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Brunei offers an intermingling of Malay traditions with Islam, reflected through a lineage of Malay Islamic monarchy that has travelled centuries to cover most of the Borneo Island until the arrival of Europeans. The fascinating mosques and alluring residential palaces built by the ruling Sultans are the unique attractions of Brunei, all of which are located within the city limits of Bandar Seri Begawan – the capital of Brunei.

Istana Nurul Iman

Emphasising Brunei's royal heritage and magnificence, Istana Nurul Iman is the Sultan's home and the largest residential palace globally. The overtly glamorous palace sits atop a hill, acting as the nation's seat of government. This US$350 million structure has 1788 rooms and 257 bathrooms. The palace was designed by Filipino architect Leandro Locsin. The palace is open to the public two times a year. On Eid-ul-Fitr (the festival at the end of the Muslim fasting month) for three days; and during Ramadan for ten days for Tadarus and Tarawih prayer gathering.

Address: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Jalan Labi

The longhouses of Borneo are a striking piece of architecture, and the best place to see them in Brunei is at the longhouse communities in Jalan Labi. Located in a rainforest, these houses are best adapted to a lifestyle in a jungle. Although in a remote location, these Iban houses with more than a dozen doorways are home to no less than 100 people.

Address: Jalan Labi, Mukim Liang, Brunei Darussalam

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, also known as Kiarong Mosque, was built in 1992 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. The mosque is a jaw-dropping sight with four main minarets and two golden domes. The majestic edifice, amazing landscaped gardens, and serene surroundings certainly deserve a visit.

Address: Jln Hassan Bolkiah Gadong, Brunei Darussalam

Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah

During the reign of Sultan Bolkiah, Brunei rose to the peak of fame and glory, capturing most of Borneo under the governance of the Brunei Empire. Right from Indonesia to the coast of the Philippines and Luzon Island, the golden age of Brunei was the realisation of the efforts of the fifth Sultan of Brunei - Sultan Bolkiah. His mausoleum lies on a hill ridge at Kota Batu.

Address: Kampung Kota Batu, Brunei Darussalam

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, an Islamic royal mosque, is one of the grandest mosques in the Asia Pacific and Brunei's top tourist attraction. Built in 1958, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque sits near the Sungai Kedayan, the tallest building in central Bandar Seri Begawan. Featuring a 44-metre high minaret, the interior of this house of worship is elegant with Italian marble flooring, stained-glass windows and a 3.5 million-piece Venetian mosaic inside the main dome.

Address: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam