7 Marvelous Mosques To Visit In Brunei [Saifuddien, Bolkiah + Others]

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The Mosques Of Brunei

Brunei’s national mosques are two of East Asia’s most impressive. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque make up two of Brunei’s top four attractions (along with Kampong Ayer and Gadong Night Market).

The other five mosques in this article are unique and impressive in their own right. If you’re a fan of well-crafted religious architecture, consider visiting them as well! They’re all in Bandar Seri Begawan.

In this travel guide, we’ll explore the beautiful mosques of Brunei.

We’ll cover Saifuddien Mosque, Bolkiah Mosque, Ash Shaliheen Mosque, Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque, Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Haji Mosque, Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque and Brunei International Airport Mosque.

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Table of Contents

• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

  • History And Background

  • Exploring The Mosque

  • How To Visit SOAS Mosque

• Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

  • History And Background

  • Exploring The Mosque

  • How To Visit Bolkiah Mosque

• Ash Shaliheen Mosque

• Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque

• DPMM Pengiran Haji Mosque

• Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque

• Brunei International Airport Mosque

• Tips For Visiting Mosques

• Conclusion

• Best Way To Find A Hotel In Brunei

• About The Author (Taz Zaidi)

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Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

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History And Background

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III was the 28th Sultan of Brunei and the late father of current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah. Saifuddien is regarded as one of the greatest men in the history of the Brunei Empire, beloved for his warm personality and ambition to change the fate of his people. Saifuddien built the country out of its post-World War II depression. Throughout the war, his people were neglected and abused during Japanese the occupation. During his 17 year reign (1950 - 67), Saifuddien pushed the values of education, faith and national pride. 

He spearheaded the national Constitution, pushed for full independence from Britain, formed an organized military unit, and oversaw the construction of schools throughout the country. Under his leadership, Brunei transformed into a country with a thriving culture and economy. By the conclusion of his reign, Saifuddien was given the nicknames “Father of Independence”, “Architect of Modern Brunei” and “Seri Begawan”.

Begawan derives from the Sanskrit word “bhagavan”, meaning “the aura of god”. As a tribute to Saifuddien, Brunei Town was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan in 1970, which translates to “Seri Begawan City”. He commissioned Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque to be the country’s national symbol. Construction began in 1954 and the mosque finally opened its doors to the public in 1958, for a celebratory Friday prayer.

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque from behind

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Exploring The Mosque

While not as expansive as some of the mosques in the Middle East and Central Asia, Saifuddien Mosque is an architectural marvel for its combination of styles. It is a mixture of influences, ranging from the style of the Mughal Empire (same style used in the Taj Mahal) to that of the Italian Renaissance. Saifuddien Mosque’s interior was put together like a puzzle, with pieces from around the world. Marble floor was imported from Italy, chandeliers made in England, granite from Shanghai and carpets from Saudi Arabia. The interior is decorated with columns, arches and stained glass.

The minarets are made of white marble and capped by golden domes. The largest minaret reaches 52 meters, making Saifuddien Mosque the tallest structure in the Bandar Seri Begawan city center. There is an elevator in the tallest minaret, which takes you to a 360 degree panoramic view of the city. Law prevents construction taller than the mosque, ensuring its status as the city’s tallest structure. This way, the mosque is visible from across the Brunei River, from Kampong Ayer, and all around the city of Bandar Seri Begawan.

The most distinguishing trait of Saifuddien Mosque is its large rounded dome made of pure gold. Its bright color and reflective nature were strategically used so that locals could orient themselves to it with ease. The mosque borders a picturesque man-made lagoon. In 1967, a replica of the Mahligai Barge was added inside the lagoon to represent the 1,400th anniversary of the Nuzul Al-Quran (when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad). A long walkway splits the lagoon on the way to the mosque’s primary entrance.

There is an extensive garden and park just behind the mosque. The park gets busy from late afternoon to mid-evening, when locals come to relax. There are also tricycles for rent and ample space to sit. The mosque is beautifully lit in the evening, with bright green lights accentuating the building’s detail. 

Tribute to Sultan Saifuddien III

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How To Visit SOAS Mosque

• Saifuddien Mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors on Thursdays.

• Fridays are busy with locals (because of Friday prayer). Visitors can enter from 4:30 - 5:30 pm.

• Non-Muslim visitor hours on the other 5 days are: 8:30 am - 12 pm, 1:30 pm - 3 pm and 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Breaks are due to prayer times.

• The call to prayer echos through the city center. 

• Most establishments close during prayer time.

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Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

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History And Background

Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei’s current and 29th Sultan, commissioned and paid for the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque as a waqf (religious gift) to Brunei. Construction commenced in 1988 and the mosque opened on July 14th, 1994, as a celebration of the Sultan’s 48th birthday. Bolkiah chose a location three kilometers outside the city center so that the mosque could be the largest in the entire country. It sits in the middle of a 20 acre parking lot, enclosed by a decorative gate.

Bolkiah Mosque grand entrance

Because of the distance from the city center, Bolkiah Mosque receives fewer tourists than Saifuddien Mosque. Still, it is easy to get here. Bolkiah Mosque is walkable from the city center (40 minutes) and from Gadong Night Market (25 minutes). It is also clearly visible from the surrounding area.

Bolkiah Mosque parking lot

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Exploring The Mosque

While Bolkiah Mosque has a modern aesthetic, the architectural style of Turkey’s Ottoman Empire clearly influenced it. Its exterior is highly symmetrical and its interior always feels open and spacious. The four large minarets reach 58 meters in height. They’re decorated in blue and white tiles and topped by golden domes. Bolkiah Mosque has 29 golden domes in total, a tribute to Sultan Bolkiah and his 28 predecessors.

