Higher Hotel Brunei Review: Prime Kiulap Location for Modern Brunei Exploration
Overview: Strategic Comfort in Kiulap Commercial Hub
Higher Hotel establishes itself as a highly recommendable mid-range option in Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), perfectly balancing affordability, quality, and a superior strategic location. Situated in the Kiulap commercial district, the hotel provides easy access to Brunei's modern infrastructure, a burgeoning food scene, and key cultural sites. It's an ideal base for various travelers—from families and couples to budget-conscious business visitors and solo adventurers seeking convenience without the downtown price tag.
Our Deluxe King Room Experience
The hotel offers well-appointed rooms at competitive rates, typically ranging from BND $45–80 (USD $33–60) per night on most booking platforms.
During our family's visit, we opted for the Deluxe King Room, which proved to be an exceptional value at approximately BND $52 (USD $39) per night, including breakfast for two.
The room’s design is clean, bright, and welcoming, featuring attractive dark wooden flooring paired with warm backlighting—a modern touch that felt instantly comfortable. For a family of three (two adults and our 7-year-old son), the space felt sufficiently generous.
Focus on Comfort & Layout
The centerpiece, the king-size bed, lived up to the hype: a soft, spacious mattress with fluffy pillows, guaranteeing a restful night for both parents. Our son slept comfortably on the adjacent small sofa lounge area, which served perfectly as an impromptu single bed without feeling cramped. The room receives ample natural light through the large window, and we particularly enjoyed the serene sunset views in the evening.
In terms of functionality, the layout was highly practical. Beside the bed, a spacious desk and chair provided a dedicated workspace, complete with a modern reading lamp. Storage was sufficient, with a sleek wardrobe that included a safe and hanging space. Crucially, the minibar area housed a handy refrigerator and kettle, making it easy to keep drinks cool and prepare early morning coffee.
Location Deep Dive: The Kiulap Advantage
Higher Hotel’s location in Kiulap is its most significant asset. Kiulap is known as a dynamic and relatively upscale commercial district, popular among locals for dining and modern services, providing a different, often more convenient, atmosphere than the historic BSB City Centre.
Immediate Dining & Exploration (Walkable)
Being centrally located in Kiulap means numerous local eateries and popular international chains are just a 5–10 minute walk away. This proximity to varied dining options is perfect for food bloggers or travelers seeking authentic flavors beyond the hotel.
Key Attractions Access (Short Drive)
The hotel offers excellent proximity to major points of interest via a short, inexpensive taxi ride.
Gadong Night Market: Less than 5 minutes by taxi (Approx. 2.5 km), with fares around BND $8–12 (USD $6–9).
Recommendations:
Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei
Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in Brunei
Brunei eSims
Higher Hotel establishes itself as a highly recommendable mid-range option in Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), perfectly balancing affordability, quality, and a superior strategic location. Situated in the Kiulap commercial district, the hotel provides easy access to Brunei's modern infrastructure, a burgeoning food scene, and key cultural sites. It's an ideal base for various travelers—from families and couples to budget-conscious business visitors and solo adventurers seeking convenience without the downtown price tag.
Higher Hotel
Our Deluxe King Room Experience
The hotel offers well-appointed rooms at competitive rates, typically ranging from BND $45–80 (USD $33–60) per night on most booking platforms.
During our family's visit, we opted for the Deluxe King Room, which proved to be an exceptional value at approximately BND $52 (USD $39) per night, including breakfast for two.
The room’s design is clean, bright, and welcoming, featuring attractive dark wooden flooring paired with warm backlighting—a modern touch that felt instantly comfortable. For a family of three (two adults and our 7-year-old son), the space felt sufficiently generous.
Focus on Comfort & Layout
The centerpiece, the king-size bed, lived up to the hype: a soft, spacious mattress with fluffy pillows, guaranteeing a restful night for both parents. Our son slept comfortably on the adjacent small sofa lounge area, which served perfectly as an impromptu single bed without feeling cramped. The room receives ample natural light through the large window, and we particularly enjoyed the serene sunset views in the evening.
