Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei Overview

One of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, is located at Bandar Seri Begawan. The first national mosque of Brunei, it seems to be floating on water due to the beautiful design of a lagoon around it.

At night, the stunning mosque is illuminated, and the sight of its beauty takes one’s breath away. The highlight of the mosque, the main dome, is covered in pure gold. The visitors can climb to the top of the mosque minaret through an elevator and bask in the sweeping panoramic view of the city.

Architecture of the Mosque

The majestic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a good example of the blending of Moghul and Italian architectural styles.
The mosque is the tallest structure in Bandar Seri Begawan, and no other building is allowed to exceed its height.
The surrounding lagoon and courtyard with beautiful gardens are a masterpiece of design. Across the lagoon is a replica of a 16th century barge.
The mosque brings together a wide array of elements from different parts of the world to create an awe-inspiring style of its own. Its stained glass windows, Italian marble floors, Shanghai granite walls, chandeliers from Britain and carpets from Saudi arabia bring together the best of art from the world to create an atmosphere of spiritual focus within the mosque.

How to Reach Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

Bus: The main bus terminal in the center of Bandar Seri Begawan is the closest bus stop to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, and is just a short walk away from the mosque complex. Travellers can find a bus that goes to this terminal from.

Taxi: Another option is to take a taxi straight to the mosque. Guided tours of the city are very common and many visitors visit the mosque as a part of these tours.

Need to Know

Photography of the exterior of the mosque is permitted and even encouraged, but it is not permitted inside the mosque.
Visitors are required to wear a traditional Muslim robe that is provided at the mosque for those who do not have it, to enter the mosque.
Visitors are advised to dress conservatively, with no skin being exposed (i.e. no shorts, sleeveless tops, etc)
Shoes must be taken off before entering the mosque.