Shopping is one of the favorite pastimes in Brunei, despite the somewhat limited selection of retail stores. If you want to avoid the usual malls, visit small-scale shops selling locally made souvenirs.
Jong sarat is an excellent buy. This traditionally hand woven cloth has distinctive silver or gold-threaded materials that can be purchased at the Brunei International Airport or in Kota Batu’s Arts and Handicraft Training Center. It is also possible to get from manufacturer’s outlets. Silverware and brass shaped into a kris or dagger, gongs and canons also make excellent souvenirs.
For the usual shopping fix, there is the bustling night market at Gadong, located in Lorong Sultan, just beside one of Brunei’s biggest shopping complexes. Roadside vendors offer a range of goods from fresh produce to street food like kueh, barbecued fish, chicken wings, and satay.
The Yayasan Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan is also a must-visit, even if you don’t intend to shop. From its elegant walkways, you can enjoy views of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the water village of Kampong Ayer. The complex also houses a department store and several restaurants.