Top 5 Must Do's in Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei is beautiful, and Bandar Seri Begawan is no exception. The city has a mixture of sights that include mosques, palaces, museums, parks and historic buildings. To get the most out of your trip to Bandar Seri Begawan, take the time to see the best of each kind of sight. Here are World66's top 5 must do's in Bandar Seri Begawan.

1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

Built in 1958, the mosque is situated on a man-made lagoon near the Brunei River, and next to the Kampong Ayer water village. The minaret measures 44 meters high, and at 52 meters total, the mosque stands as the tallest building in Bandar Seri Begawan. The gold dome, Italian marble walls, English stained glass and Saudi Arabian carpets all go together to make this the most visited and beautiful mosque in Brunei. For an extra treat, visit at night when the entire building is lit.

2. Istana Nurul Iman

This is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and is the venue for many government events. With 1788 rooms and 257 bathrooms, not to mention 200,000 square meters of space, it holds the title of largest residential palace in the world. You can take fantastic photographs of the palace from across the river, but if you want to take a tour, you'll have to plan your trip to coincide with the Muslim holiday Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The only other time that the palace is open to the public is for Muslims only, throughout Ramadan.

3. Brunei Museum

The museum contains an impressive Islamic art gallery with several illuminated copies of the Koran. The Brunei Traditional Culture Gallery is another big draw. There are also displays of shipwreck treasures, weaponry, jewelry and ceramics. The museum is located on Jalan Kota Batu.

4. Taman Peranginan Tasek

This green area is popular for picnics, walks and jogging. There are plenty of trains and parks, as well as a waterfall and reservoir that's especially impressive during the wet season. You can indulge in a swim, but women must wear a t-shirt and shorts over their bathing suits. Head uphill for 15 minutes to the top for an impressive view over the water.

5. Twelve Roofs House

The former home of the British High Commissioners is now a museum that contains a photo display of British influences in Brunei, dating back to colonial days. The purpose of the museum is to show the great relationship between Brunei and the United Kingdom that remains to this day. The picturesque building is also used to entertain foreign dignitaries that visit the area. The museum is located on Jalan Residency.