Brunei
Southeast Asia: a wealthy oil sultanate on Borneo with duty-free marine imports
Overview
The Sultanate of Brunei is a small country on the island of Borneo, almost entirely dependent on oil and gas revenues, which have made it one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Brunei has a long maritime history, and its pattern of settlement has traditionally focused on the waterways.
This maritime focus brings a useful advantage for visiting yachts: any items imported for marine use are duty-free. The coastline is not especially dramatic, but there are protected anchorages on the west coast of Borneo at Serasa, home to the Royal Brunei Yacht Club.
Brunei offers easily accessible, well-preserved reefs and wrecks for divers, and plenty of golf courses ashore. The best cruising is from November to March; note that navigation can be tricky around the many offshore oil and gas installations.
Marinas & Map
Map Key - Ports & Anchorages
- Royal Brunei Yacht Club (Serasa)
- Port of Muara; VHF 16
- Bandar Seri Begawan
- Kuala Belait; VHF 15
✈ Brunei International Airport
Marine imports are duty-free. Caution: many offshore oil & gas installations.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the Department of Immigration and National Registration and the Royal Customs and Excise Department. The most convenient port of entry is the Port of Muara (VHF 16), with Kuala Belait (VHF 15) and Bandar Seri Begawan also available.
Government Contacts
Immigration: immigration.gov.bn
Customs: mof.gov.bn
International Airports
Brunei International Airport (Bandar Seri Begawan).
Key Anchorages
Serasa (Royal Brunei Yacht Club) · Muara · Bandar Seri Begawan · Kuala Belait.
Local Services
Yacht Clubs
Royal Brunei Yacht Club
Diving
Poni Divers · Oceanic Quest
Shipyards
PTAS
Travel
Intrepid Yachting
Radio
Brunei Bay (bruneibay.net)
Ashore
Bandar Seri Begawan · golf courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to Brunei?
The Port of Muara (VHF 16) is the most convenient port of entry, with Kuala Belait (VHF 15) and Bandar Seri Begawan also available, handled by the Department of Immigration and the Royal Customs and Excise Department.
When is the best time to cruise Brunei?
Brunei has equatorial tropical conditions, with the best cruising from November to March. Navigation requires care due to the many offshore oil and gas installations.
Are there advantages for yachts in Brunei?
Yes. Because of Brunei's strong maritime focus, any items imported for marine use are duty-free, a useful advantage for visiting yachts.
Where can superyachts berth in Brunei?
The main facility is the Royal Brunei Yacht Club at Serasa on the west coast of Borneo, with protected anchorages at Muara, Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala Belait.