- Address: Jln Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8611, Brunei Darussalam;
- Built: in 1992;
- Phone: +673 224 4545;
- Operating time: Mon. - Th. and entirely. - from 09:00 to 17:00, Fri. 09-11: 30 and 14: 30-17, Sat. 09: 45-17.
To really appreciate the level of greatness and the pride of the Brunei Sultanate, it is enough to visit one interesting place in the capital - the Palace of Royal Regalia. Here, unprecedented luxury and blinding riches coexist with discerning rigor and immeasurable respect for the great ruler.
History and features
The Palace of Royal Regalia this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. It was built in honor of the Silver Jubilee of the Rule in Brunei Sultan in 1992. Outwardly the building looks very modest, but it is worth getting inside, the head goes around from the amount of gold and jewelry that are collected under one roof.
The largest exposition is exhibited in the hall. The main exhibit here is a luxurious ceremonial chariot. In it, the ruler of Brunei leaves the city during all solemn events and public holidays. A mobile throne carries dozens of servants. The whole chariot is decorated with gold ornaments and national symbols.
Also in the hall of the palace all solemn ammunition is presented, which accompanies every ceremonial procession of the Sultan:
- 4 gold shields with sabers carried by the sons of the closest relatives of the Sultan;
- 40 yellow-red umbrellas for dignitaries (in Malay they are called orang-muda-muda);
- 40 multi-colored umbrellas (8 black, 8 yellow, 8 white, 8 green, 8 red), followed by noble Brunei (Malayan avant-avang);
- 16 gold-plated copies for the aristocracy;
- 16 gilded shields with sabers for particularly privileged employees;
- 40 peaks with yellow-red flags and 40 shields with the Brunei emblem, carried by Sultan warriors.
Each ceremony of the palace hall of the Royal Regalia is empty. The Sultan on his chariot, accompanied by a huge procession, leaves for the center of the city - on the square of Omar Ali Saifuddin. But luxurious ceremonial ammunition is not all that can be seen in the walls of the repository of the Sultan's treasures.
For a short time of its existence, the palace museum has collected a huge number of valuable exhibits. Among them:
- personal belongings of all Brunei rulers;
- a copy of the throne on which the sultan sits;
- jewelry (gold, emeralds, silver, jade, ivory);
- weapons, uniforms and awards of the Sultan;
- memorable presents from foreign presidents, kings and ambassadors (mostly these are various indecently expensive souvenirs: ornate vases, statuettes, sculptures, paintings, boxes and other decorations inlaid with precious stones).
There is a separate room devoted to the history of the formation of the Sultanate in Brunei, an exhibition of sculptures of famous military leaders and nobles close to the ruler.
Information for tourists
- photo and video shooting in the Palace of Royal Regalia is prohibited in all exhibition halls, except the hall;
- the entrance is free;
- working hours: from Saturday to Thursday from 8:30 to 17:00, on Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 with a break (11: 30-14: 30);
- before entering the palace you will be asked to take off your shoes;
- in 5 minutes walk there is a large parking lot;
- Nearby there are many cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack (Tamu Selera, Tasek Brasserie, Nur Nada Enterprise).
How to get there?
The Palace of Royal Regalia is located in the very center of the capital on Jln Sultan Street Omar Ali Saifuddien. And the airport here can be reached by taxi or car rental. The distance is only 11 km. The most convenient and fastest way is on the Lebuhraya Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Just 300 meters from the Palace Museum there are two bus stops (on Jln Stoney Street).