Seria

Located along the coast sandwiched by Tutong and Kuala Belait is the famous Seria - the place where Brunei’s black blood (oil) flows in abundance.

A visit to Seria means to have a glimpse of where the wealth of the country comes from. Discovering Seria is a great way to get educated about the industry that keeps Brunei rising.

Attractions

A trip to Seria isn’t complete without making a stop at the Billionth Barrel Monument – an iconic landmark in Seria that remains a constant reminder of the lucrative oil business. Located near the beach, you can enjoy the fresh ambiance while learning more about the oil industry. If you’re keen to know more about the oil industry, you can head over to the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre where you’ll learn about the history and progress of the business through fun, interactive displays. Culminate your day with a visit to Seria Mosque – the oldest mosque in town.

Getting There

You can get to Seria via bus, taxi, or car.

From Bandar Seri Begawan, board a bus to Seria. Total travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Fares start at USD 5.

If you are willing to opt for a pricey yet comfortable option, you can take a taxi from Bandar Seri Begawan to Seria. Fare price usually falls between USD 60 to USD 80.

You can also charter a car from BDB to Seria. Total travel time takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Money Matters

The generally accepted currency in Seria is the Brunei Dollar (BND) which comes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 10000. The currency also comes in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. The Singapore dollar is deemed similar with Brunei Dollar and is directly accepted by establishments. Be careful of microscopic tears on your bills, though, since most establishments refuse them.

ATM cards are widely accepted in bigger cities such as Bandar Seri Begawan, including American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and Diners Club. ATMs are widely available in both towns and cities. However, not every foreign card is accepted. One of the main ATM centres in Seria is located in No. 21, Jln Sultan Omar Ali Seria KB 1190.

The most reliable currency exchange service can be availed from banks.

Weather

June, July, and August are considered peak months in Brunei but the weather around these months is incredibly hot. Rains start to pour in from September to December. The most ideal time to visit is between January to May – chances of raining are low and the temperature is most ideal.

Getting Around

The best way to get around Seria is via taxi or a chartered car.

Food

Aside from oil, Seria is quite popular for its tasty noodle – also known as Kolomee – sold by ubiquitous noodle stalls. The noodles are quite worth the slurp – savoury thick broth is poured to thin noodles and topped with bits of meat. The Universal Cafe has become quite the attraction in Seria as it has been serving patrons for years. Try their french toast and cakes – you’ll never regret it. For variety, proceed to Tudong Salji food court where you can feast on different varieties of noodles and other famous Bornean dishes.

Seria may look like a typical quaint town especially when compared to the grandness of BDB. However, there’s something about this place that lingers – something that makes you wonder if there’s more. And indeed, there’s more.