Things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei-Muara District: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

This magnificent mosque sits at the very heart of the capital city and the country's Islamic faith. Built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan Of Brunei, it is one of the most impressive mosques in South-East Asia. Set amid its own lagoon, the mosque seems to be floating, surrounded by lush greenery and floral gardens, while its glittering dome, covered in real gold, soars above the skyline. Featuring luminous stained glass windows, floors of gleaming Italian marble, walls of Shanghai granite, chandeliers from Britain and Carpets from Saudi Arabia, the mosque brings together the world's best materials in a tour de force of architectural beauty and spiritual ambience. A marble bridge across the lagoon brings you to a replica of a 16th century Royal Barge, which used to host religious ceremonies, like Quran reading competitions. At night, the mosque is illuminated, making it a vision to be seen. Opening Hours : Sun-Wed, 8am until 5:30pm, EXCEPT at Prayer times Closed : Thurs-Fri Shoes are to be removed before entering. Dress appropriately For Men : No shorts, No Sleeveless ( wear long pants) For Women : No singlets, No shorts, must cover leg ( wear Long pants)

Technically part of the Bruneian capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, Kampong Ayer has more than enough uniqueness and history about it to be considered separately. Meaning “water village”, Kampong Ayer is built on stilts above the Brunei river. More than 30,000 people inhabit Kampong Ayer, the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia, and travel about by boat or the extensive network of wooden walkways, footbridges, and boardwalks. Kampong Ayer’s 4,200 structures include homes, mosques, restaurants, shops, schools, and a even a hospital. People have been living here for more than 1,300 year. Many of the traditional lifestyles of its inhabitants; fishermen, traders, and artisans; have remained unchanged. Visitors can experience this heritage by taking one of the many water taxis in front of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan.

With 1,788 rooms, a banquet hall that can seat over 4,000 guests, a 1,500 people capacity Mosque, 5 swimming pools and a 110-car garage, the 200,000 m² (2.15 million sq ft) Sultan of Brunei's lavish Royal Palace, build by the Philippine's Ayala Corporation in 1984, is the world's largest residential palace, situated on top of a hill overlooking the capital and the Brunei River. Its golden domes and sweeping rooflines make for an awe-inspiring view, even from a distance and are a glittering example of Brunei's enduring royal heritage. Though only accessible to those on official business, the Palace, which name means "The Palace of the Light of Faith", is however open to the public for three days a year, when His Majesty usually holds an "Open House" to greet his subjects and visitors alike on the occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the religious festival following the fasting month of Ramadan. On other days, the sumptuous palace, which is also Brunei's seat of government, can be viewed through the main entrance gates, from the nearby Damuan promenade or from various angles on the Brunei river.