Brunei Public Holidays 2025
Brunei has 13 public holidays and 0 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 27 Jan | Mon | Laylat al-Mi'raj | public |
| 29 Jan | Wed | Chinese New Year | public |
| 23 Feb | Sun | National Day | public |
| 1 Mar | Sat | First day of Ramadan | public |
| 17 Mar | Mon | Nuzul Al-Quran | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public |
| 31 Mar | Mon | Armed Forces Day | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) | public |
| 26 Jun | Thu | Islamic New Year | public |
| 15 Jul | Tue | Sultan's Birthday | public |
| 4 Sep | Thu | Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Brunei's Holidays
Brunei’s holidays are shaped by Islam, the monarchy, and the country’s multiethnic people. Religious festivals based on the lunar calendar are the most important, so dates change each year and many events are public holidays.
Royal events and National Day are major national holidays. They celebrate the Sultan and Brunei’s identity with ceremonies, parades, and official honors. These days are marked by flags, speeches, and public closures.
Cultural holidays from the Malay, Chinese, and indigenous communities are also observed. Banks, schools, and many shops close on official public holidays. The government announces exact dates, especially for lunar based festivals, before each year.
Holiday Traditions
In Brunei (bn) holidays mix Malay, Islamic, and royal traditions. People show respect with polite greetings, wearing traditional clothes, and visiting mosques. Decorations and flags create a festive, respectful mood across towns and villages.
Families gather to share meals and stories. Special foods like rice dishes, satay, and sweet kuih are served. Guests are welcomed with tea and snacks. Children often receive small gifts or money.
Public celebrations include official ceremonies, parades, and community events. Government buildings and mosques hold formal observances. Music, traditional dance, and cultural performances bring people together.
Overall, holidays focus on family, faith, and community. They balance joyful feasting with respectful, meaningful customs.
Travel Tips
Visiting Brunei during the holiday season means some places close or have short hours. Plan for altered opening times and quieter streets on main holiday days. Always check dates before you travel.
Government offices, banks and many local shops often close. Some restaurants and attractions keep limited hours. Tourist sites near mosques may pause for prayer. Bring enough cash in case ATMs are limited.
Public buses are sparse. Taxis and ride apps like Grab run but can be busy. Brunei International Airport stays open but may see peak crowds before and after holidays. Roads can be quiet on big holiday days.
Book hotels and transport early. Confirm attraction hours and opening dates. Dress modestly and respect prayer times. Keep hotel contact numbers and a charged phone handy.