Top 10 Most Beautiful Historical Sites in Brunei

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  1. Mosque Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah (Malay: Masjid Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah) is a mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. This is one of two national mosques, the other being Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. 48 of the Crown Prince's time, was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sultan's inauguration.


    From this sacred mosque, you can see downtown Gadong and the roads leading to Bandar Seri Begawan. The mosque has a capacity of about 5,000 followers at a time, more than a tenth of the population of Brunei. That makes it the largest mosque in the country.


    The Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is considered an architectural masterpiece. It is shaped like Turkish mosques, with four 58m spiers overlooking 29 large golden arches. The gardens are filled with trees and flowers, along with a number of fountains and swimming pools that create a very peaceful cathedral space.


    The tower in the cathedral is taller than the new commercial areas of Kiarong and Kiulap, especially when the lights are lit in the evening, looking like a magnificent palace.


    The interior design of Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Cathedral is also superb, marble floors, glowing phale chandeliers, stained-glass dome and mosaic tiles cover the entire exterior of the building. On the lower level of the sanctuary there is a library specializing in Islamic studies in different languages, to help visitors explore the history of faith and knowledge with love and respect.


    When entering the church, there are a few restrictions to follow: no shoes, no phones, no photographs, no films, and you must wear black robes if you want to walk inside. Explore the beautiful and gorgeous Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Cathedral with hundreds of good qualities if you get the opportunity to visit Brunei's petroleum kingdom.


    The bus is the most convenient and cost-effective way to go to Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah. Brunei has a transportation system with a regular charge of only 1 BND; to travel to the Cathedral, use bus number 1.


    Operating hours: 08:00 - 12:00, 14:00 - 15:00 (Closed Thursday, Friday)

    Address: Simpang 127, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

    Night scene of Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque - Photo: islamicarchitecturalheritage.com
    Night scene of Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque - Photo: islamicarchitecturalheritage.com
    Video: Marcin Brzoza

  2. Istana Nurul Iman (English: The Light of Faith Palace) is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and is the seat of the Government of Brunei. The palace sits a few kilometers southwest of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital city, on a tree-lined stretch of hills along the riverside on the banks of the Brunei River. State festivals and royal gatherings were frequently held at the palace.


    It was constructed by Filipino architect Visayan Leandro V. Locsin, who included golden domes and domes into the architecture to reflect Brunei's Muslim and Malay influences. Khuan Chew, Design Principal of KCA International, designed the palace's interior. Ayala Abbott and Butters, a UK construction firm, oversaw the project, which was finished in 1984 at a cost of around US $ 1.4 billion.


    Istana Nurul Iman has a total area of 200,000 square meters, has 1,788 rooms, including 257 bathrooms, the capacity is not suitable for 5,000 customers. The palace has a mosque that can accommodate 1,500 people, including 110 garage stations, 200 horses and 5 activated lakes.


    Located in a mountain range on the banks of the Brunei River a few kilometers south of Bandan Seri Begawan, the palace is where the headquarters of the Brunei government and the prime minister's main office. At the same time the palace was also the residence of King Hassanal Bolkiah and his royal lineage. There is also a throne chamber, which is utilized for different official occasions such as the crown prince's announcement and the annual birthday ordination, in addition to the state and reception rooms.


    The palace is lavishly adorned with high-end furnishings, gold and silver materials, jewels and stones, and... Inside, there is a throne, tables and seats for the monarch to greet visitors, as well as massive gold portraits, bowls, and water glasses. Visitors can visit the golden palace and feel as though they are engulfed in the King's fantasy kingdom without ever wishing to return to reality.


    The palace is normally closed to the public, with the exception of the annual Muslim Hari Raya Aidilfitri, when guests are blessed and given gifts by the monarch. For ten days during the Ramadhan holiday, Istana Nurul Iman is available to Muslims for Tadarus and Tarawih prayers.


    Visiting the Royal Palace, visitors not only get to see the King and the royal family, but also witness the pride and admiration of the people of Brunei for their venerable King. In addition, visitors see firsthand the splendid beauty of the royal works from the inside.


