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Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: Brunei's Golden Jewel

Discover Brunei's iconic mosque: a blend of Mughal & Italian architecture, shimmering golden dome, and serene lagoon in Bandar Seri Begawan.

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The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, completed in 1958, is a stunning symbol of Brunei's Islamic faith and architectural grandeur. Named after the 28th Sultan, it blends Mughal and Italian Renaissance styles, featuring a golden dome, marble minarets, and a serene lagoon.

A brief summary to Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

  • Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8711, BN
  • Monday 8:30 am-12 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-12 pm
  • Friday 4:30 pm-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 4:30 pm-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting; women should cover their heads and wear long sleeves and skirts or pants, while men should wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Check the prayer times in advance as the mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayers.
  • Take a walk around the lagoon to admire the mosque from different angles and capture its reflection in the water.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the city center, such as the Royal Regalia Museum, head southwest along Jalan Sultan. Turn left onto Jalan McArthur; the mosque will be prominently visible on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Bandar Seri Begawan Bus Terminal on Jalan Cator, take any bus that services the city center. Alight at a bus stop near Jalan McArthur. From there, the mosque is a short walk away. Bus fare is BND 1.

  • Water Taxi

    From Kampong Ayer, take a water taxi to the waterfront in Bandar Seri Begawan. Ask to be dropped off at a jetty near Jalan McArthur. The mosque is a short walk from the jetty. A water taxi ride costs approximately BND 1-2 per person.

  • Taxi

    Use the DART ride-hailing app to book a taxi from anywhere in Bandar Seri Begawan. A short trip from the city center to the mosque will cost around BND 5-10. Regular taxis are also available, with fares starting at BND 3.50 plus BND 0.20 for every additional 250 meters.

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Discover more about Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, is a breathtaking testament to Brunei's rich cultural and religious heritage. Completed in 1958, the mosque was commissioned by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and is named in his honor. He is also known as the “Architect of Modern Brunei”. The mosque's design is a captivating fusion of Mughal and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. The exterior is primarily white marble, which gleams in the tropical sun. The mosque's most prominent feature is its magnificent golden dome, made of 3.3 million pieces of gold Venetian mosaics, which dominates the city's skyline. The main minaret, reaching a height of 166 feet (51 meters), was once the tallest structure in Brunei. An elevator inside the minaret provides panoramic views of the city. The mosque is set within an artificial lagoon, creating a stunning reflection of its splendor. In the lagoon sits a replica of a 16th-century Royal Barge, known as the Mahligai Barge, which was completed in 1967 to commemorate the 1,400th anniversary of the revelation of the Holy Quran. The interior features Italian marble floors, British chandeliers, Saudi Arabian carpets and stained glass windows. The mosque can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers. The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times, and entry is free. Modest dress is required. The mosque is not only a place of worship but also a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Brunei.

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