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Istana Nurul Iman, located on Tutong Road , 4 kilometers from the city center, is the most majestic and supreme place in the monarchy of Brunei. It is the largest royal palace in the world and the residence of the Sultan of Brunei.
It's said that Istana Nurul Iman Palace, with over 1,700 rooms, was the venue for state banquets. The magnificent palace is truly magnificent, and at dusk , the golden roof and the riverside setting offer excellent photo opportunities.
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The palace is not open on weekdays and can only be admired from the outside.
After Ramadan, the palace will be open for three days in September
Istana Nurul Iman is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, and it is known as the largest residential palace in the world. The palace is a symbol of Brunei’s monarchy and wealth, with stunning Islamic architecture and sprawling grounds.
Istana Nurul Iman is located on the banks of the Brunei River, just outside Bandar Seri Begawan. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car, as public transportation options are limited.
The palace is not open to the public for regular tours. However, it is accessible during special occasions like Hari Raya, when the Sultan holds open houses. The best time to visit is during these events, typically in the afternoon.
There is no general entrance fee to visit the palace, as it is not open to the public regularly. Tickets for special events can be acquired through invitations.
Tickets for special events must be booked well in advance, and invitations are typically sent out by the royal family’s office. For other times, no tickets are required as the palace remains closed to public tours.
Since the palace is not open for general tours, time spent outside will vary. A visit to the nearby areas, gardens, or simply viewing the palace from the outside can take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
The palace itself is the highlight, with its stunning Islamic architecture, golden domes, and vast gardens. However, as the interior is not accessible to the public, the exterior is the primary point of interest.
No guided tours or audio guides are available, as the palace is not open for public tours. Visitors are only allowed to view the exterior and gardens.
The best spot for photography is from the Brunei River, where you can capture the palace’s grand exterior. The gardens surrounding the palace are also picturesque and offer great photo opportunities.
As the interior is not open to the public, the recommended itinerary is to explore the palace grounds, take in the views from the riverbanks, and visit nearby parks and gardens.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Istana Nurul Iman. The palace is a private residence, and its grand architecture is best admired during the day.
As the palace is not regularly open for visitors, it is not typically crowded. During special events like Hari Raya, it may attract more visitors, but generally, it remains quiet.
There are no facilities directly at the palace for public use. However, there are nearby cafes and restaurants where visitors can refresh themselves.
As the palace is a private residence and there are no regular tours, access to the site is limited. The surrounding areas may be accessible for elderly or disabled visitors, but the palace itself has limited facilities for them.
Cash is often preferred in Brunei, especially for small purchases or tips. However, most places in Bandar Seri Begawan accept credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payments.
Yes, Brunei offers a variety of halal food options, including vegetarian and vegan meals. Most restaurants cater to local halal food traditions.
Souvenir shops in Bandar Seri Begawan offer traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs like Bruneian jewelry, woven items, and local spices.
