Istana Nurul Iman is a huge yet mysterious sultan's palace located on the western edge of the city near the Brunei River.

The palace, said by locals to be the largest in the world, was completed in 1984 and serves as the residence of the Sultan of Brunei.

The name Istana Nurul Iman is derived from Malay and Arabic words and translates to "Palace of Light and Faith."

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How to visit the Sultan's Palace?

Istana Nurul Iman is normally inaccessible and cannot be photographed properly from any side.

The dome of the palace is visible, for example, from the westernmost jetty of the Kampong Ayer water village.

However, the Sultan opens the palace gates to the general public every year during the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan.

The gates of the palace are open for 3 days to everyone, including non-Muslims and tourists. Entry is free and a sumptuous treat awaits inside.

As Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, the Sultan's Palace is open on different dates each year.

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