Istana Nurul Iman: Travel Guide To The World’s Largest Residential Palace

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Istana Nurul Iman

Istana Nurul Iman is the largest residential palace.

This 2 million square foot marvel contains 1,800 rooms, 257 restrooms, a 5,000 person banquet room and 1,500 person prayer hall - all connected by 18 elevators and 44 marble staircases. Additionally, the palace has 5 swimming pools, a helipad, a garage with hundreds of the royal family’s luxury vehicles and even an air-conditioned stable for their horses.

In this travel guide, we’ll explore Istana Nurul Iman as a travel destination.

We’ll cover the history of the palace, what it’s like to be inside, what the palace is used for, how to visit (it’s only possible to enter during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri holiday), and how to view the palace if there outside those days.

Istana Nurul Iman’s entrance gate

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Table of Contents

• History Of Istana Nurul Iman

• Detailed Extravagance

• Daily Use

• How To Visit During Hari Raya

• Can’t Make It During Hari Raya?

• Tips For Visitors!

• Conclusion

• Best Way To Find A Hotel In Brunei

• About The Author (Taz Zaidi)

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History Of Istana Nurul Iman

The Bruneian Empire’s 500 year dynasty was abruptly interrupted by James Brooke of England in the 19th century. From the 1840s to 1980s, Brunei was subject to British rule, Japanese occupation, then British rule once more. With independence finally looming in the late 1970s, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and his son (and Brunei’s current sultan), Hassanal Bolkiah, began constructing an imposing national palace to define this new era of independence for the Bruneian people.

At a rough estimate cost of 1.5 billion USD, Bolkiah commissioned this new residential palace in 1981, while Brunei was still a British protectorate state. The palace had already been functional by the time Brunei gained its independence from England on January 1st, 1984. To commence the new era, Bolkiah named the palace, “Istana Nurul Iman”, which translates as the “Palace of the Light of Faith” in English.

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Detailed Extravagance

Of course, expertise was required for such an ambitious project. Sultan Bolkiah hired famous Filipino architect, Leandro Locsin, to head the project in collaboration with Khuan Chew, the well-known designer of Dubai’s Burj al-Arab. Like Brunei’s national mosques, Istana Nurul Iman incorporates architectural styles from all over the world, including Italy, Turkey and Malaysia.

The range of styles is evident in the palace’s unique combination of arches, pillars, facades and roof. Istana Nurul Iman’s vast interior is dressed with Chinese silk and granite, Italian marble and English chandeliers. There are more than 30 types of marble incorporated. Many pieces inside are accented in gold, such as the rails and door handles.

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Daily Use

Today, Istana Nurul Iman serves various purposes. It is the royal family’s primary residence, seat of the Brunei government, and headquarters of the Sultanate. Some royal family members hold government positions, so they live and work here. Key government officials have offices here. Bolkiah also uses it to host foreign leaders.

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How To Visit Istana Nurul Iman During Hari Raya

Visiting Istana Nurul Iman is only possible on three days per lunar year. Sultan Bolkiah opens his palace to the public during Hari Raya (Aidil Fitri), the annual holiday at the conclusion of Ramadan. Everyone and anyone is welcome, regardless of their nationality or religion. This practice called “rumah terbuka”, which roughly translates to “open house”, incentivizes people from all walks of life to come together to celebrate the important holiday in Brunei and Malaysia.

As a guest, you’ll enjoy traditional dishes and desserts, served on fine silverware imprinted with Brunei’s national emblem. Simply arrive, grab a plate, choose your food, and find a seat at one of the many tables in the banquet hall. You can also queue to meet Sultan Bolkiah or Queen Saleha after your meal. When you depart, you’ll be given a gift box containing a dessert.

Istana Nurul Iman visible from Kampong Ayer

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Can’t Make It During Hari Raya?

Unfortunately for travelers, entering Istana Nurul Iman is not allowed outside of Hari Raya days. As a visitor to Brunei, your options to view the palace include looking through the front gate or taking a Brunei River tour (one of the top experiences in Brunei). A thin strip of forest is all that separates Brunei River from the palace, creating the appearance of an exquisitely sculpted rooftop resting on the treetops (pictured below). For a complete travel guide to the Brunei River tour (where you’ll also see proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and lush mangrove forest), click here.

Istana Nurul Iman from the Brunei River

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Tips For Visitors!

• Istana Nurul Iman is located just 3 kilometers southwest of Bandar Seri Begawan city center. You can easily get to the palace by taking a taxi or Dart (Brunei’s local ride-sharing app).

• There are public buses that depart from Bandar Seri Begawan Main Station and drop visitors off at the palace gate.

• The Hari Raya meal is served early, so check the schedule prior to arriving in Brunei!

• Some other major attractions in Brunei include:

  • Kampong Ayer

  • The National Mosques

  • Gadong Night Market

  • Ulu Temburong National Park

*For today’s deals on hotels in Brunei (or any other destination), click here.

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Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

Visiting Istana Nurul Iman during the Hari Raya is a bucket-list experience for travelers who enjoy unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. On other days, you can also observe the palace’s grandeur from a distance, by joining a Brunei River Mangrove Tour (one of the most popular things to do in Brunei). To learn more about Brunei, explore our other guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

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View Istana Nurul Iman from the Brunei River during one of these 5-star customer rated tours, organized by Viator and run by locals!

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