If you are exploring Bandar Seri Begawan, you cannot miss Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the seat of the Brunei government. Perched on a leafy, riverside sprawl of hills along the banks of the Brunei River just a few kilometers southwest of the capital, this magnificent estate means "Palace of the Light of Faith." Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest residential palace and the largest single-family residence ever built, the sprawling complex encompasses over 2.1 million square feet of indoor floorspace. Designed by Filipino Visayan architect Leandro V.
Locsin, the exterior features striking golden domes and vaulted roofs that highlight Islamic and Malay architectural influences. Inside, you will find 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, 564 chandeliers, five swimming pools, a banquet hall for 5,000 guests, and a mosque accommodating 1,500 people. The palace also houses the Sultan's 7,000 cars across 110 garages and air-conditioned stables for 200 polo ponies.
While it serves as the Sultan's home, prime minister's office, and venue for state functions, general public access is restricted to special occasions like Eid-ul-Fitr.
What to see at Istana Nurul Iman
- Holds the Guinness World Record as the world's largest residential palace with over 2.1 million square feet of floorspace.
- Features Islamic and Malay architectural elements including golden domes and vaulted roofs designed by Leandro V. Locsin.
- Contains 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, 564 chandeliers, 51,000 light bulbs, and 5 swimming pools.
- Includes 110 garages storing 7,000 cars, air-conditioned stables for 200 polo ponies, and a 1,500-person capacity mosque.
Visiting tips
Plan your trip around the annual three-day Eid-ul-Fitr celebration if you wish to enter the palace grounds and receive gifts of food.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During Eid-ul-Fitr
How to get there & what’s nearby
Istana Nurul Iman is easy to reach on Bandar Seri Begawan’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bandar Seri Begawan travel guide.
See the full Bandar Seri Begawan travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.