Discover the contrasting cultures, heritage and tropical landscapes of Brunei and Malaysian Borneo on this 7-night vacation, combining the royal capital of Bandar Seri Begawan with a relaxing rainforest and beach stay in Kota Kinabalu.
With roundtrip international flights with baggage, airport transfers, accommodation with breakfast, the Brunei–Kota Kinabalu flight and a selection of guided tours and cultural experiences included, this vacation combines Brunei's heritage with the tropical surroundings of Malaysian Borneo.
Quick Summary
Package Overview
Begin your vacation in Bandar Seri Begawan, exploring Brunei's royal heritage, iconic mosques, Kampong Ayer Water Village and local markets. Discover the country's oil heritage on a day trip to Seria, including the Seria Energy Lab and Billionth Barrel Monument. Fly to Kota Kinabalu for four nights at the 5★ Shangri-La Rasa Ria, surrounded by tropical rainforest and close to the beach. Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village to experience Sabah's indigenous traditions, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the resort.
Destinations & Highlights
Best Time to Travel
Brunei and Kota Kinabalu are tropical destinations that can be visited year-round, with warm and humid conditions and the possibility of rain at any time. February through April generally offers favorable conditions, although tropical showers can still occur.
Arrive in Brunei where you will be met by your local English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
In the evening, discover Bandar Seri Begawan by night with a local dinner included. Enjoy photo stops at two of Brunei's most iconic mosques, Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, before visiting a local night market. Stroll through the lively market and browse the many stalls selling a variety of local delicacies.
After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in Bandar Seri Begawan
After breakfast, set out on a full-day guided tour of Bandar Seri Begawan. Pass the Lapau, a historic royal ceremonial hall, and the former Parliament House before stopping at Tamu Kianggeh, a traditional local market situated along the Kianggeh River.
Continue to the Malay Technology Museum, where exhibits showcase traditional Bruneian boatbuilding, metalworking and goldsmithing. Visit the Tomb of Sultan Bolkiah and the Royal Regalia Museum, home to the royal regalia and displays commemorating the reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Continue to Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of Brunei's most recognisable landmarks. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Kampong Ayer, often known as the "Venice of the East". Take a scenic boat ride along the Brunei River by water taxi before walking through the historic water village and visiting a local house, where traditional cakes and tea will be served.
Continue to Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, renowned for its 29 golden domes, before driving to Nurul Iman Palace, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, for a photo stop at the front gate.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Bandar Seri Begawan
After breakfast, travel approximately 80 km from Bandar Seri Begawan to Seria, Brunei's historic oil town. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and offers views of the country's rural landscapes along the way.
Visit the Seria Energy Lab, where interactive exhibits explore science, technology and Brunei's hydrocarbons industry. Continue to the Billionth Barrel Monument, built to commemorate Brunei's billionth barrel of crude oil production.
Pass the Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters and the former Dutch community accommodation and recreational areas before continuing to Kuala Belait for lunch. Enjoy some free time to explore the town before returning towards Bandar Seri Begawan.
On the way back, stop in the Jerudong Park area for a photo opportunity.
The evening is at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant and transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in Bandar Seri Begawan
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Brunei International Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. On arrival, meet your transfer and travel to Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Set along a sandy beach and surrounded by tropical landscapes, the resort provides a relaxing base for the next four nights.
Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax by the beach, unwind at the resort or explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, head to Mari Mari Cultural Village for an immersive introduction to Sabah’s indigenous heritage.
Explore traditional houses representing five of Sabah’s main indigenous groups – Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau and Murut. During the guided visit, discover traditional customs, lifestyles and crafts through demonstrations and interactive activities.
You will have the opportunity to sample traditional cuisines and drinks and see demonstrations of traditional skills, followed by a 30-minute cultural performance showcasing Sabah’s heritage.
Enjoy lunch during the experience before returning to Shangri-La Rasa Ria.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure at Shangri-La Rasa Ria. With its tropical setting and coastal location, the resort provides a relaxing base for your Kota Kinabalu stay. Spend the day enjoying the resort at your own pace or exploring the surrounding area independently.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, enjoy your final full day in Kota Kinabalu at leisure. Relax at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, enjoy the resort facilities and tropical surroundings, or explore the area independently.
This free day gives you time to enjoy the more relaxed side of your Borneo experience after the cultural activities earlier in the trip.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu
Enjoy breakfast and some final leisure time before checking out. Your return airport transfer will take you to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight back to home, bringing your Brunei and Borneo holiday to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Departure Dates from San Francisco:
Additional Prices From Other Cities:
- Los Angeles: from +$249 per person
- New York City: from +$249 per person
- Chicago: from +$699 per person
- Washington: from +$699 per person
Inclusions:
Round trip flights with baggage
Round airport transfers throughout the holiday
3 nights stay at 4★ Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam, Brunei
• Brunei By Night Tour with English-speaking guide
• Full Day Brunei City Tour including Kampong Ayer and Brunei River water-taxi ride
• Seria Oil Town Tour including Seria Energy Lab and Billionth Barrel Monument
• 3 lunches and 3 dinners at local restaurants in Brunei
Internal flight from Brunei (BWN) → Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
4 nights stay at 5★ Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
Local Malaysia Tourism Tax: RM 10 per room per night (approx. US$ 5 per person for the full stay)
• Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour
Daily breakfast throughout the holiday
Based on two adults sharing a room
Alternative hotels of similar standard may be offered if required
Call us for alternative dates, room options or pricing
ℹ️ Note: City taxes are payable locally at the hotel.