A turquoise minaret catches the sun beside the reflective lagoon of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, sampans drift beneath the stilts of Kampong Ayer, and the rainforest of Ulu Temburong hums with life.

Brunei feels like a quietly luxurious corner of Borneo where craftsmanship and tradition still breathe. The air carries incense, pandan leaf, and the deep sweetness of palm sugar; every market stall and boutique tells a story of Malay royalty, river life, and island forests.

Whether you’re after handwoven textiles, fragrant oils, or edible reminders of a weekend in Bandar Seri Begawan, here’s what to buy in Brunei — must-have Bruneian souvenirs to bring a piece of the sultanate home with you.

If  you’re in Seri Begawan check my top 5 gift shops

1. Bruneian Songket

Why pick this up: Songket is the ceremonial cloth of Malay royalty — shimmering threads of gold and silver woven into silk or cotton make it a statement piece and a tangible piece of local heritage.
What to look for: Tight, even weaves with real metallic thread (not just metallic-looking yarn); traditional motifs like bunga tabur or geometric floral patterns; finished edges and provenance tags from known weavers.
Price bracket (2025): B$80–B$500 (simple sarong lengths on the low end; heirloom-grade pieces can be much higher).
Where to find it: Kampong Ayer weavers, Yayasan Complex boutiques, specialist shops in Bandar Seri Begawan, and artisan stalls during festivals.

2. Brunei Batik

Why pick this up: Batik offers colorful, everyday art — lighter and more casual than songket but equally rich in Malay motifs influenced by Borneo’s flora and fauna.
What to look for: Hand-drawn or hand-stamped patterns, natural dyes, and motifs like orchids, hornbills, and pandan leaves. Look for solid colorfastness and neat wax lines.
Price bracket (2025): B$25–B$150.
Where to find it: Gadong Night Market, retail stores in The Mall and Yayasan Complex, and small studios in Bandar Seri Begawan.

3. Silver Filigree Jewelry & Kerongsang Brooches

Why pick this up: Delicate silverwork — brooches, necklaces, and traditional kerongsang pins — reflects Brunei’s love of refined detail and makes wearable, local keepsakes.
What to look for: Hallmarks or purity marks, tight filigree patterns, and traditional shapes such as floral rosettes or crescent motifs. Ask for a certificate if it’s fine silver.
Price bracket (2025): B$50–B$400.
Where to find it: Jewellery shops around Jalan Sultan and Gadong, artisan stalls in the capital, and the Royal Regalia Museum shop for ceremonial replicas.

4. Handwoven Baskets and Tikar Mats

Why pick this up: Functional, eco-friendly and vividly patterned, rattan and pandan-woven baskets and mats (tikar) are made for everyday use and remind you of river-side markets and kampong homes.
What to look for: Tight weaving, intact rims, natural dye patterns, and waterproofed bases for longer use.
Price bracket (2025): B$10–B$80.
Where to find it: Tamu Kianggeh, Gadong Night Market, and Kampong Ayer craft cooperatives.

5. Hand-Carved Woodwork & Kampong Ayer Boat Models

Why pick this up: Carved panels, ornamental panels, and miniature water-village boats capture the essence of Brunei’s stilt-house culture and the island’s woodworking tradition.
What to look for: Smooth finishes, detailed carving (house facades, prow shapes), and sustainably sourced wood labels where possible.
Price bracket (2025): B$20–B$200.
Where to find it: Local galleries in Bandar Seri Begawan, craft stalls in Kampong Ayer, and Jerudong artisan shops.

6. Oud, Attar and Agarwood Products

Why pick this up: Fragrant oils and incense made from agarwood (oud) and floral attars are ingrained in local religious and ceremonial life — a small bottle will bring Brunei’s scentscape home.
What to look for: Pure oud/attar (not heavily diluted), reputable brands or trusted vendors, and proper packaging for air travel.
Price bracket (2025): B$30–B$400 (depending on concentration and grade).
Where to find it: Specialist perfume shops in Bandar Seri Begawan, the Gadong district, and airport duty-free.

7. Ulu Temburong Wild Honey

Why pick this up: Honey collected from the rainforest of Ulu Temburong offers a taste of Borneo’s floral diversity — thick, aromatic and distinctly local.
What to look for: Glass jars with origin labels, raw/unpasteurised options, and notes about which flowers the bees foraged.
Price bracket (2025): B$15–B$60.
Where to find it: Specialty food shops in the capital, eco-tour operators’ stalls, and selected market vendors.

8. Gula Melaka & Local Spice Blends

Why pick this up: Bruneian desserts and curries often rely on palm sugar and rempah spice mixes — a small jar of gula melaka or a house spice mix will revive Bruneian flavors back home.
What to look for: Compressed palm sugar blocks or pre-grated packaging, airtight spice tins, and spices labeled for ingredients and origin.
Price bracket (2025): B$3–B$20.
Where to find it: Tamu Kianggeh, Gadong grocers, and food stalls around Bandar Seri Begawan.

9. Traditional Kuih and Packaged Sweets

Why pick this up: Packaged traditional biscuits, kuih bahulu, pandan cookies and local sweet treats make easy edible souvenirs that carry the island’s palate.
What to look for: Properly sealed packaging with freshness dates; look for specialty bakeries making traditional recipes for best flavor.
Price bracket (2025): B$5–B$25 per box.
Where to find it: Local bakeries in Gadong, markets at Kianggeh, and duty-free shops at Brunei International Airport.

10. Islamic Calligraphy Art & Handcrafted Qur’an Covers

Why pick this up: Brunei’s identity is closely tied to Malay Islamic culture; calligraphy panels, framed Arabic script, and ornate Qur’an covers are meaningful, respectful gifts and decor.
What to look for: Quality materials (silk covers, brass frames), legible and respectful inscriptions, and provenance from established calligraphers or workshops.
Price bracket (2025): B$20–B$300.
Where to find it: Art galleries in Bandar Seri Begawan, craft bazaars, and specialty Islamic bookstores.

Tip: Shop small, ask the maker about materials, and pack fragile items carefully — buying directly from Kampong Ayer artisans or Tamu Kianggeh helps preserve traditions and ensures authentic Bruneian souvenirs 🌴

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!