Kota Batu: Brunei’s Historical District [Ruins, Tombs, Mausoleums]

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KOTA BATU

Most visitors to Brunei skip Kota Batu.

It’s surprising this neighborhood (kampong) is omitted from lists of “top things to do” despite being the country’s premier historical district. In this easily accessible region, you can explore Brunei’s major archaeological sites and three of its top museums.

In this travel guide, we’ll explore the Kota Batu area and its key historical sites.

We’ll cover Kota Batu’s history, things to see (such as Kota Batu Archaeological Park and the mausoleums of Sultan Sharif Ali and Sultan Bolkiah), plus how to get here from central Bandar Seri Begawan.

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Table of Contents

• History of Kota Batu

• Things To Do In Kota Batu

  • Kota Batu Archaeological Park

  • Mausoleum of Sultan Sharif Ali

  • Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah

• How To Visit Kota Batu

• Conclusion

• Best Way To Find A Hotel In Brunei

• About The Author (Taz Zaidi)

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History of Kota Batu

These days, Kota Batu is “just” a neighborhood on the fringe of Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei’s capital city). But it was once the most important town on Borneo island. Before the rise of Kampong Ayer (the world’s largest water village), this area known as “Kota Batu” (means “Stone Fort” in Malay) was the capital of the great Brunei Empire. It was the site of an ancient palace, administrative center and mosques, dating back to Brunei’s third sultan, Sharif Ali.

During the span of 500 years (from 1368 to 1888), the Brunei Empire was one of the most powerful in the entire Malay Archipelago. The British navy ended that long era by relegating Brunei to the status of a British protectorate state. Fortunately, Kota Batu’s remains are still well-preserved and easily accessible.

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Things To Do In Kota Batu

Kota Batu Archaeological Park

Kota Batu’s ruins were re-discovered in the 1950s, while Brunei was rebuilding itself after the Japanese occupation of World War II. Upon discovery, this area immediately became Brunei’s most important archaeological site.

Porcelain from the Chinese Song Dynasty was found among the ruins, re-enforcing the theory that Brunei had trade relations with China during the first half of the previous millennium. Another key discovery was the numerous large cut stone pieces, thought to have been part of a palace, lending credence to the idea that Kota Batu was Brunei’s ancient (original) capital.

Remnants of an ancient palace

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Mausoleum of Sultan Sharif Ali

Nearby Kota Batu Archaeological Park is the tomb of Sultan Sharif Ali. Ali, Brunei’s third sultan, was the first Islamic scholar to lead the Brunei Empire. He islamized Brunei during its infancy - building the first mosque and integrating Islamic law (like a pork ban). He also oversaw the creation of the national emblem (still in use) and Kota Batu’s fortification.

Sharif Ali’s tomb was discovered in nearby Kota Batu Archaeological Park during the initial archaeological digs. Hassanal Bolkiah (Brunei’s current sultan) then commissioned the construction of Ali’s mausoleum shortly after beginning his reign. The Mausoleum of Sultan Ali is a popular attraction - where Bruneians come to pay respect to a man responsible for shaping Brunei’s early identity. Nearby Sharif Ali’s tomb is the “Royal Mausoleum”, where at least 10 other sultans and their family members are buried.

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Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah

If you walk past the Royal Mausoleum, you’ll see the Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah (not be confused with Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei’s current Sultan). He was the grandson of Sultan Sharif Ali and is known to be one of Brunei’s most beloved historic leaders.

Bolkiah is remembered fondly as the ambitious man who led Brunei during its Golden Age. His 40 year reign (1485 to 1524) was Brunei’s greatest in terms of expansion and glory. It brought significant wealth and power to the Empire. He extended Bruneian territory from being a small pocket in Borneo, to covering all the way to Seludong (now Manila, PH) and extending in all directions on the island.

Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah in a tranquil garden

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How To Visit Kota Batu

• Malay Technology Museum, Brunei Museum and Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum are all located in Kota Batu - a short walk from the archaeological sites. For the guide to Brunei’s museums (including Royal Regalia), click here.

• Kota Batu borders the famous Brunei River. There’s plenty of shade and space to relax there.

• Kota Batu is roughly 4.5 kilometers east of the Bandar Seri Begawan city center. You can go by taxi, bus or Dart (Brunei’s rideshare app).

  • Buses runs from Bandar Seri Begawan Main Station to Kota Batu, along Jalan Sultan Bolkiah (the primary road).

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Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

Kota Batu is one of Brunei’s under-rated attractions. While the neighborhood is outside the city center, it’s certainly worth the effort to get here for travelers who enjoy history and/or getting off-the-beaten-path. You can easily spend half a day exploring the area! To learn more about Brunei, explore our guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

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Other Popular Attractions In Brunei

• 7 Marvelous Mosques To Visit In Brunei (Incredible mosque architecture)

• Gadong Night Market (Best place to eat in Brunei)

• Istana Nurul Iman (World’s largest residential palace)

• The Empire Brunei Hotel (7-star luxury hotel open to the public)

• Ulu Temburong National Park (The “Green Jewel of Brunei”)

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Visit Kota Batu through one of these tours, organized by Viator and run by locals!

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Best Way To Find A Hotel In Brunei

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