Brunei | Southeast Asia's Hidden Travel Gem

| Southeast Asia's Hidden Travel Gem.### **Brunei Travel Guide: Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque & Water Village** **📌 Highlights** - **Visa-free Entry**: Chinese passport holders can stay visa-free for 14 days, perfect for spontaneous trips. - **Luxury and Tranquility Combined**: Brunei is known for its wealth, featuring golden-domed mosques and pristine, rustic water villages. - **Cultural Depth**: A perfect blend of Islamic culture, Malay traditions, and modern luxury. --- ### **🕌 Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque** - **Features**: The largest and most luxurious mosque in Brunei, with 29 golden domes (made from 45 kg of gold), crystal chandeliers, and exquisite carpets, grand and magnificent. - **Best Time to Visit**: Early morning or evening when sunlight shines on the golden domes, creating a stunning effect. - **Admission**: Free, recommended to spend 1-2 hours. - **Nearby Recommendations**: - **Sultan's Memorial Museum** (houses royal treasures, entrance fee 5 Brunei dollars). - **Istana Nurul Iman** (the world's largest palace, best photographed at dusk). --- ### **🚤 Water Village (Kampong Ayer) — "The Venice of the East"** - **Features**: The world's largest traditional water village, with a history of over 500 years, home to 30,000 residents, complete with schools, mosques, and hospitals. - **How to Experience**: - **Boat tours** (10-20 Brunei dollars per person, price negotiable). - **Visit local homes**, taste Malay pastries, and experience simple village life. - **Best Time to Visit**: Early morning or evening to avoid midday heat. - **Night View Spot**: Recommended **The Waterfront Café** to enjoy the sparkling lights of the water village. --- ### **🍽️ Must-Try Foods** - **Gadong Night Market**: Brunei's liveliest night market, recommended dishes include **grilled chicken butt, satay, and nasi lemak**; durian season is from September to December. - **Water Village Specialties**: Colorful snacks (coconut-flavored sago cake), and teh tarik (frothy pulled tea). --- ### **🏨 Luxury Accommodation Recommendations** 1. **The Empire Brunei** - Brunei's most luxurious resort, featuring a private beach, golf course, and stunning sunsets. - Price: Around 1800 RMB+/night. 2. **Radisson Blu Hotel** - Located in the city center, convenient for sightseeing. --- ### **🚗 Transportation Tips** - **Car rental is most convenient** (public transport in Brunei is scarce). - **Use Dart for taxis** (similar to Uber), but wait times can be long. --- **✨ Though small, Brunei is full of surprises—the brilliance of the golden mosque, the tranquility of the water village, and the lively atmosphere of the night market are all worth exploring!**