Azaraimy HasibPicnics are a great way to bring the whole family together for a fun-filled outing. Here in Brunei, we are not only blessed with lush green forests but also long stretches of golden sandy beaches.
There are certainly a number of beaches that are ideal for picnics. Though they all share the same shoreline facing the South China Sea, not all are equipped with amenities that you would need to have a fun outing such as picnic huts, showers, toilets, BBQ grills, playgrounds, roller-skating arena, cycling and jogging paths, etc.
Here are our top 6 picks:
(Photo: Lance Thoo)
#1. Muara Beach
Located at the northernmost tip of Brunei, Muara Beach continues to be the main go-to spot for picnics for families and friends thanks to its golden sands, alluring winds and vast recreational facilities!
Did you know that Muara Beach is also a historical site? It was the landing site for many Australian servicemen in an operation called “Oboe 6” to retake Brunei and Labuan at the end of World War II. Here you can find the words “1945 In Memory” engraved in English, Malay and Jawi onto the polished green marble stone plaque in commemoration of efforts of the Australian 9th Division in June 1945, as well as the cooperation between the people of Brunei and Australia.
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While the number of huts at Muara Beach are limited, there are plenty of places for you to set up camp – either near the beach or within the park. It’s entirely up to you!
Here you can find:
- Picnic huts
- Washrooms & toilets
- Waste bins
- Children playground
- Roller skating / blading paths
- Cycling / jogging paths
- Public park
- Surau (prayer rooms)
- Concrete parking facilities
#2. Serasa Beach
Serasa Beach is close to Muara Beach. Though it is one of the famous beaches in Brunei, be reminded that you are NOT allowed to swim there. However, in the 80s and 90s, before the Serasa Beach underwent a major facelift, people used to go there for swimming and net fishing.
Here you can find restaurants, a yacht club, water sports arena and food stalls. These days, Serasa Beach is more for people who are looking for a relaxing time overlooking the sea. Nevertheless, Serasa Beach is a great spot for picnics and BBQs. You can usually see people fishing here, especially on Sundays.
The revamped Serasa beach was officiated by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on March 18, 2014.
Here you can find:
- Picnic huts
- BBQ stalls (limited)
- Restaurants
- Yacht club
- Toilets
- Waste bins
- Children’s playground
- Open grass areas to set up picnics
- Concrete parking area
#3. Berakas Beach
Located some 20 kilometres from the capital, along the Muara-Tutong highway, the Berakas Beach is part of the fully-equipped Berakas Forest Reserve Recreational Park.
It is certainly a unique beach, where you have to walk down a concrete staircase supported by wooden structures and platforms to access the beautiful beach down the hill.
At the entrance on top of the beach, there are several huts and BBQ stands where families or friends can cook their food and enjoy each other’s company overlooking the scenic beauty of the shoreline. Do take note that it is quite a descend and climb to-and-fro the beach and the huts area. Alternatively, you may set up your own picnic spot on the beach itself if you don’t mind the sun!
(Photos: Azaraimy Hasib)
Here you can find:
- Picnic huts
- BBQ stalls
- Limited parking area
- Shower and toilet area
- Playground
- Waste bins
- Surau
- Biodiversity park
- Hiking trail
#4. Penanjong Beach
In Tutong District, a lot of private houses are built not only along the riverbanks but also adjacent to beaches. One beach area that has transcended into a public beach is located at Kampong Penanjong. The Penanjong Beach is not as well known as others due to its relatively hidden location. Its longer official name is Pantai Persiaran Pengkalan Pinang Penanjong Tutong.
Here you can find some privacy due to its small size, limited facilities and relatively hidden location. So if you’re looking for a more private atmosphere without the crowds, be sure to consider having your next picnic here.
Here you can find:
- Picnic huts
- BBQ stalls
- Clean swimming area
- Waste bins
- Concrete parking (limited)
#5. Pantai Seri Kenangan
Tutong has some good spots to see a sunset in Brunei. One of them is Pantai Seri Kenangan where you can be sure that your next picnic will be a picturesque occasion.
Some people regard Pantai Seri Kenangan as a landmark beach for Tutong. It is easily one of most popular beaches among Bruneians. As such, expect to see crowds gathering here, especially on Sundays. The beach has ample space for you to set up your picnic mat. However, be reminded to come early to secure your spot as the number of huts are limited.
- Picnic huts
- Toilets
- Food stalls in the parking area (occasionally)
- Waste bins
- Concrete parking
#6. Silver Jubilee Park (Kuala Belait)
When you utter the word ‘picnic’ to any resident of Kuala Belait, more often than not, one place that will immediately spring to mind is the Silver Jubilee Park near the beachfront. If you’re looking for a vast pristine, golden sandy beach, this is the place to be. This is a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic.
Here you can find:
- Picnic huts
- BBQ stalls
- Toilets
- Playgrounds
- Concrete parking
- Surau
(Photo: Daniel Lim)
Here’s a quick summary for the impatient:
What’s your favourite spot?
What other places would you personally recommend for a perfect picnic?
We have seen much improvement and progress in Brunei’s beaches over the years. But what would YOU like to see improved? How about a lifeguard tower? Do you think it’s about time that we see these at all our beaches? Drop a comment or reach out to Neue on social media.