Istana Nurul Iman: The Palace of Light and Faith
Visit the world's largest residential palace, the official home of the Sultan of Brunei, during the annual Hari Raya celebrations.
Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, is the world's largest residential palace. Completed in 1984, it blends Islamic and Malay architectural styles with modern luxury. While typically not open to the public, it welcomes visitors during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival, offering a unique cultural experience.
A brief summary to Istana Nurul Iman
- VWFC+46J, Jln Menteri Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan, Tumasek, BB3910, BN
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- 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
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Istana Nurul Iman.
- The palace is only open to the public during the three days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, so plan your visit accordingly.
- During Hari Raya, arrive early to avoid long queues and bring your passport for identification.
- Dress modestly when visiting the palace, in accordance with local customs.
- Outside of Hari Raya, you can still admire the palace from afar by taking a boat tour on the Brunei River.
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Getting There
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Taxi
From Bandar Seri Begawan city center, taxis are readily available. You can hail one from a taxi rank or use the Dart ride-hailing app, Brunei's equivalent to Uber. A typical taxi ride from the city center to Istana Nurul Iman, approximately 4 km, will cost around BND 15-20. Ensure the taxi is metered or agree on a fare before starting your journey. Note that there may be a surcharge of BND 3 for trips to or from the airport. During Hari Raya, traffic may be heavy, so allow extra travel time.
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Public Transport
Public buses depart from Bandar Seri Begawan Bus Terminal on Jalan Cator. Several bus routes pass near Istana Nurul Iman, though there may be a short walk involved from the bus stop to the palace gates. Bus routes 1, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, E1 can be used. A single bus fare within the city is BND 1. Buses operate from 6:00 to 18:00. Check the bus schedules at the terminal or use the Moovit app for real-time updates. During Hari Raya, buses may be more crowded and have altered schedules.
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Water Taxi
For a scenic route, consider taking a water taxi from Kampong Ayer to Istana Nurul Iman. Water taxis are speed boats that can be found along the Brunei River. Negotiate the fare with the boat driver before starting your journey; a typical ride should cost between BND 2-5. The boat driver will drop you off at a convenient point near the palace, from where you can walk to the entrance.
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