Seria

Seria is a town in Brunei, located in the Belait District along the western coast near Brunei Bay. It forms part of the district’s coastal region and is one of the notable settlements in the area, though Kuala Belait remains the district capital. The town is associated with Brunei’s oil and gas industry and serves as a hub for related activities in the Belait District.

The most significant moment in Seria’s history came with the discovery of oil in the Seria oil field after the Seria-1 well was drilled by Royal Dutch Shell in 1929. The discovery marked the beginning of Brunei’s modern petroleum industry and spurred rapid development in Seria and surrounding areas. For much of the 20th century, the town grew as a center for oil production and associated services, with Brunei Shell Petroleum and its operations playing a major role in local employment and infrastructure.

Today, Seria maintains its industrial heritage while supporting a residential community with local facilities, schools, and markets. The town is set within a coastal landscape, offering access to nearby beach and river areas along Brunei Bay. It is connected to the broader Brunei transport network by road and serves workers and residents who are part of Brunei’s oil and gas sector, contributing to the broader economy of Belait District and the country as a whole.