Things to Do in Bandar Seri Begawan

Perched on the banks of an artificial lagoon along the Brunei River, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Brunei. Built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, this lavish mosque boasts Italian marble floors and walls, English chandeliers and Saudi Arabian woven carpets.

The exterior of the main dome is covered in gold leaf, while the interior features a glass mosaic made up of 3.5 million individual pieces. The minarets of the mosque stand 171 feet (52 meters) tall, making the mosque the tallest structure in Bandar Seri Begawan, visible from almost anywhere in town.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has ruled over Brunei for over two decades, and the Royal Regalia Museum tells the story of his life and reign through family pictures, portraits, explanatory texts and objects from his private collection. A visit to the museum is a must for understanding the tiny sultanate of Brunei.

A walk through the free collection takes visitors past replicas of the sultan’s thrones, crown jewels, ceremonial gowns and endless gifts from heads of state and high-ranking officials of silver, jade, ivory and gemstones — a visual representation of the immense wealth of this monarchy. A highlight is the giant gold chariot used to carry the Sultan through the city during hist 1992 silver jubilee celebration.