Istana Nurul Iman
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Istana Nurul Iman boasts the title of the world’s largest residential palace; 1,788 rooms, 5 swimming pools, and a garage that can hold 110 cars, are just a few of the features of the vast site. Its scale should come as little surprise, owing to the fact it’s the home of the Sultan of Brunei, one of the world's richest men. Its elaborate architecture fuses elements of Malay and Islamic design.
The basics
Istana Nurul Iman is only open to the public once a year for a few days during the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebrations at the end of Ramadan. However, you can admire its richly decorated exterior on the other 362 days of the year—the best way is on a Bandar Seri Begawan sightseeing tour, which typically combines a photo stop at the palace with a visit to the Kampong Ayer water village, known as the “Venice of the East”.
Things to know before you go
- The gates surrounding the palace complex mean it’s quite hard to see much of it from afar.
- You can get the best views of the palace during a boat ride on the Brunei River.
- You won’t find many stores or restaurants near the palace, so it’s best to bring water and snacks.
How to get there
Istana Nurul Iman is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the center of Bandar Seri Begawan. It’s a 7-minute drive via the Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha. You can travel by booking a rideshare app or join a sightseeing tour that includes transport.
When to get there
Istana Nurul Iman is only open during the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebrations at the end of Ramadan, the date of which is determined by the Hijrah lunar calendar, but tends to fall at the end of March or the beginning of April. Dates are established well in advance, but the area is incredibly busy with visitors during the opening days and local accommodation tends to book up far in advance.
The most beautiful buildings in Bandar Seri Begawan
As the capital of one of the world’s richest countries, Bandar Seri Begawan is home to some luxurious architecture. Two of the most beautiful are the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, filled with Italian marble and English chandeliers, and the Royal Regalia Museum, which exhibits Brunei’s crown jewels and opulent artifacts.
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