Port information & tips for Muara
Muara is the glamorous gateway to the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam on the exotic island of Borneo, welcoming travelers with a fascinating blend of grand tradition and pristine nature. The atmosphere is shaped by the country's majestic wealth, which is reflected in impressive highlights such as the golden Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the historic water village of Kampong Ayer, and the Royal Regalia Museum. Cruise ships dock at the Muara Cruise Ship Centre, which provides a first-class welcome thanks to its modern infrastructure. From this berth, guests can easily reach the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, located about 28 kilometers away, after a roughly 40-minute ride by shuttle or taxi, allowing for effortless exploration of the sultanate's cultural treasures.
The Muara cruise port in Brunei Darussalam is primarily accessible to guests from the DACH region as a Fly & Cruise destination. The Cruise Ship Centre is located in an industrial area, about 28 kilometers from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and offers direct docking facilities for ships.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Brunei International Airport (BWN), located approximately 21.5 kilometers from the port of Muara. Air travelers from the DACH region usually reach Brunei with layovers, which means a longer travel time. Therefore, we recommend arriving at least one day before your scheduled embarkation to start your cruise experience relaxed.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Brunei International Airport (BWN), you can reach the port in about 17 to 20 minutes by taxi. A cost-effective alternative is the direct bus from the airport to the Serasa Ferry Terminal, near the port of Muara, with a travel time of about 35 minutes. Additionally, the ride-hailing service "Dart" (comparable to Uber) is available in the country and is often cheaper than local taxis directly at the pier. Many cruise lines also organize their own shuttle buses from the port to the center of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, a pre-cruise overnight stay in a hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan is highly recommended. The capital offers a selection of hotels, some of which are located close to the airport and offer transfer services, such as the luxurious The Empire Brunei or the comfortable StarLodge. A stay in Bandar Seri Begawan allows you to explore the city's fascinating sights, such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer, the water villages, at your leisure before your cruise.
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 keep 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 same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Muara cruise port in Brunei Darussalam is primarily accessible to guests from the DACH region as a Fly & Cruise destination. The Cruise Ship Centre is located in an industrial area, about 28 kilometers from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and offers direct docking facilities for ships.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Brunei International Airport (BWN), located approximately 21.5 kilometers from the port of Muara. Air travelers from the DACH region usually reach Brunei with layovers, which means a longer travel time. Therefore, we recommend arriving at least one day before your scheduled embarkation to start your cruise experience relaxed.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Brunei International Airport (BWN), you can reach the port in about 17 to 20 minutes by taxi. A cost-effective alternative is the direct bus from the airport to the Serasa Ferry Terminal, near the port of Muara, with a travel time of about 35 minutes. Additionally, the ride-hailing service "Dart" (comparable to Uber) is available in the country and is often cheaper than local taxis directly at the pier. Many cruise lines also organize their own shuttle buses from the port to the center of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, a pre-cruise overnight stay in a hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan is highly recommended. The capital offers a selection of hotels, some of which are located close to the airport and offer transfer services, such as the luxurious The Empire Brunei or the comfortable StarLodge. A stay in Bandar Seri Begawan allows you to explore the city's fascinating sights, such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer, the water villages, at your leisure before your cruise.
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 keep 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 same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
From the Muara Cruise Terminal, you can easily reach the heart of the Sultanate of Brunei thanks to well-organized connections and a modern infrastructure.
Shuttle Service
Most cruise lines offer comfortable shuttle buses that take you directly to the center of Bandar Seri Begawan, about 30 kilometers away. The journey takes around 40 minutes and allows for a relaxed arrival through the green landscape to the central bus station.
Taxi and DART App
Licensed taxis are available directly at the port exit for individual tours. In addition, the local ride-hailing app DART offers an easy way to book rides flexibly and head directly to destinations such as the magnificent mosques or museums.
Water Taxis (Penambang)
Once you have reached the city center at the waterfront area, the traditional water taxis represent the most charming mode of transport. These nimble boats connect the mainland with the famous stilt village of Kampong Ayer in just a few moments and also offer an excellent perspective of the Sultan's Palace.
To make the most of your stay in the Sultanate of Brunei, we recommend a combination of exploring the glamorous capital Bandar Seri Begawan and relaxing on the picturesque coast in the immediate vicinity of the harbor.
Kampong Ayer & Waterfront
Known as the Venice of the East, this water village is ideal for exploring by water taxi and offers a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life directly on the Brunei River. The adjacent modern waterfront is also the perfect starting point for a walk with a view of the Sultan's magnificent palace.
Sultan-Omar-Ali-Saifuddien-Moschee
This architectural jewel with its glowing golden dome and artificial lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Asia and, thanks to its central location in the capital, is an essential destination for those interested in culture. The magnificent marble interior and the peaceful atmosphere make a visit a cultural highlight of any trip.
Muara Beach
The extensive sandy beach is located in the immediate vicinity of the cruise port and, thanks to the short travel time, is the ideal destination for a relaxed sunbath by the calm waters of the South China Sea. The well-kept park with its shady trees also offers a welcome opportunity for relaxation right before returning to the ship.
Kampong Ayer & Bandar Seri Begawan
The fascinating stilt village of Kampong Ayer in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan can be easily reached from the port of Muara in about forty minutes by taxi or shuttle and offers an absolutely unique cultural experience as the "Venice of the East." A tour with a traditional water taxi is perfect for exploring the historic stilt houses and also offers a magnificent view of the golden dome of the nearby Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Thanks to the informative Cultural & Tourism Gallery center as well as small local cafes on the riverbank, you can enjoy a comfortable stay in an atmosphere steeped in history. Ideally, start your excursion directly in the morning to capture the special morning atmosphere on the water, and plan your return trip to the port for the early afternoon to be back on board relaxed and on time.
The return journey from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan to the Muara Cruise Terminal can be planned in a relaxed manner thanks to the well-organized infrastructure. Plan about 30 to 45 minutes for the drive from the sights back to the ship and enjoy the journey through Brunei's green landscape.
Cruise Line Shuttle Buses
Most cruise lines offer organized shuttle buses that depart from central meeting points such as the Waterfront or near the Royal Regalia Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan. These buses take you directly to the port terminal and offer the safest way to be back on board punctually before departure.
Taxi and Dart App
Taxis are available at major hotels as well as at the central bus station in the capital and will take you comfortably back to Muara Port. In addition, the local ride-hailing app Dart offers a reliable alternative, as you can call the driver directly to your location and the fixed price for the trip to the terminal is determined in advance.
Orientation at the Cruise Terminal
Since the Port of Muara is a spacious industrial area, guests use the provided port shuttles from the security gate for the last section to the ship. The path within the port is well-monitored and the short transfer routes guarantee a comfortable transition from the vehicle directly to the gangway of your ship.
