Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Report of what it's like to live there - 02/09/25
Personal Experiences from Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I've had several prior posts in South Asia and East/Southeast Asia.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Bay Area. Good connections through Singapore or Tokyo. It's a long flight, but not complicated.
3. What years did you live here?
2022-2025
4. How long have you lived here?
2.5 years
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Very good housing, in my opinion. Basically, there are two housing locations, based on where kids attend school. Both locations within relatively short drive of schools and embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries options are good, although some items can be relatively more expensive than in the U.S., as these goods are imported from Australia. But, overall, groceries are not a problem.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Good restaurant options in Bandar: Malay, Chinese, Indian, some fast food (McDonalds, Jollibee). Good delivery options.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No big insect problems. Occasional snake issues in grounds of housing areas, but nothing outrageous. Monkeys can raid trash cans occasionally.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch, which is slow. Great for training one's patience.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
People hire nannies, largely from Philippines. Not sure of costs, but seems reasonable, from what I have heard.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Totally safe in terms of crime, but lack of sidewalks means this is not exactly a walking city; ditto on biking: not a great option for commuting, as some drivers on phones while driving and just not many bikes on road, due to heat/rain. Biking clubs exist, but it takes some prep to get out to riding areas, outside of downtown.
You can run outside, but would need to finish before 8am, due to heat; some folks run in late afternoon/early evening, especially around stadium area, adjacent to embassy.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
No gym at the embassy, which is a shortcoming, in my opinion. Small gym at one housing complex and plenty of options around town, from the dirt cheap to the pricey.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards fine; ATMs common. No issues.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, I believe so.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is fine. Some Malay would be useful, but not essential.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Probably, but not insurmountable.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Dart is the local ride sharing service; it has improved markedly over the past 2-3 years. Buses are way too random to consider.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
A regular sedan works fine, unless you are considering driving out into rainforest.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, good internet at home. Usually set up in advance of arrival.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
My spouse uses a local provider, which is dependable.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Vets are available. not sure about quarantine requirements.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No bilateral work agreement, although spouses/partners have done DETOs, worked at embassy part-time. No local employment that I know of.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Opportunities to volunteer at La Vida (disability organization) and various charities working with indigenous groups in Malaysian Borneo and Brunei.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Dress at office is standard suit/business dress. Options for local dress/batik shirt during some holiday events.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really, it's pretty safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is quite decent. Some niche medical issues might require care in Singapore or Bangkok.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Fantastic air quality; maybe best on planet.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Fruiting season causes allergies for some.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No mental health issues, in particular, although BSB is a small place and it's good to take a break periodically.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, humid, and rainy.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Two excellent options: Jerudong International School (JIS) and Brunei International School (ISB). JIS is bigger, teachers seem to stay longer, and has great facilities. On the other hand, ISB is smaller, more open to special needs kids, and has very solid teachers and curriculum. You can't go wrong with either.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
JIS does not accommodate special needs, I believe; ISB does accommodate kids with special needs.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, I think costs are okay.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, lots of sports/activities, but you need to dig a bit to find them sometimes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small expat community; morale seems good overall. It's a small place, with a relatively restrained social environment, so definitely a make your own fun kind of post.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is a hash, a hiking group, and probably many other clubs; again, you probably have to ask around, but folks often socialize by going out to eat, having dinners at home, etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
BSB might be hard for singles; you'd probably need to develop a hobby and become obsessive about it. Good for families, and probably good for couples, if they took advantage of travel options within region, which are many.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not a great spot for LGBT expats, I'd guess, as one could not openly express one's identity.
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It's pretty easy to make local friends, although similar to moving into a large town, in which people have known each other/developed friendships over a long period of time. So a bit difficult to establish long term friendships, I'd say.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I think the rainforest is the big highlight of living in Brunei. The towns and cities on Borneo are not going to blow you away, but the chance to spend a few days hiking in Mulu National Park (in nearby Malaysian Borneo) and other sites in Borneo is the really advantage of serving here.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Mulu national park, Kuching.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not reallyl.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Clean air, surrounded by green, not much traffic, friendly people, reasonable cost of living and good food options. Overall, not bad.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Nothing in particular, but one has to come to terms with the slow-ish pace of life in Brunei.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
One tour is fine, but I would not do a second tour here, as it is just too small for that.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
heavy winter coat.
4. But don't forget your:
trail runners and umbrella.
5. Do you have any other comments?
It's hard to beat the 10 minute ride to the airport and lack of lines when checking in for flights.
