Houses of royal families are more than just big, fancy buildings, they are symbols of history, power, and tradition passed down through centuries and generations. Across the world, palaces like Istana Nurul Iman represent centuries‑old architecture with modern comforts.
Istana Nurul Iman palace (Photo: @XekiHlongwane)
Meet Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei and the owner of Istana Nurul Iman palace
Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, is not just a royal figure but also one of the world’s longest‑reigning and richest monarchs.He became the 29th Sultan of Brunei in 1967 and has led the small Southeast Asian nation through independence and decades of oil‑driven wealth. The Istana Nurul Iman Palace is a legendary residence and the world’s largest residential palace, according to Guinness World Records.
Inside the world’s largest residential palace with 1700 rooms and more
The Istana Nurul Iman Palace sits on the banks of the Brunei River near Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei, according to the Guiness World RecordsIstana Nurul Iman contains over 1,788 rooms, including 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall that can seat up to 5,000 guests, a large mosque , five swimming pools, and an air‑conditioned stable for the Sultan’s polo ponies.
Istana Nurul Iman palace (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
The architectural marvel, completed in 1984, was designed by Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin. It also has extensive parking to house the Sultan’s huge car collection and is designed as a blend of Malay and Islamic architectural styles, with gold‑domed roofs and intricately decorated interiors.
More than just an architectural marvel
The Istana Nurul Iman is not only a home but also a seat of government and a symbol of Brunei’s identity. The palace hosts state functions, royal ceremonies, and high‑level political events.The palace also has a mosque inside the complex, capable of holding 1,500 worshippers, which closely intertwines faith and royalty, both central to Brunei’s political system.Even though the Istana Nurul Iman is the world’s largest residential palace, it is not the most expensive property; that record is currently held by Buckingham Palace in London, estimated at around $2.9 billion.