Is Brunei Safe To Visit? [Safety And Customs Guide]

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Is Brunei Safe To Visit?

Yes, Brunei is a safe country to visit.

The country’s name, “Brunei Darussalam” translates to “Brunei, Abode of Peace”. With big repercussions for theft and petty crime, Brunei boasts a low crime rate. Bruneians have a high quality of life - aided by free healthcare, free education and low petrol prices.

Bruneians are generally known to be polite and well-mannered people. The country has a relaxed, laid-back feel that you’ll notice upon arrival. It also has a long history of tradition and customs, which are important to respect as a visitor. If you follow rules and show basic courtesy, you’ll have an easy time.

In this travel guide, I’ll address common safety concerns, including whether Brunei is safe for non-muslims and women.

Beyond that, we’ll also cover some important general practices you should be aware of to ensure your safety and respect of local customs, like alcohol/drug laws, behavior during Ramadan and general night safety.

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Table of Contents

• Is Brunei Safe For Non-Muslims?

• Is Brunei Safe For Women?

• Best Practices During Ramadan

• Neighborhoods And Night Safety

• Helpful Tips!

• Conclusion

• Best Way To Find A Hotel In Brunei

• About The Author (Taz Zaidi)

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Is Brunei Safe For Non-Muslims?

As a non-muslim visitor, you won’t experience friction as long as you understand and follow a few basic rules. Brunei follows Islamic law, meaning its penal code mostly aligns with the Quran (the holy book of Islam).

Perhaps the most notable law is that Brunei is a “dry country”, which means alcohol is not sold or served anywhere, including in hotels like Empire Brunei Hotel, a 7-star luxury country club resort. However, non-muslim foreigners are allowed to bring some alcohol into Brunei through customs. As of September 2024, foreigners over the age of 17 can bring up to 2 liters of wine or spirits, and up to 12 cans of (330 ml) beer through customs. Whether you enter via the land border with Malaysia, Labuan ferry or at Brunei International Airport, the process is simple - declare the alcohol on your import form.

It’s important to know that, nobody, including foreigners, are allowed to consume any alcohol in public. This means that if you bring alcohol into Brunei you must consume it in your hotel room. Don’t bring it outside. To learn more about the alcohol laws in Brunei, click here.

The sale of cigarettes is also prohibited in Brunei and smoking is prohibited in most places. Punishments for the possession of other drugs is also very steep. Refer to the alcohol article linked above for more information regarding cigarettes and drugs in Brunei.

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Is Brunei Safe For Women?

Brunei is a safe destination for women, whether you’re traveling solo or as part of a group. The most important thing to remember as a foreign woman in Brunei is that there are dress code rules and customs you should always adhere to when in public. Women are expected to wear loose-fitting, modest (conservative) clothing. Do not expose lots of skin. Wearing full-length pants and a shirt with (at least) elbow-length sleeves is perfectly acceptable.

Women are not required to wear a head scarf (hijab) in Brunei, except when visiting mosques. Luckily, Brunei’s two national mosques provide free full-body gowns available to borrow at the women’s entrance. Bikini-style swimsuits are allowed at private beaches, but not at public beaches! If you want to know what the rules are at a particular hotel beach, contact the hotel/resort prior to booking. Some tour operators will allow you to wear a swimsuit during your visit to Ulu Temburong National Park.

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Best Practices During Ramadan

Ramadan is an important holy month in Brunei.

If you visit during this time, do not eat or drink in public during the daylight hours. Eating in front of fasting muslims is frowned upon and inconsiderate. As most customers and workers are muslim, most restaurants in Brunei are closed during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan. If you find an open restaurant, it’s better to eat inside.

Luckily, Brunei’s top attractions still operate during Ramadan. Consider visiting the country during Aidil Fitri. This three-day holiday takes place at the close of Ramadan, as a celebration of the month. During Aidil Fitri (also called Hari Raya), Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah opens Istana Nurul Iman (world’s largest residential palace) to the general public, regardless of nationality or religion. After the large meal is served, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the Sultan or Queen. A unique/memorable experience!

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Neighborhoods And Night Safety In Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan is generally a very safe city.

You won’t need to avoid particular neighborhoods due to safety concerns. Travelers generally choose lodging in one of three areas - the city center (Pusat Bandar), Gadong or Kampong Ayer. To learn about these areas, including the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sleep in Kampong Ayer (the world’s largest water village), read our Bandar Seri Begawan city guide.

Night safety is a non-issue in Brunei. Gadong area is well-lit and bustling after dark. The Gadong Night Market (by far the best place to eat in Brunei) closes at 10 pm. The city center (Pusat Bandar) is also well-lit at night, particularly along Brunei River, though most of the businesses in the center close by dark.

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HELPFUL TIPS!

• By American and Western European standards, Brunei is a conservative country in regards to gender dynamics. Abide by these guidelines:

  • Do not shake hands if greeting someone of the opposite sex. Rather, simply smile and acknowledge them while maintaining a slight gap between the two of you.

  • Public displays of romantic affection are considered to be distasteful in Brunei. Avoid doing so with your partner.

• Bruneian men rarely wear shorts in public. Foreign men may wear knee-length shorts, but remember to wear pants when visiting the national mosques or someone’s house.

• Criticism of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (or the government) is not generally welcome, and freedom of speech laws do not exist in Brunei. While you may not get in trouble for voicing your opinion to a Bruneian, it’s best to avoid controversial political discussions in public.

• When visiting Kampong Ayer, remember that you’re entering a functioning village, not just a tourist spectacle. Employ discretion and be sure to respect the local residents and their property.

• Men and women should wear full sleeves and pants when visiting Istana Nurul Iman during Hari Raya. Even better, try to find traditional clothing! Many Bruneians enjoy foreigners partaking and being curious about the culture.

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Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

In this guide, we covered general safety tips, safety for non-muslims and women, neighborhood and night safety, plus general customs and behaviors you should be aware of - particularly during Ramadan. As long as you respect the local customs and laws, you shouldn’t have any problems during your visit to Brunei. To learn more about Brunei, explore our guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

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Best Way To Find A Hotel In Brunei

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