Bandar Seri Begawan

The cruise terminal is some way from Muara town itself, where the container harbour stands, and about 25km from Bandar Seri Begawan. A ship transfer into Bandar costs around 40 euro.

A local bus near the harbour also makes the journey for $2.00 SGD, following a route similar to the ship excursion. The trip lasts about an hour and passes through local towns and villages. Check the timetable carefully for the return service.

The cruise centre provides a range of facilities, including a restaurant, cybercafé, currency-exchange counter, souvenir shop and recreation room.

Carry a printable map with you.

Bandar Seri Begawan, commonly shortened to BSB or Bandar, is Brunei's capital. Central BSB stands where the Sungai Brunei and Sungai Kedayan meet and can be explored on foot in about an hour.

Omar Saifuddin Mosque is among the country's most impressive sights, particularly after dark when green lighting picks out its dome and reflects in the pool. Take spare socks because shoes are forbidden on the marble floor. The dress rules are strict: men may not wear shorts and women must cover up. Admirers of gold and glitter should also see the free Royal Regalia Building, a museum displaying the sultan's coronation objects and numerous gifts made to His Majesty by international heads of state.

For a water-village experience, share an inexpensive river taxi to Kampung Ayer. There, visitors can walk on wooden planks that connect some of the houses.

Taxi travel is costly in Brunei, so most cruise visitors join an organised ship excursion.

A boat ride through the nature reserve follows a long, twisting mangrove swamp inhabited by numerous birds, monkeys and even large snakes resting in the trees. It also provides a good view of the Sultan's Palace, a vast building resembling an airport terminal.

Brunei is not particularly large, yet a car is needed to travel easily beyond BSB and the principal routes. Traffic keeps to the left.

Available ship excursions include:

A Bandar Seri Begawan city trip visits the two principal mosques, Royal Regalia Building, Brunei and Malay Technology museums and Sultan's Palace (1/2 day tour). The Kampong Ayer water-village tour explores by boat and on foot, crossing wooden walkways between communities and taking tea and cakes in a family home (1/2 day tour). A nature outing seeks proboscis monkeys near Bandar and flocks of white egrets returning to roost at dusk (1/2 day tour). The Jerudong-area itinerary includes The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Jerudong Polo Club and some of the rides there...

Forests around Bandar Seri Begawan, especially within the protected boundary of Ulu Temburong National Park, lend themselves to excellent day trips. North of the city are pleasant beaches, an enormous amusement park and a grand hotel that has to be seen to be believed.

Pantai Muara (Muara Beach), a popular weekend destination, lies 2km from the Muara town berth.

Alcohol sales are prohibited, so no bars or clubs sell it.

Brunei dollars and cents are the local currency. The Brunei dollar is equal in value to the Singapore dollar, which is also accepted widely.

Bahasa Melayu is the official language. English and Chinese are among the other languages spoken.

The cruise terminal provides free Wi-Fi.