Old Lapau: A Glimpse into Brunei's Royal History
Explore Brunei's royal past at the Old Lapau, a historic ceremonial hall turned Constitution Gallery in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The Old Lapau, or Lapau Lama, is a historic building in Bandar Seri Begawan that once served as Brunei's royal ceremonial hall. Built in 1950, it hosted significant events like the coronation of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and the signing of Brunei's Constitution in 1959. Today, it houses the 1959 Brunei Constitution Gallery, offering a glimpse into the nation's past.
A brief summary to Old Lapau
- VWRR+HPJ, Jln James Pearce, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8611, BN
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Check local schedules for guided tours to learn more about the site's history.
Getting There
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Walking
The Old Lapau is located on Jalan James Pearce in central Bandar Seri Begawan. From the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, walk northwest on Jalan Sultan towards Jalan James Pearce. Turn left onto Jalan James Pearce; the Old Lapau will be on your left, a short walk away.
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Public Transport
The public bus is an affordable way to reach the Old Lapau. From the BSB Bus Terminal on Jalan Cator, take any bus that stops near Jalan James Pearce. Bus routes 01A, 01C, 20, 22, 23, 24, 34, 36, 38, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 55, 56, 57, or 58 will get you close. Alight at a bus stop on Jalan Sultan or near Tasek Lama Recreational Park. From there, walk to Jalan James Pearce. A single bus fare is BND 1.
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Taxi/DART
Taxis and the ride-hailing app DART are readily available in Bandar Seri Begawan. A taxi from the city center to the Old Lapau will cost approximately BND 5-15, depending on the distance and traffic. A DART ride may be slightly cheaper. There is a BND 3 surcharge for trips to or from the airport. Taxis can be found at the airport or hailed from major hotels. DART can be booked via its mobile app.
Discover more about Old Lapau
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Royal Wharf Art Gallery
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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