Istana Nurul Iman, Royal palace in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Istana Nurul Iman serves as the official residence of the Sultan and covers 200,000 square meters with 1,788 rooms. The complex holds 257 bathrooms and a banquet hall that can accommodate 5,000 guests.
Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin designed the residence, which opened in 1984. Construction cost 1.5 billion US dollars.
The name combines Malay and Arabic to mean Palace of the Light of Faith. This blend shows how language mirrors the nation's Islamic tradition and royal heritage.
The residence opens to the public during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations each year. Visitors receive gifts and money packets from the Sultan during the three-day event.
The complex houses around 110 separate garages within its grounds. These buildings hold a collection of roughly 7,000 vehicles.
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
Inception: 1984
Architects: Leandro Locsin
Website: http://istananuruliman.org
GPS coordinates: 4.87203,114.92076
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:03
These palaces serve as official seats for monarchs and presidents. The buildings combine historical architecture with political function and document the evolution of state power. The rooms and gardens showcase various architectural styles and political periods of their respective countries.
Brunei is a small sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo, a nation that gained its wealth from oil reserves and has preserved its Malay Islamic culture. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, blends modern mosques with traditional water villages, while the interior remains largely covered in rainforest. Visitors will find gilded domes next to stilt houses, royal collections next to local markets, and tropical trails at the edges of the city. Places to see include the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque with its man-made lagoon, the sprawling Kampong Ayer with its wooden walkways over the water, and Ulu Temburong National Park, accessible only by boat and through dense jungle. The Royal Regalia Museum displays crowns and ceremonial chariots of the Sultan's family. Gadong Night Market serves local food at open stalls in the evening. Beaches like Serasa lie quietly along the coast, and temples such as Teng Yun Temple add to the religiously diverse cityscape.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
2.8 km
Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
2.9 km
Royal Regalia Museum
3.3 km
Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas
2.6 km
Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge
3.4 km
Brunei Museum
5.5 km
Gadong
3.9 km
Ministry of Finance Building, Brunei
6.6 km
Malay Technology Museum
5.6 km
Lapau
3.3 km
Ash-Shaliheen Mosque
5.4 km
Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum
5.4 km
Track and Field Sports Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan
7.2 km
Bubungan Dua Belas
3.5 km
Gadong Night Market
3.6 km
Brunei History Centre
3.2 km
Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
3.2 km
Old Lapau
3.2 km
Kianggeh Market
3.4 km
Taman Peraginan Tasek Lama
4.4 km
Mercu Dirgahayu 60
2.9 km
Balai Ibadat Kampong Peramu
2.7 km
Teng Yun Temple
3.2 km
Damuan Recreational Park
1.2 km
Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque
2.7 km
Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery
3 km
St. Andrew's Church
3.3 km
Kota Batu Archaeological Park
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