Is Brunei Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide - Xplrverse

Introduction: Safety in Brunei’s Peaceful Kingdom

During my first visit to Brunei in 2018, I remember standing outside the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque at sunset, my camera in hand, when a local gentleman approached me. Rather than feeling concerned, I was touched when he simply wanted to welcome me to his country and offer suggestions for places to visit. That moment perfectly encapsulates the safety and hospitality I’ve consistently experienced across my five visits to this small but fascinating Southeast Asian nation.

Brunei isn’t on most travelers’ radar – and that’s precisely what makes it special. This oil-rich sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo offers a unique blend of Islamic tradition, virgin rainforests, and modern infrastructure without the safety concerns that can accompany travel in some other parts of Asia.

In this guide, I’ll share my firsthand knowledge about safety in Brunei based on multiple extended stays between 2018 and 2024, including the most recent changes I observed during my three-week visit in early 2024. We’ll explore everything from crime statistics to cultural norms, health considerations, and practical safety tips that will help you navigate this peaceful kingdom with confidence.

Brunei Safety Overview: What You Need to Know

Let’s address the central question immediately: Yes, Brunei is one of the safest countries in Asia for travelers in 2025. The crime rate is remarkably low, political stability is high, and the infrastructure is well-maintained. However, like any destination, understanding the local context is essential.

Crime Statistics and Personal Safety

Brunei consistently ranks among the countries with the lowest crime rates globally. Violent crime against travelers is virtually non-existent, and even petty theft is uncommon. During my cumulative six months spent in the country, I’ve never once felt threatened or unsafe, even when walking alone at night in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Royal Brunei Police Force maintains a visible presence, especially in tourist areas, but their role seems more focused on assistance than enforcement. I’ve found officers to be approachable and helpful when needed.

Traveler Tip: While crime is rare, basic precautions still apply. Don’t leave valuables unattended, particularly at Brunei’s beautiful beaches like Muara Beach or popular spots like Tasek Lama Recreational Park.

Understanding Brunei’s Political Landscape

Brunei is a stable absolute monarchy ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967, making him one of the world’s longest-reigning current monarchs. The country doesn’t experience the political protests or unrest that occasionally affect travel in neighboring countries.

The government’s focus on public welfare, fueled by oil wealth, contributes to social stability. This means reliable infrastructure, excellent healthcare facilities, and a general atmosphere of calm that benefits both locals and visitors.

Natural Disaster Risk

Unlike many Southeast Asian countries, Brunei faces minimal risk from major natural disasters. The country lies outside the main Pacific typhoon belt and doesn’t experience the severe flooding, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions that can affect other parts of the region.

The most significant environmental concerns are occasional forest fires during dry seasons (usually February-April) and flash flooding during heavy monsoon rains (November-January). Neither typically poses serious risks to travelers who stay informed about conditions.

Safety Aspect	Risk Level	Notes
Violent Crime	Very Low	Exceptionally rare, especially against visitors
Petty Theft	Low	Basic precautions advised but incidents uncommon
Terrorism	Very Low	No history of terrorist incidents
Natural Disasters	Low	Occasional flooding during monsoon season
Road Safety	Moderate	Good roads but occasional aggressive driving
Health Risks	Low	Excellent healthcare; some mosquito-borne disease risk

Navigating Brunei’s Strict Laws as a Visitor

The aspect of Brunei that often raises safety questions isn’t physical danger but rather the country’s strict legal system based on Sharia law. Understanding these laws is crucial for a trouble-free visit.

Alcohol and Substance Regulations

Brunei implemented a complete ban on alcohol sales and consumption in 2015. As a visitor, you cannot purchase or publicly consume alcohol anywhere in the country. This includes in hotels, restaurants, and other public venues.

I’ve made the mistake of not researching this before my first trip. After a long flight, I asked about getting a beer at my hotel and received a polite but firm explanation about the country’s dry status. Non-alcoholic alternatives like teh tarik (pulled tea) and fresh fruit juices quickly became my preferred refreshments.

Insider Tip: If you’re transiting through Brunei but staying on the plane, duty-free alcohol purchased elsewhere will be sealed in special bags until you reach your final destination. Don’t attempt to break these seals while in Brunei airspace or at the airport.

Drug offenses carry extremely severe penalties, including the death penalty for trafficking. Even small amounts of illegal substances can result in lengthy prison sentences. This is not an area where exceptions are made for foreigners.

Dress Code and Public Behavior

While Brunei is conservative, the dress code for visitors is more relaxed than you might expect. However, modest attire is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites or government buildings.

