Port information & tips for Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan is the magnificent capital of the Sultanate of Brunei and a fascinating destination on the mysterious island of Borneo. The city impresses with a unique blend of modern prosperity and deeply rooted Islamic tradition, offering travelers an exclusive insight into a world of gold and splendor. Unforgettable highlights include the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque with its golden dome, the extensive water village of Kampong Ayer, and the grand Royal Regalia Museum. Cruise ships dock at the Muara Port Cruise Ship Centre, from where the city center, located about 30 kilometers away, is easily accessible thanks to efficient shuttle connections and taxis, while simultaneously providing a first glimpse of the tropical coastal landscape.
Bandar Seri Begawan, with its cruise port in Muara, is traditionally accessible to guests from the DACH region by plane. The port is located approximately 25 to 28 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and is a modern docking port with its own Cruise Ship Centre.
Airplane
Brunei International Airport (BWN) is the nearest airport to Muara Port and is located about 21.5 kilometers away. A journey by taxi or private transfer from the airport takes approximately 17 minutes. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, arriving at least one day before embarkation is highly recommended to start your cruise adventure in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
Various transfer options are available from Brunei International Airport (BWN) to Muara Port. Taxis are available directly at the airport; additionally, you can use the local ride-hailing app "Dart", Brunei's equivalent to Uber, which often offers cheaper rates. Many cruise lines also provide their own shuttle services directly to the Muara Cruise Ship Centre, representing a convenient and reliable option. A bus connection from the airport to the Serasa Ferry Terminal, near the port, is also available and takes about 35 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed start to your cruise, we recommend staying overnight in a pre-cruise hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan. Hotels such as the Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam or the Jubilee Hotel are conveniently located and often offer a complimentary airport transfer. This allows you to explore the capital or simply recharge your batteries before embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
Bandar Seri Begawan, with its cruise port in Muara, is traditionally accessible to guests from the DACH region by plane. The port is located approximately 25 to 28 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and is a modern docking port with its own Cruise Ship Centre.
Airplane
Brunei International Airport (BWN) is the nearest airport to Muara Port and is located about 21.5 kilometers away. A journey by taxi or private transfer from the airport takes approximately 17 minutes. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, arriving at least one day before embarkation is highly recommended to start your cruise adventure in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
Various transfer options are available from Brunei International Airport (BWN) to Muara Port. Taxis are available directly at the airport; additionally, you can use the local ride-hailing app "Dart", Brunei's equivalent to Uber, which often offers cheaper rates. Many cruise lines also provide their own shuttle services directly to the Muara Cruise Ship Centre, representing a convenient and reliable option. A bus connection from the airport to the Serasa Ferry Terminal, near the port, is also available and takes about 35 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed start to your cruise, we recommend staying overnight in a pre-cruise hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan. Hotels such as the Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam or the Jubilee Hotel are conveniently located and often offer a complimentary airport transfer. This allows you to explore the capital or simply recharge your batteries before embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
The Muara cruise port serves as the gateway to the magnificent capital and, thanks to a well-organized infrastructure, allows travelers a comfortable journey directly to the impressive mosques and palaces.
Shuttle Service & Dart App
Most cruise lines provide organized shuttle buses that take you comfortably to the center in about 30 to 45 minutes. Additionally, using the local ride-hailing app Dart is an excellent option for booking a private vehicle directly from the port terminal for flexible and individual exploration.
Water Taxis (Tambang)
As soon as you reach the waterfront in Bandar Seri Begawan, the nimble Tambangs offer an authentic way to get around. These traditional water taxis take you quickly to the famous stilt village of Kampong Ayer while simultaneously providing a wonderful perspective of the gleaming Sultan's Palace from the river.
Taxis & Bas Awam
Official taxis are available directly at the exit of the port terminal and offer a reliable connection to the heart of the capital as well as the surrounding sights. Alternatively, the purple public buses, the Bas Awam, operate and connect Muara port to the central bus station in a very affordable way.
To experience the fascinating Sultanate in all its glory, we recommend focusing on the magnificent architecture of the center as well as the unique culture of the historic stilt houses.
Kampong Ayer
The largest water settlement in the world delights with its vibrant everyday life on stilts and, thanks to its quick accessibility by boat, offers an authentic experience directly against the backdrop of the modern capital.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
This architectural masterpiece with its striking golden dome is considered one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Asia and, thanks to its central location in the city center, is perfect for an impressive insight into the royal elegance of Brunei.
Muara Beach
This relaxed stretch of coastline is located in the immediate vicinity of the cruise terminal and, thanks to its fine sand and shady palms, offers the ideal place for a peaceful break on the South China Sea directly before continuing your journey.
Kampong Ayer
The historic water village of Kampong Ayer is easily accessible from the Muara cruise port in about forty minutes and, as the Venice of the East, offers a fascinating insight into the authentic lifestyle on stilts. Thanks to the nimble water taxis, you can reach the heart of this extensive district from the shore in just a few moments, which impresses with its charming wooden walkways and inviting small galleries. A walk through the settlement is ideal for experiencing the warm hospitality of the residents and also for enjoying a first-class view of the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on the opposite bank. It is best to visit Kampong Ayer in the morning to experience the special atmosphere in pleasant temperatures, and plan your relaxed return journey to the ship about two hours before departure.
The way back from the capital to the cruise terminal in Muara can be arranged in a relaxed manner thanks to well-organized transfer options and modern ride services. Due to the distance of about 30 kilometers, plan for a travel time of at least 45 minutes to be at the quay in good time before departure.
Cruise line shuttle buses
Most cruise lines offer organized shuttle buses that pick you up centrally at the Royal Regalia Museum or near the waterfront. These buses run at regular intervals and bring you comfortably and directly back to your ship's berth in the port of Muara.
Taxis and Dart app
Taxis are reliably available at major hotels such as the Radisson or at the central bus station on Jalan Cator. Using the local Dart ride service via the app is particularly easy and flexible, allowing for punctual pickup from sights or beaches at a fixed price and transporting you safely to the terminal.
Orientation and meeting points
The city center of Bandar Seri Begawan is very safe and can be easily explored on foot, so you can easily find the central collection points for the return journey. Simply use the striking Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque or the Waterfront as a guide, from where you can quickly reach the transfer buses and taxis for the trip to the port.
