Mausoleum of Sultan Sharif Ali
Mukim Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Lush jungle backdrops the gold-topped mausoleum honoring a 15th-century sultan, Sharif Ali, which draws respectful crowds of locals as well as a few travelers. While there’s not all that much to do here, it’s a peaceful site and monkeys can often be spotted playing on the verdant grounds. Another handful of sultans are interred with their families in the nearby Royal Brunei Mausoleum.
The basics
Honoring sultans past is important in Brunei, one of the few remaining sovereign states that use the title. Most travelers opt for a fairly brief stop at the mausoleum, but it’s worth a visit if you’re exploring the area. It’s also a stop on many sightseeing tours of the Bandar Seri Begawan area, thanks to its convenient location near a cluster of sightseeing stops—including Kota Batu Archaeological Park, Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum, and Pelambayan Mosque—which make it easy to explore several places without going too far afield.
Things to know before you go
Keep a close eye on your belongings, as monkeys have been known to snatch phones and other items.
If you’re visiting on your own, ask around before leaving town—the mausoleum is occasionally closed for renovation.
Choose modest attire as this is considered a religious site.
How to get there
The Mausoleum of Sultan Sharif Ali is located just south of the road Jalan Sultan Bolkiah, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) east of the Bandar Seri Begawan city center. Generally, guided tours including the site include transportation, which makes them a convenient option if you don’t have your own car. Otherwise, look for a metered taxi to make the trip and be sure to negotiate waiting time before departure.
When to get there
Brunei sees hot and humid weather year-round—that’s what lends the jungle its electric-green hue. Temperatures are generally stable, with average highs hovering between 87°F (30°C) and 90°F (32°C). To avoid the heat of the day, plan to sightsee in the early morning. Rainfall is more variable; the driest period is between mid-January and mid-April.
Where does the Sultan of Brunei live?
The Sultan of Brunei’s official residence is Istana Nurul Iman, a palace with an astonishing 1,788 rooms, five pools, and a 110-car garage. It’s a major sightseeing stop in Brunei, but most people see it from a distance, either on a boat cruise or from the front gates. However, it opens to the public for three days a year during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al Fitr) holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
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