 percent of the country's population.

Why was Bandar Seri Begawan renamed in 1970?

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

What is the area of Bandar Seri Begawan?

Bandar Seri Begawan covers an area of 100.36 square kilometres (38.75 square miles).

What role does Bandar Seri Begawan play in Brunei?

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei and serves as the seat of government, as well as the country's primary commercial and cultural centre.

Map of Bandar Seri Begawan

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