Bandar Seri Begawan Nightlife
Despite being Brunei’s capital city, there is very little nightlife in Bandar Seri Begawan as a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol was passed in 1990. This means that there are no bars, clubs of pubs in the city and the streets are practically deserted by 21:00.
However, while drinking alcohol may be taboo, there are some interesting alternative forms of entertainment that have sprung up around the city. While most of Bandar Seri Begawan’s nighttime activities revolve around eating, a trip along the river after dark can be a pleasant pastime.
Other activities that take place after the sun sets include watching movies, shopping at one of the city’s vibrant night markets and taking a trip to the local theme park. While alcohol might be banned in Bandar Seri Begawan, entertainment certainly isn’t and there are plenty of people out and about in the early hours of the evening.
Nightlife Areas
There are very few – if any – actual bars located in Bandar Seri Begawan. However, some restaurants will serve alcohol to patrons under the table if asked. This is most likely in large, busy restaurants where there are plenty of Western customers. Some leading hotels also have bars where alcohol can be bought and sipped, although it is unwise to drink more than a couple of glasses.
Alternative Nightlife
Located next to the bus terminal along Jalan Kianggeh, the Hassanal Bolkiha Cinema shows a variety of Hollywood action films and Hong Kong kung fu movies. This 1950s style theater also sells snacks and the seats are rather comfortable. Many people walk along the banks of the Brunei River in the evening. There is a popular fishing spot here and those who are truly bored might want to buy a fishing rod and try their luck.
Dining at Night
Many of Bandar Seri Begawan’s restaurants stay open until quite late in the evening, and picking a table at a busy restaurant is a good way to kill an hour or two. The Taman Bandaraya night market is an interesting place to grab a bite to eat and do a spot of shopping. There are plenty of food stalls to choose from and music is played while visitors sit at one of the market’s tables and watch the world go by.
Out and About
The most exciting form of evening entertainment in Bandar Seri Begawan has to be the Jerudong Amusement Park, which contains a large number of different rides and attractions. Originally built for the Sultan of Brunei and his family to use, this amusement park was opened to the public a few years ago. The good news is that the Jerudong Amusement Park is open until midnight during the week and 02:00 on Saturdays. Visitors can pay a fee which includes the entrance and all rides or pay individually for each attraction.
