Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace, is a small but wealthy sultanate on the island of Borneo. This pristine nation offers a unique blend of opulent Islamic architecture, pristine rainforests, and traditional water villages alongside modern luxury.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kain Tenunan (Handwoven Cloth)
Intricate hand-woven fabric traditionally made on backstrap looms featuring gold and silver threads. These textiles are used for traditional Malay attire and represent Brunei's finest craft heritage.
Price: $30-200
Where: Arts and Handicraft Training Centre, Jalan Residency BSB
Brunei Silver Jewelry
Handcrafted silver bracelets, rings, and decorative pieces by local silversmiths. The filigree work is particularly distinctive, featuring traditional Malay motifs and patterns.
Price: $20-150
Where: Arts and Handicraft Training Centre; craft stalls at Tamu Kianggeh
Traditional Brass Items
Handcrafted brass bowls, vases, and decorative pieces cast using techniques passed down for centuries. The Brunei 'gong' and ornamental betel nut sets are especially prized souvenirs.
Price: $15-100
Where: Arts and Handicraft Training Centre, Jalan Residency BSB
Ambuyat Kits and Local Snacks
Packaged sago flour for making Brunei's national dish ambuyat, along with vacuum-packed local kuih (cakes) and sambal condiments. Perfect edible souvenirs to share at home.
Price: $5-20
Where: Hua Ho Supermarket, Tamu Kianggeh Market, airport shops
Songket Cloth
Luxurious handwoven fabric interlaced with gold or silver thread used for ceremonial occasions. Sold by the metre or as ready-made scarves and accessories.
Price: $25-250
Where: Craft shops along Jalan Sultan BSB; The Mall Gadong
Miniature Keris
Decorative miniature versions of the traditional Malay ceremonial dagger, often with ornate sheaths featuring traditional motifs. Replicas are sold as wall art and display pieces.
Price: $30-120
Where: Arts and Handicraft Training Centre, souvenir shops near Royal Regalia Museum
Sultan's Jubilee Commemoratives
Collectible plates, mugs, frames and coins featuring the Sultan of Brunei marking national celebrations. These government-issued items are unique to Brunei.
Price: $10-50
Where: Souvenir stalls near Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque; airport duty-free
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Tamu Kianggeh Market
Brunei's most vibrant open-air market where locals trade fresh produce, traditional snacks, handicrafts, and local herbs. The morning hours are busiest when vendors sell fresh kuih, jungle produce, and river fish.
Where: Jalan Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8711
Hours: 5:00AM-6:00PM daily (best before 10AM)
Gadong Night Market (Pasar Malam Gadong)
Brunei's premier evening market offering dozens of food stalls and some craft vendors. Famous for satay, nasi katok, grilled seafood, and the iconic BBC (Bandung, Barley, Cincau) drink.
Where: Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519
Hours: 4:00PM-11:00PM daily
Yayasan Complex Shopping Area
A waterfront shopping complex adjacent to Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque housing craft shops, clothing, and food outlets. Some stalls sell local batik, prayer items, and souvenirs.
Where: Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8711
Hours: 9:00AM-9:00PM daily
Tutong Tamu Market
Authentic rural market where Dusun indigenous vendors sell jungle produce, wild honey, traditional medicines, and handmade items alongside regular vegetables and seafood.
Where: Pekan Tutong, Tutong District TA1141
Hours: 6:00AM-2:00PM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Gadong Commercial Centre
Brunei's main commercial hub stretching along Jalan Gadong, packed with restaurants, shops, electronics stores, and the Gadong Night Market. The most lively shopping area with a mix of local and international brands.
Best for: Electronics, clothing, dining, night market experience
Kiulap Area
A popular neighbourhood with independent boutiques, specialty coffee shops, and local restaurants. Good for finding local fashion brands and specialty food products.
Best for: Local fashion, specialty coffee, boutique shopping
Jalan Sultan / City Centre
The historic commercial heart of Bandar Seri Begawan lined with established shops selling traditional goods, religious items, fabrics, and local handicrafts. Walking distance to major cultural attractions.
Best for: Traditional goods, religious items, fabric
Seria Town Centre
The commercial centre of Brunei's oil town of Seria, with a compact shopping area catering to oil industry workers. Good selection of everyday goods and local food options.
Best for: Everyday goods, local eateries
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
The Mall Gadong
Brunei's largest and most popular shopping mall anchored by an international food court, cinema, and over 150 stores including fashion, electronics, and home goods. The go-to mall for locals and visitors alike.
Hours: 10:00AM-10:00PM daily
Times Square Shopping Centre
A modern multi-level mall in Berakas area featuring international brands, a hypermarket, food court, and entertainment facilities. Popular with families for its spacious layout.
Hours: 10:00AM-10:00PM daily
Hua Ho Department Store (Gadong)
Brunei's homegrown department store chain with comprehensive clothing, household goods, and a well-stocked supermarket. Multiple branches across BSB and trusted by locals for quality and value.
Hours: 10:00AM-9:30PM daily
Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex
A waterfront shopping complex in the city centre adjacent to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Houses a mix of local retailers, international brands, restaurants, and a cultural gallery in a distinctive building.
Hours: 9:00AM-9:00PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Fixed prices are standard in malls and established shops — bargaining is not expected.
At Tamu Kianggeh and other open markets, polite negotiation is acceptable, especially for multiple items.
Night market food stalls have fixed prices — do not attempt to bargain for food.
Craft stalls at Tamu Kianggeh may negotiate slightly for bulk purchases of souvenirs.
Always be respectful and smile — aggressive bargaining is considered rude in Bruneian culture.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Brunei prohibits the export of national treasures, antiques over 100 years old, and certain wildlife products. CITES-protected wildlife items including turtle products and some corals cannot be exported.
Tax Refund: Brunei does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. There is no goods and services tax (GST) in Brunei.
Duty Free: Entering Brunei duty-free allowance: 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, 60ml perfume, 250ml eau de toilette. Non-Muslim visitors may import 2 bottles of liquor and 12 cans of beer for personal consumption.
Shipping: International shipping available via Brunei Post and private couriers (DHL, FedEx) from BSB. Most shops can assist with packing fragile items. Allow 2-3 weeks for surface mail to Europe.