Serasa Beach

About this place

Serasa Beach is a quiet stretch of coast in Kampong Serasa, near the port town of Muara, on Brunei Bay. Shaded by casuarina trees, with paved paths, shelters and lawns, it is a local family park more than a tourist beach, looking out over boats moored on still water. A local story says the name Serasa came from migrant workers who stopped at a waterway, ate local shoots and found the taste «serasa», fitted to their palates, so they named the river after it. The village holds Serasa Ferry Terminal, the country's main international ferry terminal. About 3,200 people lived here in 2016. You walk a path among trees, with timber shelters on one side and calm blue water with white boats on the other. From the far end a long bridge and white tanks show on the skyline, and fishing boats gather near the shore. People come in late afternoon to sit, fish and stroll, and the sunset here is soft and golden behind distant hills. It is about 18 km in a straight line from the centre of the capital, so you need a car or taxi. International ferries leave from the terminal next door, so check its timetable if you plan to cross. Swimming here is not especially inviting, so ask locally first. Dress modestly, as Brunei is conservative, bring repellent in the evening and take your rubbish with you.