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Istana Nurul Iman: The Palace of Light and Faith

Discover Istana Nurul Iman, the world's largest royal residence, blending Islamic and Malay architecture in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan.

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Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, is the world's largest residential palace. Completed in 1984, it boasts a blend of Islamic and Malay architectural styles and is only open to the public during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Otherwise, glimpses can be caught from the Brunei River or the main gate.

A brief summary to Istana Nurul Iman

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the Hari Raya celebrations for a chance to enter the palace and experience royal hospitality.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the palace from the Brunei River.
  • Explore the nearby gardens for a peaceful stroll and beautiful photo opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Bandar Seri Begawan Bus Terminal, take bus routes 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, or 56 towards the Istana Nurul Iman. These buses will drop you off near the palace gate. The bus fare is around BND 1.00. Note that bus services typically operate from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Dart are readily available in Bandar Seri Begawan. A ride from the city center to Istana Nurul Iman typically costs between BND 5 to BND 10. You can hail a taxi or use the Dart app to book a ride. Be sure to confirm the fare or check the meter before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Istana Nurul Iman

Istana Nurul Iman, meaning 'Palace of the Light of Faith', is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government. Completed on January 1, 1984, to mark Brunei's independence from Britain, the palace was commissioned by the Sultan in 1981 and cost approximately $1.4 billion. Designed by Leandro V. Locsin, a Filipino architect, the palace's exterior reflects a blend of Islamic and Malay architectural traditions. The interior, designed by Khuan Chew, who also worked on the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, features opulent gold and marble décor. The palace has 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 guests, a mosque for 1,500 worshippers, and a garage for 110 cars. It also has five swimming pools and a helipad. Istana Nurul Iman is generally not open to the public, except for three days during Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr), the Islamic celebration after Ramadan. During this time, the Sultan opens his palace to visitors of all nationalities and religions in a tradition called 'rumah terbuka'. Visitors may have the opportunity to meet members of the royal family. During the open house, shuttle services are often provided from various points in the city. For the rest of the year, the palace can be viewed from a distance, such as from the Brunei River.

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