Bandar Seri Begawan Airport

I travelled with my partner to Manila from Brisbane via Brunei last Feb/March. The airport was second rate for an international stopover. The toilets in particular were a absolute disgrace. Mr R Seaman states that on his recent visit things were vastly improved and we look forward to that when we arrive there again this month.

My wife and I have flown with Royal Brunei many times over the last 15 yrs and transited at Bandar Seri Begawan airport. The conditions and service at the airport have been pretty bad to awful over that time disgraceful toilets and attitude of staff left a lot to be desired. However the place has been revamped and on our visit there in Jul what a change clean toilets helpful and caring staff new seating no fish tank Royal Brunei should be congratulated on the changes made.

The transit lounge would be acceptable if it were nit for the dirty toilets. Go before you land. The country is rich. can't they even afford a toilet cleaner. My card would not work in the cafe. A Brunei citizen behind me simply paid for me. That is hospitality.

Spent about 4 hours here on a stopover between MEL and BKK. Was less than pleased to be stuck in a tiny international terminal with nothing open except for a coffee shop on the mezzanine until about an hour before our flight. Our gate number was not posted until it was almost time to board even then it was still changed which provided a minor inconvenience. The only thing that could compensate for our experience at BWN was the lovely experiences we had with Royal Brunei Airlines it's a shame such a great airline is hubbed out of such a shoddy airport.

I also had a very nice bottle of Polish vodka confiscated while in transit. They claimed that Australian customs would not let me in with alcohol purchased overseas. I have since checked with Australian customs and there is no problem with bringing alcohol in within the Australian limit from anywhere in the world.

Nothing to do here. A clean little airport except the toilets. I believe the airport is to be revamped - given the wealth of the country its surprising it hasn't been done sooner! If there for a long transit then head out of the airport for a look around if there for a couple of hours take a book.

Spent 11 hours at the airport - en route to LHR from Auckland via Dubai and Brunei. The airport is very small and basic (ladies toilets not the best - two normal loos and two holes in the floor). There are free showers (can hire towels) but only have cold water! Shops consist of couple of snack/food shops and couple of souvenir/jewellery shops - can look round them in 15 mins. If you are there during the day - best idea is to book yourselves a city tour with Royal Brunei Airlines desk - staff more helpful (able to pay on credit card via their city office) better value than other desk in terminal building (more expensive and would only take cash - no credit cards!) We spent 5 hours on city tour - fantastic! Shown around 2 museums sultan's palace mosque houses on stilts local market local shopping precinct - running commentary from a very bright enthusiastic tour guide.

Tiny airport but plenty of seats which are comfortable. 2 cafes and a variety of gift shops. Please note that as well as no alcohol you cannot purchase cigarettes at this airport. No problem taking 2 bottles of wine into country - you just need to fill in the orange forms in reception but beware - you really need to look for them.

Had 2 quick transits at this airport (less than 30 minutes) on return flights between Jakarta and Kota Kinabalu. No problem with a bottle of Glennfiddich whisky that I did not even bother to take out of my hand carry when passing the No 1 gate security. I can see that it's a bit boring but for a small airport that it is I find service is not bad - I even feel that the place is a bit cozy for relaxing but not for too long.

Transitted this airport twice - as we stepped into the terminal we had people all over us offering a free city tour. Once we said we would go them they wanted to charge $66 for the 'free" tour. Having working in airport security I was amazed at some of the goings ons there. People allowed to wear hats through the metal detector walk through. Children in Prams/ push chairs pushed through the detector instead of the child being taken out and the chair put through the x ray. Airport was clean free internet large seating area very limited shopping. Returning to this airport after Singapore Changi was a huge culture shock.