Istana Nurul Iman — “Palace of the Light of Faith” — is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and the seat of the government. Completed in 1984, the year of independence, and designed by the Filipino architect Leandro Locsin, it stands on a low hill above the Brunei River a few kilometres south-west of the city centre.
It is commonly cited as the largest residential palace in the world, with a reported 1,788 rooms, and its golden domes and sweeping Malay-style roofs are visible for miles. It is also, for all but a few days of the year, closed to the public: there are no tours, and from the road you see little more than the gates.
Top things to do at Istana Nurul Iman
Join the Hari Raya open house
For three days during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the festival at the end of Ramadan, the palace opens its doors. Tens of thousands of people queue to be served a meal and to greet members of the royal family — men meet the Sultan, women the Queen — and receive a small gift. Anyone may attend, visitors included.
See it from the river
The best view at any other time is from the water. River safaris pass below the palace on their way to the mangroves, and the domes catch the light in the late afternoon.
Walk in Taman Persiaran Damuan
This narrow riverside park on Jalan Tutong, just upstream, has sculptures by artists from the ASEAN countries and views across to the palace grounds. It is popular at sunset.
Photograph the main gate
The ceremonial entrance on Jalan Tutong, with the royal crest, is as close as you can normally get. Guards are used to photographers; do not try to enter.
How to get to Istana Nurul Iman
- By Dart or taxi: about ten minutes from the centre along Jalan Tutong. Ask for the main gate or for Taman Persiaran Damuan.
- By boat: on a river safari or a chartered water taxi from the waterfront.
- At Hari Raya: extra transport and parking arrangements are announced each year; go early and expect long queues.
Insider tips
- The open house usually falls on the second, third and fourth days of Hari Raya, with morning and afternoon sessions. Dates follow the Islamic calendar and move about eleven days earlier each year.
- Dress formally and modestly for the open house: long sleeves, long trousers or skirts.
- Outside Hari Raya there is nothing to visit inside — plan on the river view instead.
- Drones are not permitted near the palace.
Best tours & tickets for Istana Nurul Iman
These experiences are the easiest way to see Istana Nurul Iman:
Boat tour from €163 Bandar Seri Begawan: Brunei River Safari with Hotel Pickup
A two-and-a-half-hour river safari from Bandar Seri Begawan. You cruise the Brunei River, pass the Sultan’s palace and explore the mangrove ecosystem in search of rare wildlife, with hotel pickup available.
- Cruise along the Brunei River
- Pass by the Sultan’s palace
- Explore the mangroves to spot rare wildlife
Boat tour from €84 Brunei Mangrove River Safari
A cruise along the Brunei River that takes in Bandar Seri Begawan, Kampong Ayer and the city’s landmarks before entering the mangroves to look for wildlife, including the rare proboscis monkey. Pickup is available.
- Cruise along the Brunei River past Kampong Ayer
- See the city’s landmarks from the water
- Look for proboscis monkeys in the mangroves
Guided city tour from €187 Bandar Seri Begawan: Guided City Tour with Water Village
The most complete introduction to the capital that you can book in advance. A guide takes you to the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, out onto the Brunei River by boat and into a family home in Kampong Ayer for tea and cakes.
- Visit the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
- Boat ride on the Brunei River
- Tea and cakes at a local house in Kampong Ayer
