Insiders's guide to....Bandar Seri Begawan

AIRPORT TO CITY
The city is 15 minutes by car

BEST HOTELS
1. The Empire Hotel & Country Club
www.theempirehotel.com, Tel: +673 241 8888
Undoubtedly the best resort in Brunei. Calls itself Asia's ultimate golf, spa and family beach resort.

2. Sheraton Utama
www.starwoodhotels.com, Tel: +673 224 4272
This 149-room hotel is located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan a short walk to the Royal Regalia Museum and Water Village.

BEST RESTAURANTS
3. Pantai at The Empire Hotel & Country Club
www.theempirehotel.com, Tel: +673 241 8888
A lovely restaurant located by the beach at The Empire Hotel and Country Club. Specialises in irresistibly fresh seafood. Don't miss the restaurant's buffet spread available on Friday and
Saturday evenings.

4. Zaika
G24, Block C, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, Tel: +673 223 1155
Fantastic Northern Indian cuisine with the tastiest butter naans in town.

5. Thiam Hock Restaurant
5, Bangunan Yong Siong Hai ,Tel: +673 244 1679
Excellent Chinese food with its specialty-fish head curry.

BEST CAFES & BARS
6. Café de Royalle
Ground Floor, Bangunan Maya Puri, Jalan Sultan Tel: +673 222 0257
Brunei's only 24-hour café located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan.

7. Fleur-de-lys Bakeshop
5, Block C, Kiraong Complex,
Tel: +673 245 1851
A cosy little café serving the best carrot cake in town.

A FEW HOURS TO KILL
8. Proboscis Monkey Safari Catch a glimpse of the rare Proboscis Monkeys on this special river
safari past Kampong Ayer- Brunei's own Water Village and through the mangroves.

9. Royal Regalia Museum
Visitors can glimpse the Sultan’s full royal regalia, including the crown and royal chariot, along with a vast collection of opulent treasures.

TIPPING
Appreciated but not compulsory.

SECRET OF THE JETSET
10. Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House
The Royal Family receives guests during Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, usually from the
second to fourth day of the occasion.

Jennifer Kang works in corporate communications in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei