A building with a pitched roof made of reeds and other natural materials is nestled in the forest. A path leads to the entrance.
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Mari Mari Culture Village: Immerse Yourself in Borneo Culture

ByKristin Smith

If you are into learning about the rich local Borneo culture, spending an afternoon at Mari Mari Culture Village is one of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu. Don’t get me wrong, the experience is one hundred percent designed for tourists. But that’s not always a bad thing. It means they have put…

A blue bus with yellow, red and white paint is parked. The sky is blue with puffy clouds.
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Borderama! How to Take the Bus from Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) to Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei)

ByKristin Smith

There is nothing express about the Sipitang Express. But by now, the legendary bus ride from Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) to Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) has become a must-do if you are transiting through this part of Borneo. Why fly for 30 minutes when you can go on a 7-10 hour grueling bus adventure with four…

A large park with grass, bushes and playground equipment is set against the backdrop of buildings, including a large cream-colored mosque with gold domes.
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Best Places to Stay in Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei)

ByKristin Smith

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…

a long row of mannequins in red and black uniforms stretches into the distance
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Beyond Gifts: A Journey Through Brunei’s Royal Regalia Museum

ByKristin Smith

A visit to the Royal Regalia Museum is on most “things to do in Brunei” lists, and yet most descriptions sell it way short. From everything I had read and heard, I thought this museum was just a collection of gifts given to Sultan by foreign dignitaries (and it certainly has plenty of those). But…