    Operating hours: Open all day

    Address: Jln Menteri Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan BA2112, Brunei

    Photo: saigontourist.net
    Photo: saigontourist.net
    Video: Happy Traveler
  3. The Malay Technology Museum (Malay: Muzium Teknologi Melayu) is a museum in Brunei. It is located in Kota Batu, a historic landmark. It first opened in 1988 and showcases displays of Brunei's indigenous people's traditional technology.


    The museum sits in Kota Batu, a historic district in the capital that includes the Kota Batu archaeological site and the graves of Sultan Sharif Ali and Sultan Bolkiah, Brunei's 3rd and 5th rulers, respectively. The structure was provided by Royal Dutch Shell in conjunction with Brunei's independence in 1984. On February 29, 1988, King Hassanal Bolkiah declared it open.


    There are three galleries in the museum: The Water Village Traditional House Gallery - depicts Kampong Ayer's traditional architecture. Traditional industries in Kampong Ayer like boat construction, roofing, gold refining, silver refining, copper casting, and fabric weaving are described in the Water Village Traditional Technology Gallery. The Traditional Inland Technologies gallery highlights the 'inland' people's traditional technologies, particularly those employed by the Kedayan, Dusun, and Murut ethnic groups.


    The Malay Technology Museum provides insight into the lifestyles of Brunei's many ethnic groups. See how inhabitants in the country's water communities use their fishing, construction, and boat-building talents to survive. Inside the museum, figurines, mannequins, and antique tools offer a picture of a bygone period.


    Operating hours: 08:00 - 17:00 from Monday to Sunday (Closed Friday)

    Address: Simpang 482, Kampung Kota Batu, Brunei

    The main entrance of Malay Technology Museum - Photo: bruneitourism.com
    The main entrance of Malay Technology Museum - Photo: bruneitourism.com
    Video: RTVMalacanang
  4. Your next stop in Bandar Seri Begawan is Jalan Sungai Kianggeh (or Kianggeh River Road), which is home to Teng Yun Temple (also known as Teng Yun Dian) - Brunei's first Chinese temple.


    Teng Yun, the oldest Chinese temple in Bandar Seri Begawan, was erected in the 1960s and is decorated with gilded sculptures, joss smoke, and hand-painted tiles depicting Chinese folklore, ancient myths that teach correct moral values.


    The Teng Yun Temple stands out among the modern structures because of its brilliant red hue, traditional terraces, and rows of red lanterns heading inside. It is embellished with beautiful dragon carvings and other features, as are other Chinese temples. Even the tables are intricately etched. There are also several paintings or murals presenting heavenly stories as well as morally uplifting ones.


    The Teng Yun Temple has been a haven for believers in the Chinese community, which accounts for around 10% of the population, since its founding in the 1960s. During the Lunar New Year celebrations, visitors come to the temple to see a dazzling performance of lion dances.


    Therefore, the Teng Yun Temple is one of the first temples in Brunei (if not the first), this is definitely a must-visit among the 10 most beautiful historical sites in Brunei.


    Address: Jalan Sungai Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan BS 8211, Brunei Darussalam

    Photo: tripadvisor.com
    Photo: tripadvisor.com
    Video: Momablesz- athira sooraj
  5. If you are interested in history, this place is definitely not to be missed! More than just a research center rather than a museum, the Brunei Historical Center.


    The Brunei Historical Center is a government organization that conducts research, documents, publishes, and disseminates information about Brunei's past. It was founded on 26 January 1982 1982 with King Hassanal Bolkiah's permission as a historical study center in Brunei for the benefit of the Bruneian people.


    The Brunei Historical Center, originally opened its doors on January 26, 1982, which has all of the key items and data about Brunei's and Borneo's history. Besides, there is also a bookstore with fascinating historical Brunei materials. It has the best-stocked bookstore in Brunei, with volumes about Brunei's history and culture, including several in English. It's difficult to obtain English-language books about Brunei (particularly scholarly volumes), so if you're seeking for literature on Brunei's history or the history of its monarchs, this is a must-stop. Therefore, visitors who love Brunei’ history will definitely have a great experience when visiting this place as one of the most beautiful historical places in Brunei.



    Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 8.00 a.m – 4.00 p.m

    Sunday: 8.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m

    Entrance Fee: Free

    Address: Jalan Stoney/Jalan James Pearce, Bandar Seri Begawan

    Photo: en.tripadvisor.com.hk
    Photo: en.tripadvisor.com.hk
    Video: Bruvely
  6. Brunei's largest national museum is the Brunei Museum. Exhibitions include Islamic art, historical eras from the 16th century, as well as archeology and anthropology.


    The museum is situated in Kota Batu, which is roughly 4.5 kilometers from the capital's core. It is situated on a hilltop with a view of the Brunei River. It is close to the Kota Batu archaeological site and the royal graves of Sultan Sharif Ali and Sultan Bolkiah.


    The museum was founded in 1965 and was originally housed in the capital's Administrative Center (later known as the Town of Brunei). The decision was therefore made to relocate to a permanent location in Kota Batu. The new structure was started in 1968 and finished in 1970 at a cost of $ 4.39 million at the time.


    There are many galleries at the museum, including an Islamic art gallery, a natural history gallery, and a hall for temporary exhibitions. The history gallery is a museum dedicated to Southeast Asian history dating back to the 16th century Spanish and Portuguese rule. The history gallery also includes exhibits about Negara Darussalam's ancient past as well as the most recent time. Traditional life models from several local villages, as well as the natural history of the region's flora and animals, are on display.


    Since 2014, the Brunei Museum has been closed due to structural repairs prompted by a significant termite infestation. The shutdown also paves the way for improvements, such as a makeover of the interior and displays, the addition of greater interaction and current technology, and the creation of an open concept showroom. In late 2020, it was reopened to serve visitors.


    Operating hours: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m,

    Friday: 9:00 a.m – 11:30 a.m; 2:30 p.m – 5:00 p.m

    Address: Simpang 482, Kampung Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan

    Photo: bruneitourism.com
    Photo: bruneitourism.com
    Vvideo: RTVMalacanang
  7. When visiting Brunei, most travelers overlook Kota Batu. Being the country's most historically significant zone, the neighborhood is included on the list of "top things to do in Brunei." Brunei's most important archaeological sites may be found here.


    When Brunei was reconstructed following Japan's World War II occupation, the ruins of Kota Batu Archaeological Park were uncovered in the 1950s. This location quickly became Brunei's most important archaeological site.


    On August 11, the 120-acre Kota Batu Archaeological Park, which cost BND2 million to construct, opened. The park exhibits the excavation sites of the archaeological studies as well as the existing constructions of stones that originally served as a fortress wall. Kota Batu means'stone fort' in English.


    The park's purpose is to educate the current generation and visitors about the Sultanate's past by going through the dig sites and studying the numerous historical artefacts on exhibit around the park. There are various amenities within the park, including an Information Centre that gives a history of Kota Batu as well as information on the park's archaeological activities from the 1950s to the present. In the center, there is also an exhibition of the unearthed artefacts, such as pottery, tombstones, local goods, and Chinese coins. Porcelain ceramics from China's Song Dynasty have been discovered in ruins, reviving the concept that Brunei maintained trading ties with China in the first century. In addition, the numerous massive cut granite shards thought to be part of the palace are another significant find, implying that Kota Batu is Brunei's old capital. Visitors may take a self-guided tour of the park by walking along a 2.9-kilometer promenade with informative signage along the route.


    Operating hours: 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m from Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

    Friday: 8:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m and 2:30 p.m - 5:00 p.m

    Address: 4.882373, 114.964205, Kota Batu, Brunei

    Kota Batu Archaeological Park's campus - Photo: trip.com
    Kota Batu Archaeological Park's campus - Photo: trip.com
    Photo: borneoinsidersguide.com
    Photo: borneoinsidersguide.com
  8. A short walk from the Malay Technology Museum, the Maritime Museum of Brunei Darussalam (Malay: Muzium Maritim Brunei Darussalam) is a museum located in Kota Batu's historical area. It's on the banks of the Brunei River, which was home to Brunei's historic metropolis from the 14th to the 17th century. The Brunei Maritime Museum exhibits Brunei maritime culture through the ages, including numerous ships and vessels.