For women, shoulders and knees should ideally be covered in public areas. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts in formal settings. When visiting mosques like the stunning Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, specific dress requirements are enforced, and robes are provided for visitors.

Public displays of affection should be limited to hand-holding. Same-sex relationships are illegal under Bruneian law, and LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware of this when considering a visit.

Ramadan Considerations

During Ramadan, respect for those fasting is expected. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours may result in fines. Most restaurants close during the day or offer takeaway only, reopening for iftar (breaking of the fast) after sunset.

I visited during Ramadan in 2022 and found it to be a fascinating cultural experience. The night markets (pasar malam) are especially vibrant during this period, with amazing local delicacies available after sunset. Just plan your day accordingly and be respectful of local customs.

Health Safety for Travelers in Brunei

Health concerns are minimal for travelers to Brunei, thanks to the country’s excellent medical infrastructure and high sanitation standards.

Healthcare Access

Brunei boasts a world-class healthcare system, with the government-run RIPAS Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan offering high-quality care. Several private clinics cater to expatriates and visitors.

In 2023, I experienced a minor case of food poisoning (ironically from a Western-style restaurant, not local food). When I visited a clinic, I was impressed by the efficient service, English-speaking doctors, and reasonable cost (around BN$45 or US$33 for consultation and medication).

Comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended, primarily to cover evacuation in case of serious emergencies that might require specialized treatment not available locally.

Common Health Concerns

Mosquito-borne illnesses: Dengue fever occurs in Brunei, particularly during rainy seasons. Use repellent containing DEET, especially when visiting jungle areas like Ulu Temburong National Park.
Food safety: Standards are generally high, and street food is usually safe. The night market at Gadong offers delicious local dishes at very reasonable prices.
Heat and humidity: The tropical climate can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.

COVID-19 Status in 2025

As of 2025, Brunei has fully reopened to international tourism with minimal COVID-related restrictions. The country managed the pandemic effectively, with one of the highest vaccination rates globally. Current health screening measures are minimal, but checking the Ministry of Health website before travel is recommended for the most up-to-date requirements.

Money-Saving Health Tip: Tap water in Brunei is generally safe to drink in urban areas, but I prefer using a portable water filter to avoid buying plastic bottles. This saves about BN$5-7 (US$4-5) daily and reduces plastic waste.

Transportation Safety in Brunei

Getting around Brunei safely requires understanding the local transportation options and their particular characteristics.

Road Safety and Driving

Brunei’s roads are well-maintained and driving standards are generally good. Traffic flows on the left side of the road (British influence). If you’re planning to rent a car, an International Driving Permit along with your home country license is required.

During my last visit, I rented a car for a week to explore beyond the capital. The experience was straightforward, with good signage in both Malay and English. However, I did notice some aggressive driving behaviors, particularly speeding on highways.

One mistake I made was underestimating the distance to some attractions. While Brunei looks small on a map, journeys can take longer than expected due to winding roads in rural areas. For instance, the drive from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuala Belait takes about 1.5 hours despite being only about 100km.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Brunei is limited but safe. The bus system in Bandar Seri Begawan is basic but covers major attractions. Buses are numbered and color-coded, with the central bus station located at the downtown waterfront.

Fares are extremely affordable at BN$1 (about US$0.75) per journey regardless of distance. Just be aware that services typically end early (around 6pm) and are less frequent on Fridays during prayer times.

Taxis and Ride-sharing

Taxis in Brunei don’t use meters, so negotiate fares before departure. A typical ride within Bandar Seri Begawan costs BN$10-15 (US$7-11). For comparison, the fare from the airport to the city center is approximately BN$25 (US$18).

The local ride-sharing app Dart offers a convenient alternative with upfront pricing. I’ve found Dart to be slightly cheaper than traditional taxis and appreciate the cashless payment option.

Insider Money-Saving Tip: If staying near Gadong or the city center, use the bus system for daytime exploration and save Dart/taxis for evenings when buses stop running. This simple strategy saved me approximately BN$20-30 (US$15-22) daily.

Women’s Safety in Brunei

As a solo female traveler who has visited Brunei multiple times, I can confidently say it’s one of the safest countries I’ve experienced in this regard.

Cultural Considerations

While Brunei is a conservative Islamic country, women travelers face virtually no harassment. Catcalling or unwanted attention is extremely rare. The general atmosphere is one of respect.

Female travelers are not required to wear a headscarf except when visiting mosques. However, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated in public spaces.

