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Istana Pantai: A Royal Seaside Retreat

Discover Istana Pantai, a preserved wooden palace in Tutong, Brunei, offering a glimpse into the nation's royal history and serene coastal beauty.

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Istana Pantai, or Beach Palace, is a historical landmark in Tutong, Brunei, that once served as a temporary residence for Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III in the 1950s. This wooden palace offers a glimpse into Brunei's royal past and traditional Malay architecture.

A brief summary to Istana Pantai

  • Istana Pantai, Jln Kuala Tutong, Tutong, Kampung Sengkarai, BN

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and capture the best light for photographs.
  • Take a leisurely walk around the palace gardens to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Seri Kenangan Beach to experience the coastline.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Tutong Town Centre, walk north along Jalan Tutong for approximately 1.5 kilometers. Turn left onto Jalan Kuala Tutong and continue for 800 meters. Istana Pantai will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    From Tutong Bus Terminal, take a bus heading towards Mukim Tutong. Ask the driver to drop you off near Jalan Kuala Tutong. Walk for about 10 minutes towards Jalan Kuala Tutong, turning right at the intersection. Istana Pantai will be on your left after 600 meters. A one-way bus ticket costs around BND 1.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Tutong. A taxi ride from Tutong town to Istana Pantai is a short trip. The base fare is BND 3.50, and the cost is BND 0.20 for every 250m or 15 seconds. Expect to pay around BND 5-10 for the trip.

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Discover more about Istana Pantai

Istana Pantai, meaning 'Beach Palace' in Malay, is located in Kampung Sengkarai, Tutong District, Brunei. Built in the 1950s, it served as a seaside retreat for Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The palace is constructed entirely of wood, showcasing traditional Malay architectural style. Its design has been largely preserved, offering a glimpse into Brunei's royal heritage. The palace is situated with a view of Seri Kenangan Beach and the South China Sea, with the Tutong River at its rear. While the interior is not generally open to the public, the surrounding gardens provide a tranquil space for visitors to appreciate the palace's exterior and the surrounding natural beauty. Istana Pantai stands as one of the few remaining historical buildings in the Tutong District, as many others have been replaced by modern structures. The palace was a retreat for dignitaries and VIPs, who would spend time with their families enjoying the beach and river. Some suggest turning the palace into a mini-museum to showcase local art, handicrafts, and historical artifacts.

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