Istana Nurul Iman Palace, situated in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, lies along the banks of the Brunei River, offering breathtaking views of its surroundings. Completed in 1984 to mark Brunei’s independence from British protection, the palace is a monumental structure covering around 200,000 square meters.
The palace boasts 1,788 rooms, including 257 bathrooms. Among its many features are a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 guests and a mosque with a capacity for 1,500 worshippers. The garage can house up to 110 cars, and there are air-conditioned stables for the Sultan’s 200 polo ponies.
Designed by renowned Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin, the palace blends traditional Malay and Islamic architectural styles with modern elements. The interiors, crafted by Khuan Chew, who also designed the interior of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, are adorned with luxurious materials such as gold, marble, and chandeliers.
The palace is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens that enhance its grandeur. While some parts of the palace are open to the public on special occasions, large areas remain private, serving as the Sultan’s residence and office. Istana Nurul Iman frequently hosts international dignitaries and diplomatic meetings and is the site for state functions and ceremonies, including the annual Hari Raya celebration, during which certain sections are open to the public for three days.
Although Istana Nurul Iman is the largest palace in the world, the title of the most expensive palace belongs to Buckingham Palace in London, home to the British Royal Family, valued at approximately $2.9 billion (around ₹25,000 crore).
