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The Empire Brunei — Exterior, Brunei

The EMPTYJET Dossier · Selected

The Empire Brunei

Brunei, Brunei

The Empire Brunei, located near Bandar Seri Begawan, has been awarded Brunei's Leading Hotel multiple times including 2025 and is recommended by Forbes Travel Guide for 2026. Set on a 180-hectare beachfront property with a private beach, it features 16 villas, five pools, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course. The hotel offers diverse dining options including Japanese, Italian, and Asian cuisine.

EMPTYJET Selected

One of 7,777 hotels on Earth

84.9/100 · EMPTYJET Consensus

Best in BruneiEMPTYJET · Top country
Forbes RecommendedForbes Travel Guide
World Travel Awards 2025Industry awards

“The Empire Brunei is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a large-scale luxury resort experience in Brunei, particularly those who value privacy, extensive facilities, and a strong regional reputation.”

The EMPTYJET dossier

Overview

The Empire Brunei is a prominent luxury hotel situated in Brunei, offering an expansive 180-hectare beachfront property overlooking the South China Sea. Located in Kampong Jerudong near Bandar Seri Begawan, the hotel is renowned for its extensive facilities, including a private beach, five swimming pools, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course. Accommodation is spread across six buildings and includes sixteen private villas set within lush gardens. The property features a diverse array of dining venues, from Japanese teppanyaki to Italian à la carte, as well as multiple lounges and cafés. The Empire Brunei has been recognised with numerous awards, including Brunei's Leading Hotel and Asia Pacific's Best Golf Resort, reflecting its status as a distinguished destination in the region.

Sources (3)

Why EMPTYJET selects it

The Empire Brunei appears in the EMPTYJET guide of 7,777 hotels on Earth with an EMPTYJET Consensus of 94/100. The property sits on a 180-hectare beachfront property overlooking the South China Sea and offers 16 villas in private gardens, a private beach and 5 pools. Golf facilities include an on-site golf course with an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus–designed layout. Those recognitions and platform scores explain its position in the guide.

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History

The Empire Brunei was financed in the 1990s by Prince Jefri Bolkiah, a member of Brunei's royal family. The property has played a significant role in the country's hospitality landscape, earning a series of accolades over the years. It was rebranded as The Empire Brunei on 30 October 2019, marking a new chapter in its history. The hotel is also home to a historical mural depicting the Sultan's 1521 welcoming of Ferdinand Magellan and his crew, connecting the property to Brunei's broader historical narrative.

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Rooms & suites

Accommodation at The Empire Brunei is distributed across six buildings, offering a variety of rooms and suites to suit different preferences. In addition to these, there are sixteen villas set within private gardens, providing an added level of exclusivity and privacy. This range of accommodation types allows guests to choose between traditional hotel rooms, spacious suites, and standalone villas, all within the resort's extensive grounds.

Sources (2)

Dining

The Empire Brunei presents a diverse culinary offering across several restaurants and lounges:

  • Zen: Specialises in Japanese cuisine, featuring a teppanyaki grill for an interactive dining experience.
  • Spaghettini: Serves Italian à la carte dinners, focusing on classic and contemporary Italian dishes.
  • Pantai: Offers Asian à la carte lunch and dinner, highlighting regional flavours and ingredients.
  • Atrium Café: Known for its breakfast buffet, providing a wide selection of international and local breakfast options.
  • Rotunda Lounge: Functions as an all-day dining venue, serving afternoon teas, light meals, pastries, and desserts.
  • Zest: Provides light meals, beverages, pastries, and desserts in a relaxed setting.
  • Lobby Lounge: Features à la carte dining in an elegant lounge environment.

This variety ensures that guests have access to a broad spectrum of cuisines and dining experiences throughout their stay.

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Service & reputation

The Empire Brunei enjoys a strong reputation among guests, as reflected in its high ratings across major review platforms. These consistently positive scores indicate a high level of guest satisfaction with the service, facilities, and overall experience provided by the hotel.

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Location & setting

The Empire Brunei is located in Kampong Jerudong, near the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. The property spans 180 hectares of beachfront land, offering direct views of the South China Sea. Guests benefit from a private beach and easy beach access, as well as the tranquil setting provided by the resort's extensive gardens and open spaces. The location combines seclusion with proximity to Brunei's urban centre, making it suitable for both leisure and business travellers.

Sources (2)

The EMPTYJET verdict

The Empire Brunei is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a large-scale luxury resort experience in Brunei, particularly those who value privacy, extensive facilities, and a strong regional reputation. Its 180-hectare beachfront setting, private villas, and Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course make it well-suited for families, couples, and golf enthusiasts. The consistently high guest ratings across multiple platforms underscore its appeal for those prioritising service and comfort. While it does not hold the highest international luxury distinctions, its array of amenities and award history position it as a leading option within Brunei and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Sources (5)

EMPTYJET dossier · 768 words · 1 research passes · config 1.6.0 · 22 Aug 2026

At a glance

Location
Brunei, Brunei
Hotel type
Beach, Golf
Rooms & suites
16 villas

EMPTYJET Consensus

84.9 / 100

Our own composite of guest reviews across Google, Tripadvisor, Booking, Agoda and every major platform — the praise and the complaints.

EMPTYJET Selected — one of 7,777 hotels on EarthOne of 7,777 hotels on Earth

Analysed from 5,408 guest reviews across Google, Agoda, Tripadvisor, Booking.com and Trip.com.

Most noted: rooms.

Provenance-first — every section links the sources it was written from. We publish prose only from verified evidence.

EMPTYJET Selected — 2026Assembled from 4 sources