Istana Darussalam, Temburong District Travel Guide

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Discover Istana Darussalam, a historical palace in Bandar Seri Begawan, showcasing Brunei's royal heritage and traditional Malay architecture.

Istana Darussalam, located in Bandar Seri Begawan, is the former residence of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and the birthplace of the current Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. Built in the 1940s, this palace showcases traditional Malay architecture and holds significant historical value for the nation.

A brief summary to Istana Darussalam

VWRP+RVW, Jln Istana Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Sumbiling Lama, BS8511, BN
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Istana Darussalam.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting to photograph the palace's exterior.
Remember that Istana Darussalam is a royal site, so maintain respectful behavior when visiting the area.
Explore nearby cultural sites to deepen your understanding of Brunei's heritage.

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Explore Istana Darussalam on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

Istana Darussalam is located in Kampong Sumbiling Lama. From the city center of Bandar Seri Begawan, you can walk towards the Brunei River and follow the riverside path. The walk is approximately 1.5-2 kilometers and should take around 20-30 minutes. As you walk, you'll pass by the Eco-Corridor Park, offering scenic views along the way. Istana Darussalam will be visible on your right, showcasing its traditional Malay architecture. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport

To reach Istana Darussalam via public transport from Bandar Seri Begawan, head to the central bus terminal on Jalan Cator. Look for buses that service the Sumbiling Lama area. Bus routes 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, and 56 will take you in the general direction of Istana Nurul Iman. The ride costs BND 1.00 per trip. Alight at a stop near Jalan Istana Darussalam and walk for approximately 5-10 minutes to the palace. Buses typically operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Taxi

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Dart are available in Bandar Seri Begawan. Use the Dart app to book a ride to Istana Darussalam, located on Jln Istana Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8511. A taxi ride from the city center typically costs between BND 5 to BND 15, depending on traffic and distance. Note that taxis can be difficult to hail on the street, so booking via the app or arranging through your hotel is recommended.

Discover more about Istana Darussalam

Istana Darussalam, which translates to 'Abode of Peace,' is a historical landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Constructed in the 1940s, it served as the residence of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and is notably the birthplace of the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The palace exemplifies indigenous Malay architecture, originally built with wood in 1947 and later reinforced with concrete.Istana Darussalam witnessed several important events in Brunei's history. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien used the lower part of the building as a private office in 1947. The royal family relocated to Istana Darul Hana in 1951, and Istana Darussalam was used to temporarily house guests. Although the royal family no longer resides there, representatives from the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque still perform the tahlil ritual at the palace every Friday.Today, Istana Darussalam is under the protection of the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act of the Museums Department and stands as a tourist attraction. While the interior is not accessible to the public, visitors can admire its green and brown facade and unique Malay architectural style from the outside. The palace is set against a backdrop of village homes, offering a striking contrast and a serene atmosphere for reflection on Brunei's rich heritage.