Solo Travel Experiences

I’ve walked alone at night in Bandar Seri Begawan, used public transportation, and dined solo without any issues. The waterfront area around the Royal Regalia Museum is particularly pleasant in the evenings.

During my 2023 visit, I stayed at an Airbnb in a local neighborhood rather than a hotel. My host family was extremely protective, insisting on picking me up from late-night events despite my assurances that taxis were safe.

The only awkward moment I experienced was when visiting the stunning water village (Kampong Ayer) alone. A few locals seemed surprised to see a woman exploring solo, but their curiosity was friendly rather than threatening.

Regional Safety: Exploring Beyond Bandar Seri Begawan

Many travelers stick to Brunei’s capital, but the country offers compelling reasons to venture further afield. Safety considerations remain consistent throughout the country, with some minor differences.

Temburong District

This eastern district, separated from the main part of Brunei by Malaysia, contains the magnificent Ulu Temburong National Park. The completion of the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge in 2020 has made access much easier.

When visiting the park, always go with registered guides. The primary risks here are environmental – heat, humidity, and occasionally slippery conditions on hiking trails. I learned this the hard way during a 2022 visit when I underestimated the physical demands of climbing to the canopy walkway in high humidity. Bring twice as much water as you think you’ll need!

Belait District

Brunei’s westernmost district is the center of the country’s oil industry. The towns of Seria and Kuala Belait have a distinct feel with a larger expatriate population. Safety standards remain high.

The beaches in this region, particularly Pantai Seri Kenangan, are beautiful but exercise caution when swimming as some areas have strong currents and limited lifeguard presence.

Rural Areas and Nature Reserves

Brunei’s smaller nature reserves like Tasek Merimbun and Luagan Lalak offer peaceful escapes from urban areas. Crime is virtually non-existent in these locations, but basic wilderness safety applies:

Tell someone your plans when visiting remote areas
Carry sufficient water and protection from sun/rain
Be aware of wildlife, including monitor lizards and (rarely) crocodiles near waterways
Check weather forecasts, especially during monsoon season

During my exploration of Tasek Lama Recreational Park, I came across a troop of macaques. While they weren’t aggressive, keeping a respectful distance and not carrying food openly prevented any unwanted interactions.

Sustainable Money-Saving Tip: Rather than joining expensive tours to Ulu Temburong, take the public boat from the waterfront in BSB to Bangar (BN$7 one-way), then a shared taxi to Batang Duri. Local guides there offer more authentic experiences at about half the price of packages sold at major hotels. I paid BN$85 instead of BN$180, with the added benefit of supporting local providers directly.

Cultural Safety: Respecting Local Customs

Understanding and respecting Bruneian customs significantly improves both safety and the quality of your experience.

Religious Sensitivity

Islam plays a central role in Bruneian society. The call to prayer sounds five times daily, and many businesses close briefly during Friday prayers (approximately 12-2pm).

When I visited the magnificent Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, I was provided with a proper abaya to wear. The staff were incredibly welcoming in explaining Islamic traditions, and I noticed they appreciated visitors who asked respectful questions rather than just taking photos.

Common Bruneian phrases that show respect include:

“Assalamualaikum” (peace be upon you) – a respectful greeting
“Terima kasih” (thank you) – always appreciated when visiting shops or restaurants
“Minta maaf” (excuse me/I’m sorry) – useful when navigating crowds or making requests

Social Customs and Etiquette

Bruneians are generally conservative but extremely hospitable. Some cultural norms to be aware of:

Remove shoes when entering homes, mosques, and some traditional restaurants
Use your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially older people or women
Speak softly – loud conversations in public may be considered impolite

One of my favorite cultural experiences was being invited to a local home for a traditional meal. I accidentally reached for food with my left hand and was gently corrected. Such moments of cultural exchange, even when making mistakes, often lead to the most meaningful connections.

Unexpected Insider Tip: The scent of sago worms (butod) being prepared might catch you off guard in markets like Tamu Kianggeh. While these are considered a delicacy by indigenous communities, vendors won’t be offended if you decline to try them. However, sampling ambuyat (Brunei’s starchy national dish) is a must-try cultural experience that many tourists miss.

Digital Safety in Brunei

While physical safety is excellent in Brunei, digital considerations are also important for modern travelers.

Internet Access and Censorship

Brunei has excellent 4G coverage and increasingly available 5G in urban areas. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and many public spaces.

However, internet content is filtered. Websites with content considered contrary to Islamic values may be blocked. During my stays, I’ve noticed that some news sites, dating apps, and certain social media content may be restricted.

If access to unrestricted internet is important for your stay, consider arranging a VPN before arrival. I use ExpressVPN, which worked reliably throughout my visits.