    Construction began in December 2006 and ended around the year 2008. However, due construction delays, it was finally available to the public after seven years. On March 23, 2015, Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah formally opened the museum. The cost of construction was estimated to be around 5 million Brunei dollars.


    There are three galleries in the museum. Permanent exhibits are shown in two of the galleries, while temporary exhibitions are held in the third.


    The first exhibit, dubbed 'Shipwreck Brunei,' included a collection of 13,500 objects discovered in a shipwreck 32 nautical miles off the coast of Brunei in 1997. As a result, the items on show in this gallery, which include foreign pottery from the 15th and 16th centuries, are unique. lengthy, as it pertains to the museum.


    'Kota Batu as a Transaction Center' is the title of the second gallery. The evolution of Kota Batu as a major human activity hub in Brunei between the 14th and 17th centuries is depicted in this exhibition. Models of foreign ships that landed in Brunei at that period, as well as chosen local cultural artifacts, are on display. It is also a museum's permanent display.


    Temporary shows are shown in the third gallery. This gallery included the Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road exhibition at the time of the museum's opening, which concentrated on the trade links between Brunei and China during the Con Maritime Silk Road's prime days.


    Operating hours: 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m from Saturdays to Thursdays (Closed Fridays)

    Address: Muzium Maritim Brunei Darussalam, Simpang 482, Mukim Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan

    Photo: tripadvisor.com.vn
    Photo: tripadvisor.com.vn
    Video: Afwa Channel
  9. This charming museum and cultural center, located just amid the winding Brunei River as it weaves through the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, this independent part of the city can be considered a destination in its own right. Also known simply as the village of water, Kampong Ayer is entirely formed by houses protruding right above the canals on stilts. It is a fantastic spot to start a tour to Kampong Ayer - and become familiar with Brunei's pre-oil boom lifestyle.


    In Brunei, the water village of Kampong Ayer has its distinct beauty. Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah inaugurated the Culture and Tourism Gallery in Brunei Darussalam's Kampong Ayer in 2009. The gallery, which comprises works of historic handicrafts from the early years of colonization, introduces the history, customs, culture, and arts of the river town.


    A favorite feature of the gallery that attracts the attention of tourists is the observation tower that offers tourists a stunning panoramic view of the water village and landscape of the area. You can quickly rent a water taxi from the waterfront of Bandar Seri Begawan and to the Kampong Ayer Travel Gallery. Hence, that is the reason why it deserves a place on this list of the best beautiful historical sites in Brunei.


    Opening hour: Tuesday - Saturday : 9.00 am - 4.00 p.m

    Sunday: 9.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m

    Closed on Monday, Friday and public holidays

    Entrance fee: Free

    Address: Kampong Lurong Sikuna, Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan

    Photo: tripadvisor.co.uk
    Photo: tripadvisor.co.uk
    Photo: nakodaragam.wordpress.com
    Photo: nakodaragam.wordpress.com
  10. The Royal Regalia Museum, formerly known as the Royal Regalia Building, is a museum located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.


    The Royal Regalia Museum was established at Bandar Seri Begawan that was dedicated to the Sultan of Brunei. It recounts Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's life as well as the history of royal activity and governance. The replica of the Sultan throne is the most amazing item to view. It also houses some of the royal family's most prized possessions.


    In the list of the 10 most beautiful historical sites, the Royal Regalia Museum is known for a golden dome-shaped structure with intricate inlay work. Military weaponry and many more royal artifacts may be found in the museum's various sections. From gilded dishes to diamond-encrusted accessories such as flower vases, there's something for everyone. There are other factors to consider from nations such as Saudi Arabia, Peru, and Cambodia, among others.


    Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 09:00 a.m - 05:00 p.m;

    Friday 09:00 a.m - 11.30 a.m & 02:30 p.m – 05:00 p.m

    Entrance fee: Free

    Address: Jalan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

    Photo: tripadvisor.com
    Photo: tripadvisor.com
    Golden chariots - Photo: bruneitourism.com
    Golden chariots - Photo: bruneitourism.com




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