Brunei

“Is it true that the Sultan’s palace is bigger than the Vatican?” a young voice piped up from the back of the group. Yes indeed, young one, that is absolutely true. What you’re looking at right here is Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, and it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest residential palace. Completed in 1984, this magnificent palace is a symbol of Brunei’s wealth and royal heritage. It sprawls across a massive two million square feet, boasting 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and enough garage space for 800 cars. Imagine the parties the Sultan could throw in his banquet hall, which can fit 5,000 guests! But that’s not all. The Istana Nurul Iman also houses a mosque for 1,500 people, and if you’re a fan of swimming, you’d be spoilt for choice with five swimming pools. And those domes you see glittering in the sun? Those are gilded with 22-karat gold. Of course, such grandeur can’t be accessed by just anyone. The Istana Nurul Iman is closed to the public for most of the year. The exception is during the Hari Raya Adilfitri, a celebration marking the end of Ramadan. During those three days, the gates are thrown open, and the Royal family welcomes the public for a visit. If you happen to be here during that time, I highly encourage you to take the opportunity to witness the opulence firsthand. But even if you aren’t, admiring it from afar is quite a spectacle in itself. The grandeur of the Istana Nurul Iman truly embodies the fascinating blend of tradition and modernity that defines Brunei.