Top 10 Things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

This ornately decorated mosque, built in 1994, is surrounded by landscaped Gardens and Fountains. This mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture carried out with a devotion to details. Opening hours : Sun to Wed Time : 8am- 12noon , 2pm-3pm and 5pm-6pm Open on Saturdays if there is no official function the following day. Closed Thurs- Fri Shoes are to be removed before entering Admission Free

This magnificent mosque sits at the very heart of the capital city and the country's Islamic faith. Built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan Of Brunei, it is one of the most impressive mosques in South-East Asia. Set amid its own lagoon, the mosque seems to be floating, surrounded by lush greenery and floral Gardens, while its glittering dome, covered in real gold, soars above the skyline. Featuring luminous stained glass windows, floors of gleaming Italian marble, walls of Shanghai granite, chandeliers from Britain and Carpets from Saudi Arabia, the mosque brings together the world's best materials in a tour de force of architectural beauty and spiritual ambience. A marble bridge across the lagoon brings you to a replica of a 16th century Royal Barge, which used to host religious ceremonies, like Quran Reading competitions. At night, the mosque is illuminated, making it a vision to be seen. Opening Hours : Sun-Wed, 8am until 5:30pm, EXCEPT at Prayer times Closed : Thurs-Fri Shoes are to be removed before entering. Dress appropriately For Men : No shorts, No Sleeveless ( wear long pants) For Women : No singlets, No shorts, must cover leg ( wear Long pants)

Technically part of the Bruneian capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, Kampong Ayer has more than enough uniqueness and history about it to be considered separately. Meaning “water village”, Kampong Ayer is built on stilts above the Brunei river. More than 30,000 people inhabit Kampong Ayer, the largest water settlement in Southeast Asia, and travel about by boat or the extensive network of wooden walkways, footbridges, and boardwalks. Kampong Ayer’s 4,200 structures include homes, mosques, restaurants, shops, schools, and a even a hospital. People have been living here for more than 1,300 year. Many of the traditional lifestyles of its inhabitants; fishermen, traders, and artisans; have remained unchanged. Visitors can experience this heritage by taking one of the many water taxis in front of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan.

A tribute to the sultan and the grand trappings of Royalty, this museum is a highlight of any trip to Brunei. The main gallery presents an impressive recreation of the coronation of His Majesty The Sultan, displaying the gilded carriage which carried the newly crowned Sultann through the streets of the capital city, along with gold and silver ceremonial armour. The Royal Exhibition Gallery showcases a selection of Royal Regalia from His Majesty's childhood days up to the time of his coronation, such as jewel-encrusted crowns, thrones, garments and His Majesty's revered silver Keris (dagger). The Silver Jubilee Gallery celebrates the mark of His Majesty's 25th ruling year. Here, one can view film footage of the auspicious event, amongst other Royal Regalia that made an appearance during the occasion. There is also the Constitutional History Gallery, which houses documents, photographs, film and recordings, and a gallery devoted to the life of His Majesty The Sultan up to the time of his coronation. Opening Hours : Sat-Thu, 9am-4:30pm , Fri 9am-11:30am, 2:30pm-4:30pm Shoes are to be removed before entering

Open Air Market, 100m Away From Water Village

With 1,788 rooms, a banquet hall that can seat over 4,000 guests, a 1,500 people capacity Mosque, 5 swimming pools and a 110-car garage, the 200,000 m² (2.15 million sq ft) Sultan of Brunei's lavish Royal Palace, build by the Philippine's Ayala Corporation in 1984, is the world's largest residential palace, situated on top of a hill overlooking the capital and the Brunei River. Its golden domes and sweeping rooflines make for an awe-inspiring view, even from a distance and are a glittering example of Brunei's enduring royal heritage. Though only accessible to those on official business, the Palace, which name means "The Palace of the Light of Faith", is however open to the public for three days a year, when His Majesty usually holds an "Open House" to greet his subjects and visitors alike on the occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the religious festival following the fasting month of Ramadan. On other days, the sumptuous palace, which is also Brunei's seat of government, can be viewed through the main entrance gates, from the nearby Damuan Promenade or from various angles on the Brunei river.