If the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is Brunei’s most elegant building, the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is its grandest. Built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign and opened in 1994, it is the largest mosque in the country, with room for several thousand worshippers.
The symbolism is deliberate: the complex is crowned with 29 golden domes, because the present Sultan is the 29th of his line. Four slender minarets rise at the corners, and the whole building sits among formal gardens and fountains in Kiarong, between the city centre and Gadong. Locals often call it simply the Kiarong mosque.
Top things to do at Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Walk the gardens and fountains
Approach along the main drive for the full effect of the domes and blue-tiled minarets above the trees. The grounds are immaculately kept and open to walk around when the mosque is not in use for major prayers.
See the interior
In visiting hours, non-Muslim visitors are shown to a viewing area. Expect marble staircases, vast carpets, carved timber and chandeliers. There are separate prayer halls for men and women.
Come back after dark
The mosque is floodlit at night and the domes glow above the gardens. It is on the way to the Gadong night market, so the two combine well in one evening.
Visit with a guide
The guided city tour includes this mosque, which solves both the transport and the question of when it is open.
How to get to Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
- By Dart or taxi: about ten minutes from the waterfront; ask for “Jame’ Asr” or “Kiarong mosque”.
- By bus: buses between the centre and Gadong pass along the main road nearby, but services are infrequent; check the route with the driver.
- On foot: not practical from the centre — it is around 4 km along busy roads.
Insider tips
- As a rule the mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors on Thursdays and Fridays and during prayer times on other days. Hours change; confirm before making a special trip.
- Cover shoulders and knees. Robes are provided, and women are asked to cover their hair. Shoes come off at the door.
- Photography is welcome in the grounds but normally not inside the prayer halls.
- There is no entrance fee.
Best tours & tickets for Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
These experiences are the easiest way to see Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque:
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
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
Workshop from €20 Brunei: Batik Painting Workshop with Materials
A hands-on workshop in the art of batik. You learn the traditional technique of applying wax and dye to fabric and create your own piece to keep.
- Hands-on batik session
- Learn to apply wax and dye to fabric
- Materials included; take your piece home