Communication and Connectivity

Local SIM cards are readily available and affordable. The main providers are DST and Progresif. I typically purchase a DST tourist SIM at the airport for about BN$10 (US$7.50), which includes decent data allowance for a week.

Making this small investment significantly enhances safety by ensuring you can access maps, translation services, and emergency contacts at all times.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Safety Plan for Brunei

After multiple visits to Brunei spanning several years, I can confidently say it ranks among the safest destinations I’ve experienced in Southeast Asia or anywhere. The combination of low crime rates, political stability, excellent infrastructure, and genuinely welcoming people creates an environment where safety concerns are minimal.

To make the most of your journey to this peaceful sultanate, here’s my actionable 5-step safety plan:

Prepare culturally: Before arriving, familiarize yourself with basic Islamic customs and Bruneian etiquette. Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Download a few basic Malay phrases to show respect.
Arrange digital necessities: Set up a VPN before arrival if you need unrestricted internet access. Purchase a local SIM card immediately upon arrival at Brunei International Airport to ensure connectivity.
Plan transportation strategically: Research bus routes for daytime exploration and download the Dart app for evening transportation. If renting a car, get an International Driving Permit and familiarize yourself with left-side driving rules.
Respect legal boundaries: Accept the alcohol-free environment rather than attempting to circumvent it. Observe modest behavior in public spaces, particularly during Ramadan if your visit coincides with the holy month.
Engage meaningfully: Make an effort to interact with locals beyond service transactions. Some of my richest experiences came from conversations at the Gadong Night Market or while visiting the water village. Bruneians are generally eager to share their culture with interested visitors.

The most significant risk in Brunei isn’t related to safety at all—it’s missing out on the authentic experiences this unique country offers because of unfounded concerns or cultural misunderstandings. Approach your visit with respect, curiosity, and basic precautions, and you’ll likely find Brunei to be among the most comfortable and welcoming destinations in Asia.

FAQ: Common Safety Questions About Brunei

Is Brunei safe for female solo travelers?

Absolutely. Brunei is one of the safest countries in Asia for women traveling alone. Harassment is extremely rare, and the conservative nature of society actually contributes to a respectful environment. While modest dress is appreciated, the requirements are not as strict as in some other Islamic countries.

Can I drink alcohol in Brunei?

No. Brunei implemented a complete ban on alcohol sales and consumption in 2015. This applies to everyone, including visitors, and covers all public places including hotels and restaurants. Non-Muslims are permitted to bring a limited amount of alcohol for personal consumption in private residences only (maximum 2 bottles of wine or 12 cans of beer), but this is rarely relevant for typical tourists.

Is Brunei safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

This requires careful consideration. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Brunei, and harsh penalties exist under Sharia law. That said, there are no reports of tourists being targeted for prosecution. LGBTQ+ travelers who maintain discretion about their relationships while in the country typically encounter no problems. Public displays of affection should be avoided by all couples, regardless of orientation.

Do I need special vaccinations for Brunei?

No special vaccinations are required for entry to Brunei, but standard travel immunizations are recommended, including hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and measles-mumps-rubella. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required if arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk. Consider malaria prophylaxis only if spending extended time in remote jungle areas.

Is tap water safe to drink in Brunei?

Tap water in major urban areas of Brunei is generally treated to safe standards, but many visitors and even locals prefer bottled or filtered water. I’ve used a portable water filter throughout my stays without any issues. In rural areas, stick to bottled or purified water.

What should I do in case of emergency in Brunei?

For emergencies, dial 993 for ambulance services, 995 for fire, or 993 for police. Brunei’s emergency services are efficient and responsive. The main hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan (RIPAS Hospital) offers high-quality care. Your home country’s embassy or consulate can provide additional assistance, though note that not all countries maintain diplomatic missions in Brunei.

Are there any dangerous animals or insects in Brunei?

Brunei’s rainforests host wildlife including snakes and monitor lizards, but dangerous encounters are rare, especially in tourist areas. The biggest concern is mosquitoes, which can transmit dengue fever. Use repellent containing DEET, particularly during dawn and dusk hours and when visiting jungle areas.

Is it safe to visit Kampong Ayer (the water village)?

Yes, Kampong Ayer is safe and is actually one of Brunei’s must-visit attractions. The wooden walkways can be slippery when wet, so exercise caution after rain. Water taxis are a safe and enjoyable way to explore the village, costing about BN$20 (US$15) for an hour-long tour. Respectful photography is welcome, but ask permission before taking photos of residents.