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The Brunei December Festival is a government-led tourism initiative running throughout the month to boost year-end arrivals. As of December 2025, you’ll find over 60 events ranging from the “Islamic Arts Festival” to food street markets in Bandar Seri Begawan and eco-challenges in Temburong. Hotels like The Empire often run high occupancy during weekends for these events, so last-minute bookings might see a price surge of $40-60 USD per night. It’s a great time to visit for culture, but expect crowds at popular spots like the Eco-Corridor Park in the evenings.

Dengue fever cases typically spike during the December monsoon season due to increased stagnant water. While there are no travel restrictions, health authorities recommend strict mosquito precautions, especially if visiting water villages (Kampong Ayer) or jungle areas in Temburong. Bring high-strength DEET repellent from home, as local supplies can sell out during outbreaks. There is no malaria risk in urban areas, but wearing long sleeves during dawn and dusk is a smart precaution against dengue right now.

No, the sale of alcohol is strictly banned nationwide—you cannot buy a beer or wine anywhere, even in international hotels. However, non-Muslim tourists are permitted to import a limited allowance for private consumption: 2 bottles of liquor (total 2 liters) and 12 cans of beer (330ml each) per person. You must declare this at customs upon arrival and drink it only in your private hotel room. Public consumption is illegal and strictly punished, so keep your happy hour behind closed doors.

There is a significant difference in rules: US citizens get 90 days visa-free entry, while Canadians are only granted 14 days visa-free. If you are Canadian and plan to stay longer than two weeks (perhaps for a jungle expedition), you must apply for a visa at a consulate beforehand or request an extension in-country, which is a bureaucratic hassle. Americans just need a passport valid for six months. Both nationalities must complete the E-Arrival card before landing.

No, neither Uber nor Grab operates in Brunei. The local equivalent is called “Dart,” which functions similarly and allows you to book rides via an app with cash or credit card. Regular taxis are notoriously scarce, expensive, and rarely use meters, so downloading Dart before you arrive is essential for getting around. A typical ride within the city costs BND 5-10 ($4-8 USD), while an airport run is usually fixed at a higher rate.

Brunei is a conservative Islamic country, and modest dress is expected in public areas. For women, covering shoulders and knees is recommended to avoid unwanted stares, though headscarves are not required unless entering a mosque. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts and short shorts in the city. When visiting mosques like the Omar Ali Saifuddien, strict rules apply: you will be provided with a black robe (jubah) to wear over your clothes, and non-Muslims are not permitted inside during prayer times.

Yes, access to the pristine rainforest of Ulu Temburong is strictly regulated, and you cannot enter without a licensed tour guide. You must book a package tour (usually $100-150 USD per person) which includes the longboat ride upriver, park fees, lunch, and the canopy walk. Solo hiking is not permitted due to the remote nature of the jungle and lack of marked trails outside the main boardwalks. Book this at least a few days in advance, especially on weekends.

Brunei is statistically one of the safest countries in Asia with very low violent crime rates. Solo female travelers rarely face harassment, but cultural norms regarding modesty should be respected to avoid uncomfortable attention. Avoid walking alone in quiet areas late at night—not due to crime, but because streets are often empty and stray dogs can be an issue. Locals are generally polite and helpful, but the social vibe is reserved; don’t expect the boisterous backpacker scene found in Thailand or Bali.

We monitor pricing anomalies on major carriers like Singapore Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines 24/7 using AI-powered tools. When a fare bucket suddenly drops—often due to unannounced sales or algorithm adjustments—our system flags it, and our human experts verify the route is practical. For example, we recently found roundtrip fares from Los Angeles to Brunei for $780 USD (normally $1,400+). We send these alerts instantly via our free newsletter so you can book directly with the airline before the price corrects.