I hate to be the one to break it to you, but here aren’t really any super budget options for places to stay in Bandar Seri Begawan. Unless perhaps you want to Couchsurf.
That said, there are some affordable options where you get good value for your money.
Moderate Budget – Downtown: Capital Residence Suites
We stayed at the Capital Residence Suites and can’t recommend it highly enough.
It was reasonably priced at about US$75 per night for two people, and included a decent breakfast buffet.
The rooms were plain and small-ish, but had everything we needed, including air conditioning and a small refrigerator. They have a few vending machines in the hall for cold drinks.
Most importantly, they have a little shuttle van that will drive you around town throughout the day. They have a specific schedule and circuit, but they are willing to bend a little if you ask nicely (and they aren’t otherwise booked). They will even pick you up or drop you off at the airport or bus stop.
The hotel is also within walking distance of the main downtown attractions. It’s about a 5-minute walk to the Royal Regalia Museum and a 15-minute walk to Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien or the waterfront.
I can’t guarantee you will have this when you go, but they had a cute little kitten family on the grounds. There are also monkeys in the area (so don’t leave anything on the balcony if you have one).
Don’t think twice—book your stay at Capital Residence Suites!
Moderate Budget – Kampong Ayer: Kunyit 7 Lodge
If you are looking for more of a cultural immersion experience, consider spending a few nights in Kampong Ayer, the water village. Your money will go directly to supporting locals in this unique community.
The true benefit of staying here is to spend time with your local hosts and experience what it is like to live in the water village.
There are a few options for Kampong Ayer stays on booking.com and Airbnb, but the best reviewed place is Kunyit 7 Lodge. You will be staying in a private home with shared bathroom for around US$70 per night for the room, including breakfast.
They have a triple room with fan only, or a double room with AC.
Just remember that it’s hot and humid, downright steamy, year round, so if you melt in the heat you might want to choose the AC room if it’s available.
You will be staying a little away from most of the attraction in Bandar Seri Begawan, so you will need to factor that in. But it’s not a big deal. Kampong Ayer is a 2-minute, BND$2 boat ride across the river to downtown BSB. Once you are at the jetty, it usually only takes a few minutes for a water taxi to appear and whisk you away to downtown.
Luxury: The Empire Brunei
If you are looking for luxury, we hear the Empire Brunei is the place to be!
This luxury 7-star resort was originally built to host the sultan’s royal guests, but has since been converted to a luxury hotel. It has a golf course designed by Jack Niklaus, private beaches, swimming pools, six fine dining restaurants, a cinema, and a general air of gilted glittery opulence.
This deluxe accommodation has even welcomed foreign dignitaries like Bill Clinton and Prince Charles.
And you can stay there too!
Believe it or not, all that luxury won’t even cost you an arm and a leg (more like just a hand and foot). You can snag a room for as low as US$250 per night. While that’s a lot for budget-savvy travelers like you and me, it’s a chance to experience a high level of luxury for a lot less than you would pay elsewhere for the same thing.
The Empire Brunei is located 20km north of town with direct views of the South China Sea. You’ll have a to take a Dart or taxi to get there (unless you have your own car).
Given its location, it might be better suited to a few days of rest and relaxation than as a home base to explore BSB. While it’s pretty far out of town, the hotel can arrange excursions and tours for you.
You can book the Empire Brunei on booking.com or directly on their website.
Final Thoughts
While it seems like slim pickings for accommodation in Bandar Seri Begawan, there are actually a few really good options, especially if you don’t have a car. Save yourself the trouble of poring through all the reviews (like I did) and just book the Capital Residence Suites, Kunyit 7 Lodge, or the Empire Brunei!
