Temporary Abode: Apek Utama Hotel, Brunei Darussalam

Brunei is one of the richest countries in Asia but the less visited among its Southeast Asian neighbors. Finding a cheap accommodation in Brunei is also close to nil. When we visited this country, we had left with no choice but nod which ever agrees to our budget. One of the cheapest and pretty decent hotels that came out from our search is Apek Utama Hotel.

Location

Simpang 229, K/M 2 Jalan Kota Batu

Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei Darussalam, BA 2711

Apek Utama Hotel is located 2 kilometers from the City Centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is reachable by local bus (no 39) from Bandar Seri Begawan Bus Main Terminal. It can also be reached by a water taxi since the hotel is a short walk to a dock.

Check In

We arrived in Brunei before noon and still early for our hotel check in. So to burn time we visit their Mall at Gadong district and have our first meal in Brunei. Guess where we took it? Jollibee, the famous fast food chain in the Philippines.

Check  In  Time:   1:00 PM ( Brunei Time +8 GMT)

Check Out Time: 12:00 PM ( Brunei Time +8 GMT)

There is no one at the reception upon arrival and had to bother the person in charge by ringing the bell a couple of times. After a couple of tries, the person appeared and greeted us with a coy smile.

Our Room

We occupied a Standard Room with TV since there are only two options. The other is a bit bigger which is intended for family dwellers. Our room is surprisingly capacious compared to Budget hotels we stayed in the past. It can even accommodate two extra single beds. Comfortably sleep at night with no issues.

In Room Amenities

TV with remote control, Free Wifi, Air conditioning, Wardrobe with hangers and built-in drawers, Vanity Area ( Stool, Table, and Mirror) and Cushioned Chair.

Comfort Room

The comfort room is adjoined with Shower Room separated by a shower curtain. It has lavatory with supplied liquid body soap and functional water heater. It is modest for a budget hotel.

Hallway

The interiors are kinda antique, the sofas are bit old and some are worn out. But nonetheless better than none.

Overall this hotel is a good choice for tourists on a tight budget and not dainty about accommodation. We recommend this abode for cheapskates like us and be sure to keep your expectation low.