Where to stay in Brunei

Hotels

Brunei has about three dozen hotels. Accommodation in and around the capital ranges from ultra-luxury (the Empire Hotel & Country Club) to youth hostel bunk beds, with just a handful of international hotels of four-star standard. Serviced apartments combining home comforts with hotel convenience are growing in popularity. Mid-range hotels can be found in major towns, including Kuala Belait, Seria and Bangar. For details, see www.bruneitourism.travel

Bed and breakfast

Brunei's small number of very basic homestays are oriented almost exclusively to the domestic market.

Camping

Some Bruneian travel agencies can arrange tours that include overnight camping.

Other accomodation

Resorts: Over-the-top opulence - of the sort hard to find outside of Dubai - is the hallmark of the seaside Empire Hotel & Country Club (www.theempirehotel.com), known for its crystal chandeliers, gold-plated power points, gleaming marble, luxurious spa and golf course.

Rural farmstay: Brunei's only rural farmstay, Sumbiling Eco Village (www.borneoguide.com/ecovillage), offers a unique opportunity to get close to nature. There's a small Iban longhouse right nearby. The village is situated on the Temburong River, with easy access to Ulu Temburong National Park.

Backpacker hostels: Brunei is not known as a budget travel destination, but cheap, clean dorm beds are available in government-run youth hostels (pusat belia, literally 'youth centre') in central Bandar Seri Begawan and in Bangar, the gateway to Ulu Temburong National Park.