There are many fountains around the perimeter, including a large one built of marble greeting you as you enter the gate. A grand regal staircase sets a classy mood as you enter the mosque. The interior is dressed by Italian marble, Persian carpets, mosaic walls, geometric patterns, and bright stained glass.

The men’s prayer room has a golden theme, featuring a large golden chandelier suspended low from the domed ceiling. If you have the time, an evening visit to Bolkiah Mosque is also recommended. The exterior is beautifully lit in strong yellows and golds, making it stand out from kilometers away.

Bolkiah Mosque lit at dusk

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How To Visit Bolkiah Mosque

• Bolkiah Mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors on Thursdays and Fridays.

• The mosque is open to visitors from 8 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 3 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sunday visitor hours are 10:30 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 3 pm.

• There are separate prayer rooms for men and women. Only the men’s prayer room is open to visitors (for male visitors only).

• Guided tours are offered. If interested, consult the schedule at the mosque’s entrance.

*Viator.com offers incredible, quality Brunei tours. For the top-rated tour that includes BOTH major mosques (plus other attractions), click here.

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Ash Shaliheen Mosque

Ash Shaliheen Mosque

Ash Shaliheen Mosque displays imposing Moroccan influence. Built in distinct Andalusian style (which originated from the Muslim architects of Morocco). The geometric zellige mosaic inside Ash Shaliheen was cut and put together by hand in Morocco before being delivered to Brunei. Apart from this, the most notable feature of the exterior are the bright blue domes which sit above multiple arches.

The mosque’s interior has a retractable roof in its center, which lights up the courtyard and its fountain centerpiece. Like with Saifuddien and Bolkiah, Ash Shaliheen Mosque incorporates imported Italian marble. The head architect of this project was Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, a legendary Egyptian renowned for building multiple grand mosques in Saudi Arabia. Ash Shaliheen Mosques is a bit north of Bandar Seri Begawan city center, by the Prime Minister’s Office.

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Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque

Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque

Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque is impossible to miss during your visit to Kampong Ayer. As Kampong Ayer’s primary mosque, one can spot it from any point in the village. It was built to stand out among the blue sky and forest backdrop which lay behind it, thanks to its white rooftop and golden dome.

Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque was named after Sultan Bolkiah’s eldest son, who is first in line for succession to the throne. Visiting the mosque is easy. Walk by foot along the village boardwalk or take a boat here from Bandar Seri Begawan. If you prefer car, simply cross the RIPAS Bridge. Technically, the mosque sits on the other side of Kampong Ayer, but is basically in the village (just a few meters of water separate it).

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DPMM Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque

Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Mosque on the Brunei River

Of all the mosques on this list, Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota (DPMM) Pengiran Haji Mosque is the least frequented by non-locals. DPMM Mosque was also named after Al-Muhtadee Billah. Pengiran Muda Mahkota means “Crown Prince” in Malay, currently Al-Muhtadee Billah’s position in the government.

DPMM Mosque’s defining features are the colors of its exterior. The mosque is bright white with many pillars and minarets topped by green domes sitting on yellow edges. You could see DPMM Mosque from Kampong Ayer, but the best view comes during the Brunei River tour. Your boat will pass right by it.

If you want to visit the interior, take Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha road to Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College. From the Bandar Seri Begawan Main Station, you could either walk, take a taxi, public bus or Dart (Brunei’s ride-sharing app). If you’re lucky, you’ll see monkeys walking around!

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Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque

Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque has many shades of green

Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque employs a green theme all over, with various shades from the ground to its grand dome and minaret. Its prayer hall is particularly unique, with a lime green ceiling. Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque may be the least “glamorous” of all the mosques in this guide, but is still beautiful and unique in its own right.

Al-Ameerah Mosque is in Jerudong, a suburb of BSB. It’s 1 kilometer from Jerudong Park and 4 kilometers from the Empire Brunei Hotel. Maryam Mosque is easy to visit as a day-trip to Jerudong or as part of a stop on your drive between Bandar Seri Begawan and the charming districts of Tutong and Belait.

*Viator.com offers incredible, quality Brunei tours. For the top-rated tour that includes BOTH major mosques (plus other attractions), click here.

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Brunei International Airport Mosque

Brunei International Airport Mosque

Brunei International Airport Mosque is the “easiest” of the seven mosques to visit, and the first you’ll see if you arrive to Brunei by air. As you exit the Brunei International Airport, simply turn to your right and you’ll see the mosque right there.

It was recently built, and this is reflected in its sleek, modern exterior. Instead of the bright colors and opulent designs used in Bandar Seri Begawan’s other mosques, the airport mosque uses only white and brown. If you’re not tired after arrival or running late for departure, take a few minutes to admire it!

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Tips For Visiting Mosques

• Mosques in Brunei are free of charge to enter.

• Always remove your shoes before entering.

• Men must wear pants and sleeved shirts inside.

• Women must wear pants, full sleeves and a head scarf. Full-body gowns are available to visitors at the Saifuddien and Bolkiah entrances (at no cost).

• No photos inside Saifuddien and Bolkiah!

• Muslim visitors can join any prayer sessions.

*Viator.com offers incredible, quality Brunei tours. For the top-rated tour that includes BOTH major mosques (plus other attractions), click here.

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Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

Brunei undoubtedly provides some of East Asia’s most beautiful mosques. We covered 7 mosques you should visit during your trip. Luckily, all are located in BSB. To learn more about Brunei, explore our guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

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Visit Saifuddien and Bolkiah mosques during this 5-star customer rated tour, organized by Viator and run by locals!

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