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Istana Nurul Iman is the largest royal palace in the world and the residence of the Sultan of Brunei. It can only be viewed from outside the palace. It is said that there are more than 1,700 rooms in Istana Nurul Iman and it is the venue for state banquets.
The best time to visit the palace is on National Day or during Eid al-Fitr, just before the end of Ramadan. During these times, the gates remain open for three days, allowing visitors to queue up and shake the Sultan's hand. The magnificent palace is truly magnificent, and at dusk, the golden roof and the riverside setting offer ideal photo opportunities.
The current Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, enjoys high prestige among his people and has a down-to-earth approach. It's no wonder that portraits of the King and Queen hang in nearly every public space and even in every home in Brunei.
Typical tropical maritime climate: hot days, cool nights, no dry season, the wettest period is from October to March, with most rainfall concentrated in January and December, and an average annual precipitation of 3,275 mm.
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for half an hour
free
National Day (February 23), Eid al-Fitr (three days)
The Brunei Royal Palace, known as Istana Nurul Iman, is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei. It is the largest residential palace in the world and holds immense cultural significance as the heart of Brunei's monarchy and government.
The Brunei Royal Palace is located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is best accessed by taxi or private car. There are no metro or bus services that directly connect to the palace.
The palace is not open to the public for general visits, but you can admire it from a distance. It is best to visit during the day for the best views and photography opportunities.
There is no entrance fee to view the Brunei Royal Palace from the outside as it is a public area. However, tours of the interior are not available to the public.
No tickets are required as the palace is not open for public interior tours. Just plan to visit the surrounding areas and nearby landmarks.
Since the palace itself is not open for tours, you can spend about 30-45 minutes admiring the exterior and taking photographs. Visiting nearby attractions like the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque may take an additional 1-2 hours.
No guided tours are available for the palace as it is not open to the public, but there are many guided tours available for nearby attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan.
As the palace is not open to the public, the recommended route is to start with a visit to the nearby Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and then admire the royal palace's exterior from the waterfront.
No night tours or light shows are available at the Brunei Royal Palace, but the palace is beautifully illuminated at night and can be viewed from the surrounding areas.
The area around the Brunei Royal Palace can get busy during weekends and public holidays, especially when local events take place. The least crowded times are weekdays, early in the morning or later in the evening.
Basic facilities such as public restrooms and water stations are available nearby. Food and beverages can be found in surrounding cafes or restaurants, particularly in the city center.
The area around the Brunei Royal Palace is accessible for most visitors, including elderly and disabled individuals. However, as there are no tours or interior access, it is more suitable for viewing the exterior and surrounding gardens.
Cash is accepted in the nearby shops and restaurants, but mobile payments and credit cards are also commonly accepted in most places around Bandar Seri Begawan.
There are a variety of cafes and restaurants near the Brunei Royal Palace offering both local and international cuisine. For a traditional experience, visit Kampong Ayer or the eateries along the waterfront.
Yes, there are vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options available in the local eateries around Bandar Seri Begawan, especially in the city center.
Souvenir shops around Bandar Seri Begawan offer traditional handicrafts, Brunei royal souvenirs, local textiles, and items such as silver jewelry and wooden carvings.
