The tap water in Brunei isn’t safe for drinking. Most travelers and locals rely on bottled water.
In Brunei, tap water may be treated at the source, but quality can drop during distribution due to old plumbing and inconsistent maintenance practices.
Quick Overview
Tap Water Concern: Our Advice Tap Water Drinkable? ❌ No, use bottled water Common Risks: Bacteria, parasites, viruses Brush Teeth? ❌ No, use bottled water Wash Fruits/Vegetables? ❌ No, use filtered or bottled water Use Ice in Drinks? ❌ No, avoid unless purified Safe to Shower? ✅ Yes Filter Bottle Needed? ✅ Strongly recommended
Based on guidance from the CDC, WHO, and local water authorities in Brunei.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
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Health Risks for Travelers
Travelers may be at risk of water-related illnesses, even though locals seem unaffected. This is often due to differences in gut flora, immune response, and exposure to local pathogens.
- Health risks from unsafe drinking water may include:
- Acute diarrheal disease caused by E. coli
- Parasitic infections like giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis
- Viral illnesses such as hepatitis A, especially in areas with poor wastewater management
- Toxic exposure to heavy metals or residual industrial waste
Contamination is more likely in:
- Villages or isolated areas with untreated surface water
- Places where flooding or poor infrastructure compromises sanitation
- Dwellings with outdated plumbing systems or neglected storage tanks
Clear water isn’t always clean water—invisible pathogens, bacteria, and pollutants can pose serious travel health hazards if consumed unfiltered.
If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Brunei, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in Brunei
Brunei has six government-run water treatment plants and two private ones managed by Brunei Shell Petroleum and Brunei LNG. Even with that infrastructure in place, there are still concerns about the quality of river water—like in the Brunei River—where seasonal changes and pollution can affect water conditions.
FAQs About Tap Water in Brunei
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
Brushing your teeth with tap water in Brunei isn’t recommended, especially if you’re not used to the local microbes.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
For basic hygiene like washing your face, tap water is usually fine—just don’t rinse your mouth with it.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
Ice can carry the same risks as drinking the water directly, so only use it if you’re sure it’s safe.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
Yes, showering is generally safe—just avoid swallowing the water.
Not sure what’s in the water where you’re staying? A small shower filter is easy to pack and can make a big difference for your skin and hair. Just make sure the shower has a standard connection point—some are built in and can’t be modified. Most travelers recommend this travel-friendly filter. Check today’s best price here.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
Tap water in Brunei may contain bacteria that stay on the surface of food—filter or bottled water is a safer bet.
Is bottled water expensive in Brunei?
Local brands are often cheaper than imported ones, making bottled water a practical and safe daily choice.
Brunei is often visited along with Malaysia, Indonesia, or the Philippines, especially on multi-country Southeast Asia trips—worth checking the tap water safety across these destinations.