How to Stay Safe in Brunei
1. Introduction
Brunei Darussalam is a small, oil-rich Islamic sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo, bordered by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Despite its tiny size (5,765 sq km, population 450,000), Brunei offers remarkable tropical rainforest experiences, a unique water village (Kampong Ayer), the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and easy access to Borneo’s wildlife. It is one of the safest countries in Asia with extremely low crime rates.
The capital is Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB). The currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is pegged 1:1 with the Singapore Dollar (SGD) — both are accepted interchangeably. The official language is Malay (Bahasa Melayu) but English is widely spoken. Brunei is an absolute monarchy under Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs.
| TIP — Overall Safety: Brunei is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. Crime rates are very low, the infrastructure is excellent, and the population is welcoming to visitors. The primary considerations are cultural and religious laws rather than security threats. |
2. Security Landscape
Brunei is politically very stable. There is no significant domestic terrorism threat. The last major political incident was the 1962 Brunei revolt, which was quickly suppressed. The country is a member of ASEAN and maintains close relations with Malaysia, Singapore, and Western nations. No border disputes affect tourist areas. The country has a low crime rate, with petty theft being the most common concern.
3. Safe & Unsafe Areas
| TIP — All Areas Safe: Bandar Seri Begawan, Kampong Ayer (water village), Temburong District (accessible by speedboat through Malaysian territory), Ulu Temburong National Park, Seria town, and Tutong are all safe for tourists. There are effectively no unsafe areas for visitors. |
Note that travelling between BSB and the Temburong District requires passing through Malaysian territory (Limbang, Sarawak) by speedboat or road. Ensure your passport and visa requirements for Malaysia are met before this journey.
4. Transportation
Brunei International Airport receives flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and several other cities via Royal Brunei Airlines. Taxis from the airport to BSB city centre are metered and reliable. Car rental is available and recommended for exploring the country independently, as public transport is limited. Roads are well-maintained and traffic drives on the left.
The Temburong District speedboat service departs from the Muara Ferry Terminal and takes approximately 45 minutes to Bangar. This passes through Malaysian waters — tourists need no special permit but keep your passport ready. Ulu Temburong National Park requires a tour operator — it is one of Borneo’s most pristine rainforests and access is restricted to preserve it.
5. Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Brunei are of a high standard by regional measures. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in BSB provides good care. Private clinics are available throughout BSB. Medical evacuation to Singapore is straightforward given proximity.
Recommended vaccinations: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (for jungle/rural visits), and rabies (if engaging in adventure activities in rainforest). Dengue fever is present — use DEET repellent. Water from taps is safe to drink in BSB. The jungle environment in Temburong requires precautions against leeches, insects, and tropical infections.
6. Legal & Religious Laws
| WARNING — Sharia Law: Brunei operates under a dual legal system — civil law for non-Muslims and Sharia law for Muslims. In 2019, Brunei introduced the Syariah Penal Code Order (SPCO) which includes severe punishments for certain offences. Non-Muslims are subject to civil law but must respect Islamic practices in public. |
Alcohol is prohibited in public and cannot be purchased in shops or restaurants. Non-Muslims may bring limited quantities (2 bottles of wine/spirits, 12 cans of beer) for personal consumption but may not consume alcohol in public. Pork is unavailable in Muslim establishments but available in some Chinese restaurants. Dress modestly — shorts and sleeveless tops are inappropriate in mosques and government buildings. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is illegal for all.
| WARNING — LGBTQ+ Laws: Homosexual acts are illegal under both civil and Sharia law in Brunei. The SPCO introduced penalties of up to death by stoning for homosexual acts. Complete discretion is essential. LGBTQ+ travellers should consider alternative destinations. |
| WARNING — Drug Laws: Drug trafficking carries the death penalty in Brunei. Even small quantities of narcotics result in severe punishment. Never carry packages for strangers. |
7. Cultural Considerations
Remove shoes before entering mosques and private homes. Women must cover their hair and wear modest clothing when visiting mosques. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours. Greet with ‘Assalamu Alaikum.’ The monarchy is held in very high regard — any disrespect of the Sultan or royal family can result in serious legal consequences. Photography of the Sultan’s palace and military installations requires caution.
8. Common Scams & Threats
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Taxi Overcharging | Some taxis (particularly unmarked ones) charge tourists inflated rates. | Use metered taxis or negotiate the fare before departure. Ask your hotel to arrange airport pickups. |
| Tour Operator Fraud | Operators offer Temburong jungle tours without proper permits, resulting in tourists being turned away. | Book jungle tours through registered operators with valid National Parks permits. Check with the Tourism Brunei office. |
| Currency Exchange | Some private changers offer slightly lower rates. | Exchange at banks or official money changers. BND and SGD are interchangeable at 1:1 everywhere. |
| Online Rental Fraud | Fake accommodation listings appear on general booking sites. | Book directly with hotels or through well-established platforms. Cross-reference with the Brunei Tourism website. |
| Unsolicited Help at Airport | Touts approach arrivals offering unofficial transport. | Use only metered taxis or pre-booked hotel transfers from the airport. |
| Gem/Souvenir Overpricing | Craft shops near tourist sites inflate prices significantly. | Compare prices at multiple shops. Bargaining is less common in Brunei than elsewhere in SE Asia. |
9. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Details |
| Police Emergency | 993 |
| Ambulance | 991 |
| Fire Service | 995 |
| Immigration Department | +673 2 383456 |
| RIPAS Hospital BSB | +673 2 242424 |
| Tourism Brunei | +673 2 382822 |
| UK High Commission BSB | +673 2 222231 |
| US Embassy (Singapore covers) | +65 6476 9100 |
| Australian High Commission BSB | +673 2 229435 |
10. Safety Checklist
- Respect Islamic laws and customs throughout your visit
- Do not bring alcohol beyond the permitted personal import allowance
- Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees in mosques and government buildings
- Do not consume alcohol in public under any circumstances
- Book Ulu Temburong National Park through a licensed operator with permits
- Carry passport when crossing to Temburong via speedboat through Malaysian waters
- Use repellent against dengue mosquitoes throughout your stay
- Check current Ramadan dates if visiting during that period
- Do not photograph royal palaces or military installations without permission
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Purchase travel health insurance before arrival