In terms of functionality, the layout was highly practical. Beside the bed, a spacious desk and chair provided a dedicated workspace, complete with a modern reading lamp. Storage was sufficient, with a sleek wardrobe that included a safe and hanging space. Crucially, the minibar area housed a handy refrigerator and kettle, making it easy to keep drinks cool and prepare early morning coffee.
Bathroom Details
The bathroom was equally well-equipped. It featured a strong hot water shower and was stocked with a hairdryer, free toiletries, and fresh towels. In our Deluxe King, we were pleased to find a full bathtub—a small luxury that allowed our son to enjoy a relaxing soak after a long day of exploring, making the room truly family-friendly.
Higher Hotel’s location in Kiulap is its most significant asset. Kiulap is known as a dynamic and relatively upscale commercial district, popular among locals for dining and modern services, providing a different, often more convenient, atmosphere than the historic BSB City Centre.
Immediate Dining & Exploration (Walkable)
Being centrally located in Kiulap means numerous local eateries and popular international chains are just a 5–10 minute walk away. This proximity to varied dining options is perfect for food bloggers or travelers seeking authentic flavors beyond the hotel.
Key Attractions Access (Short Drive)
The hotel offers excellent proximity to major points of interest via a short, inexpensive taxi ride.
Gadong Night Market: Less than 5 minutes by taxi (Approx. 2.5 km), with fares around BND $8–12 (USD $6–9).
Transportation Note: While the 2.5 km walk to Gadong Night Market is tempting, we strongly advise using the taxi/e-hailing services (such as DART) for safety and convenience, as pedestrian sidewalks are inconsistent and crossing the major roads can be hazardous.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque & Kampong Ayer (Water Village): About a 10-minute taxi ride (Approx. 4 km), with fares around BND $10–15 (USD $7.50–11).
Brunei International Airport (BWN): About 15 minutes by taxi (Approx. 9 km), with fares around BND $15–20 (USD $11–15).
Breakfast/Dining Experience: Authentic Malay Flavors
Breakfast at the hotel is served buffet-style, offering a compact but hearty spread of both Asian and Western selections.
The highlight of the buffet is the opportunity to sample traditional Malay cakes (kuih) and a selection of fresh local tropical fruits, which provide a delightful introduction to Bruneian flavors. The hotel breakfast captures the essence of Malay-style cuisine—flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying—often incorporating subtly spicy or tangy notes that appeal to those who enjoy Southeast Asian exotic flavors.
Breakfast Purchase Option: If your room rate excludes breakfast, it can be purchased on-site for a reasonable BND $7 per adult or BND $6 per child.
Higher Hotel is an excellent choice for independent travelers, small families, and business visitors to Brunei. It successfully navigates the balance between affordable accommodation and high-quality guest comfort. Its strategic placement in the modern Kiulap commercial center, coupled with its clean rooms and convenient amenities (like the coveted bathtub in a Deluxe Room!), makes it a valuable recommendation for anyone looking to maximize their budget without sacrificing easy access to BSB’s best cultural and culinary offerings.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque & Kampong Ayer (Water Village): About a 10-minute taxi ride (Approx. 4 km), with fares around BND $10–15 (USD $7.50–11).
Brunei International Airport (BWN): About 15 minutes by taxi (Approx. 9 km), with fares around BND $15–20 (USD $11–15).
Breakfast/Dining Experience: Authentic Malay Flavors
Breakfast at the hotel is served buffet-style, offering a compact but hearty spread of both Asian and Western selections.
The highlight of the buffet is the opportunity to sample traditional Malay cakes (kuih) and a selection of fresh local tropical fruits, which provide a delightful introduction to Bruneian flavors. The hotel breakfast captures the essence of Malay-style cuisine—flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying—often incorporating subtly spicy or tangy notes that appeal to those who enjoy Southeast Asian exotic flavors.
Breakfast Purchase Option: If your room rate excludes breakfast, it can be purchased on-site for a reasonable BND $7 per adult or BND $6 per child.
Recommendations:
Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei
Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in Brunei
Brunei eSims
GetYourGuide- Borneo: 10-Day Adventure: Kuching to Brunei and Sabah
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
GetYourGuide- Brunei Airport Transfer
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
GetYourGuide- Brunei Airport Transfer
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