I can consider my trip in Brunei a bit loose and lazy at the same time, for both Rod and I were too comfy about the time that we end to not really crossing out destinations we listed on our itinerary. Well, I guess we all have that kind of travel that we just wanted to stay inside the hotel and do nothing. I am not saying that our hotel accommodation was top of the line when it comes to room and service, but I guess the hazy weather is partly to be blame on it.
Good thing, my friend Gzul, who is a local, came to the rescue. After exchanging a few text messages, here he was already knocking on our hotel doorstep. It was good thing that he was free to tour us for commuting is a bit hard here in Begawan and having a friend to drive you around would be the next best thing to do.
Continue reading and will tell you more on how our day 1 looks like.
Gzul said that he already booked us a ride for the Sightseeing River Cruise in Brunei River. The schedule was at 1 in the afternoon. It was a Sunday, and there were only two scheduled River Cruise tour that day, one is at 1 and the other is at 5pm (which happens to be a private event).
We actually skipped lunch thinking that we could probably grab some food along the way. Well we did buy some bread in a convenience store, but It wasn’t really the kind of food I was thinking to have on our first day exploring.
Anyway, before heading at the River Cruise dock, Gzul decided to do a stopover and give us a quick tour in one of their famous Mosque here in Begawan – the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosqueis one of the most famous Islamic mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), the capital of Brunei.This tourist attraction was majestic to look at and seems new and well maintained. When we arrived, people where already coming in and out of the mosque both tourist and locals.
The weather was too hot when we were in Begawan, so going out on the streets in the middle of the day is somehow a bad idea. So, we just did a quick photo to some of the iconic spots here and decided to just go back for a longer time on the next day.
Now, off we go cruising.
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Brunei Sightseeing River Cruise
Brunei River Cruise in Brunei River is one of the best things to do leisurely here in Brunei. And because there aren’t much other attractions to see here, you might just want or would need to include this in your itinerary.
Here is the ticket pricing for each trip:
- Adult $29
- Child (3-12) $19
- Senior (60 years above) $19
The Sightseeing River Cruise is actually like having a museum tour but instead of art pieces, you’ll be seeing different monuments and establishments that made a mark in Brunei History.There are a lot of breathtaking views you’ll find here at the Brunei’s Historical sights while cruising along the river, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The cruise ship got two levels inside which are both air-conditioned. There is also a veranda area where you can sit down, relax and enjoy the view. Free coffee, tea and water is also available. If you felt hungry there are snacks inside which you can purchase as well. A TV monitor explaining the sites in English can actually help you understand the route the cruise is taking.
And because we are a special guest of the trip, Gzul were able to introduce us to the personnel of the ship and also giving us an access inside the captain’s deck. Inside, we were to have a view on how the captain of the cruise navigate the trip. We also had a nice conversation with them talking about the sites and other things to explore and notice in this city. (Also Read: SuperStar Virgo Cruise)
With Gzul, Rod and Daniel
After docking, we quickly pass by the River Cruise Shop where one can buy some memorabilia and other souvenir from Brunei.
The whole Brunei River Cruise took around 2 hours, so better think wisely about your itinerary before booking it. The ride starts at Queen Elizabeth II Jetty in Jalan Kota Batu, BSB until it reaches Jong Batu and back, ending to where it started. Here is the complete list of the route.
The Brunei River Cruise Route
- Queen Elizabeth II jetty
- Fish Farms
- Brunei Museum
- Brunei Technology Museum
- Mangrove Forest
- Art and handicraft Training Center
- Pulau Berambang
- Kebun bridge
- Brunei Waterfront
- Kampong Ayer
- Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
- Istana Nurul Iman
- Jong Batu
- And back
Nognog in the City Recommends – Brunei River Cruise
Remember, if you are planning to take awesome architectural shots while cruising, do use telephoto lenses for the cruise will be a bit far from the listed establishments. Having a telescope could also help you to easily spot the sights and enjoyed the view more. Should you book the river cruise? Well, there are actually other options that are much cheaper than this cruise for there are private speedboat or boat ride you can also take. But taking that path will give you a quick ride that you would not going to be able to take-in all the sites.
I suggest cruising is the best way to do it. Though the ride is a bit expensive compared to other cruise ride I’ve been too (which already includes a buffet), including this in your itinerary can give you that kind of balance for your Brunei trip. After all there isn’t much to do here in Begawan, and having a nice two hour of relaxing cruise would not be much of a harm on your pocket.
Check out the Schedule here:
- 2- Hours Brunei River Cruise
- Friday – 5pm to 7pm
- Sat & Sun- 2pmto 4pm
*Mon to Thurs: Cruise is available from 2pm to 4pm but subject to minimum booking
For more information or booking, kindly contact them at +673-7290838 or visit www.bruneirivercruise.com
