Thursday, September 25, 2014

BRUNEI POSTCARD COLLECTION

 
ISTANA NURUL IMAN
Jalan Tutong, Brunei
Largest Residential Palace in the World

   Three kilometers west of Bandar Seri Begawan's city centre. Lies a glittering example of Brunei’s majestic royal heritage. Istana Nurul Iman, the residence of His Majesty, The Sultan. Situated on the top of a hill overlooking the city, the palace is an enigmatic symbol of Brunei’s enduring monarchy and seat of the nation's government.  Three times larger than the Palace of Versailles and out sizing Buckingham Palace by four times.  It is the largest residential palace in the world with golden domes and sweeping rooflines that can be seen from the long road of Jalan Tutong. The golden domes of the palace are covered with 22-carat gold leaf. This US$350 million structure has 1788 rooms and 257 bathrooms; designed by Filipino architect Leandro Locsin, The palace is only open to the public three days in a year during Hari Raya when locals and tourists alike have the opportunity to greet His Majesty and members of the royal family, but if you want to catch a glimpse of it at any other time of the year, then check it out from Taman Persiaran Damuan.