During my trip in Malaysia last 2007, we were able to side-track for a couple of days in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. Brunei is located at the north end of the island of Borneo. Brunei is completely surrounded by the Malaysian State of Sarawak. Brunei is just a couple of hours (through ferry) away from Labuan, Malaysia where I was staying.
Being an predominantly Islam country, we made it a point to visit the different Islamic landmarks which depicts the cultural heritage of the country. Two of these are the Jame’asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Gadong Area and the other one is the famous national mosque of Brunei, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque located at the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Stained-glass interior of the Jame’asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
Due to some constraints in time, we were only able to explore one of the two mosques. We were able to get inside of Jame’asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, locally known as Kiarong Mosque. Upon entering the mosque, we were asked to take our shoes off. This seems a common practice for Muslims when entering their mosques. The biggest dome in the mosque contains the place where the Muslims pray. Taking of photos in this area was prohibited. We were also asked to wear black robes while we were taking our tour within the mosque. The Kiarong Mosque is said to be the biggest in Brunei.
The other mosque which we were not able to explore is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque located at the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. Though I was not able to get inside the mosque, I had the opportunity to take pictures while taking a stroll in one of the malls of Brunei. The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is considered by the locales as their countries major landmark. The said mosque is also known as the National Mosque of Brunei.
The most recognizable feature of this mosque is it’s main dome’s material. The main dome is covered with pure gold. The design of the whole structure is influenced by both Islam and Italian since the structure was designed by an Italian architect.
If given an opportunity, I’d love to go back to Brunei. It’s a small yet, it’s a very rich nation.
Wow! Nakapunta ka na pala sa Brunei!
I would love to visit that country soon. My grandfather went there when I was in Elementary yay
woot. maganda dun. hehehe. not for long stay nga lang.
pero ok maglakwatsa dun.
Cool! Rell! Di naman ni Batang Yagit. Porma ayu imo sanina! lols. Murag model.
Love the place! very beautiful!
Wow, hayaaya!
ow…
ganda ng brunei…
jan galing tatay ko…hehehe
wow sana maka labas din ako ng pinas gaya ng mga yagit
hehehe
nagtataka lang ako.. okey lang ba gumala sa brunei na nakshort? lols..
Well-traveled na pala ang batang yagit. Cool. “,)
dude just wanna ask kylangan pb ng visa papunta brunie? meron kc me trip going to kota kinabalu i believe dun ung ferry terminal going there,do i need visa paba or visa on arrival pwede,hope for ur response thanks,and nice pix…
wow lakwatsero na nga si batangyagit at nakakarating na sa brunie..daig pa ko..sana makapunta rin ako jan..
hi pwede magtanong pagnagpunta ka ng brunei need pa ng visa o parang sing4 wlang visa show money lang?gusto ko sana balak ko kasi punta ng brunaei e tourist lang thnks.reply plz
I was in Brunei back in ’99. Unfortunately I have no pics to show for it. Did you go to Jerudong? hehehe
yeah. I think i did. the name sounds familiar. hehehe.
naalala ko na pala. Yun pala yung open theme park. Woot! The theme park was closed few years ago I think.
ako din nakapunta na dyan actuaaly kauuwi ko lang lagi nga ako naglalakad dyan papuntang q.lap hangang kiarong.ganda grabe sobrang init………….hnd man lang ako nkapulot ng ginto o mahulog yung ginto ng mosque yung sa tutok ba ng mosque///////////////he.he…….
hi! how long did u stay in brunei? is it expensive there?
Hi, I stayed there for a couple of days. If you compare with Philippine prices, yes it’s relatively expensive.
???? ??? ??? ???? (Assalamou aleykoum!!!)
we are looking for help to finish our mosque inchallah
hi. i heard kailangan ng visa sa brunei if you’re staying for more than 14 days. does anybody know how much show money is needed? thanks!
I’m David.
Am looking for friendship that provide information about Brunei, I leave.
I am a Muslim and I’m Quran Qari International.
My email:rabiolqoran@yahoo.com
wow,,, i been there.. ang ganda ng shots mo… hope we shares ng shots…
i regret not going inside the last time i went there. the stained glass ceiling looks magnificent!
it is!
Wish I could also go back to BSB to take more Mosque photos. 
hahaha.lols
only if you’re christian or tourist.
not sure though. hehehe 
but nobody put me in jail because i was wearing shorts. 
passport lang po.
they didn’t even ask for show money. 