Browsing through the shops and picking up something useful or pretty to take back home is a very integral and exciting part of visiting new places. The tiny country of Brunei offers this excitement in ample measure.

Our Brunei Shopping Guide provides some valuable Brunei shopping and souvenir information. Also be sure to take a break from shopping and grab a bite to eat at one of the great Brunei restaurants that adorn the shopping streets.

Brunei Shopping Guide

Brunei offers a variety of interesting shopping options at reasonable prices. There are big department stores and small stalls where you can bargain for items ranging from the latest in electronic goods and luxury lifestyle products to local artefacts and handicrafts.

Local Handicrafts in Brunei

Brunei Darussalam has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its arts and crafts. During the period when trade was the mainstay of the kingdom, Brunei was famous for its boat making skills and for artefacts made from brass and silver. In an effort to preserve and encourage these arts and crafts, many of which are being fast forgotten, the Arts and Handicraft Training Centre was set up in 1975 on the banks of the Brunei River. The Centre is engaged in the preservation of the cottage industries and keeps the ancient knowledge and skills alive by imparting them to the youngsters of today.

If you want to carry home a bit of Brunei, choose from a host of handcrafted artefacts like bracelets and jewellery, trays, spoons, boxes, gongs, canon miniatures and napkin rings in brass, bronze and silver. There is the jong sarat, a traditional garment woven with silver and gold thread that is worn by men on formal occasions, which you can take home as a souvenir too.

Kris, a traditional Brunei dagger, handwoven mats and baskets made from pandan leaves, gilded curios and exotic furniture are other typically Brunei knick-knacks to look for. The Arts and Handcrafts Centre just off Kota Batu and the shopping centres at Seria, Kuala Belait and Bandar Seri Begawan sell local products. Some of the centres stock Thai couture, Chinese urns and Indian finery as well.

Markets in Brunei

There is an open market at Bandar Seri Begawan called the Tamu (Open) Night Market, which starts early in the morning and goes on till late in the night. This is the place to pick up foodstuff - right from exotic vegetables and fruits to poultry and spices at very low prices. These are brought in fresh by boat each day across the Kianggeh River. There are also shops selling local delicacies and antiques. The open markets of Brunei offer a completely different shopping ambience and experience.

Duty Free Shopping

The duty free shops at the airport also stock the entire range of premium products in chocolates, perfumes, jewellery, garments, writing instruments, and souvenirs unique to Brunei. Most shopping establishments work between 8.00 am and 9.00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Shopping Centres in Brunei

Brunei has many high end air-conditioned shopping complexes. YSHHB is a premium shopping complex in Brunei where you can shop for a lot of things from essentials to sunglasses, watches and even chandeliers from Iran. YSHHB remains open late into the night.

Plaza Athirah is located across the bridge that passes through Kampong Ayer. There are good selection of imported silk materials for you to choose.  Soon Lee supermarket is just adjecent to the Plaza for you to grab some groceries. 

The Mall  is the latest addition of shopping mall in Brunei.  Located within the Abdul Razak Shopping Complex in Gadong commercial district you can find whole lots of thing from electronic goods, electrical items, worth visit to one of the $2 shop to grab some good deals of souvenirs items such as key holders, mugs, t-shirts etc, camera specialist, book stores, bread shop, supermarkets, departmental stores, musical shops and lots more.