Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: One of the Most Beautiful Mosques in South East Asia

Named after the Sultan the 28th Sultan of Brunei, this Mosque was completed after 4 years of constructions. It's the first thing that caught my attention when we're on our way to the Hotel. And right then and there I have fallen in love to this beautiful Mosque.

The Mosque was built at the center of an artificial lagoon that serves as the reflecting pool making the Mosque perfect at night. It's considered as one of the most beautiful Mosques in South East Asia.

People come here at night to pray and then leave to eat or shop, which is a normal life in Brunei since there is no night life in the country. When we tried to see the Mosque we were told that it's closed for Christians because of a special event inside. 

The locals were kind enough to direct us to another Mosque which currently open for visitors. We, however, did not go because we don't have much time.

I've read from other blogs that the interior of the Mosque is more lavish and extravagant than the exterior. The exterior, specially the dome which is made of gold, is lavish enough so I was really curious and wanted to see how beautiful the interior is.

 

They said the floor and walls are made from the finest Italian marble. The stained-glass window and chandeliers were crafted in England. The luxurious carpets were flown from Saudi Arabia and Belgium.

The 3.5-million piece Venetian mosaic inside the main dome are a dream come true for jigsaw enthusiasts. I just wish I can see these all with my own eyes.

In front of the Mosque is a ceremonial stone boat connected by a marble bridge. It's a replica of a 16th Century Sultan Blokiah Nahligai Barge. The barge built to commemorate the 1,400th Anniversary of Nuzul Al-Quran (coming down of the Quran) and was used to stage the Quran reading competitions. Another marble bridge on the other side of the Mosque was created that leads to Kampong Ayer in the middle of the river.

The most noticeable feature of the Mosque, especially at night, is the main dome which is covered in pure gold. It's like a burning fire under the heat of the sun at day and the mosque itself is like a burning fire at night. It stands 171 feet high and can be seen virtually from anywhere in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Mosque tower dominates the skyline of BSB. It's marble minaret makes it the tallest building in Central BSB. No building shall ever exceeded its height, and apparently the nearby Islamic Bank of Brunei had its top storey removed by the order of the Sultan because it towers the Mosque.

 

The minaret with its unique mixed of Renaissance and Italian architectural styles has an elevator to the top, where visitor can enjoy the panoramic view of the city. And again, because of their religious event, we were not able to reach the top of the minaret.

The Mosque, even though I'm not a Muslim, has attracted me like a moth to the fire. I just want to keep coming back, must it be day or night. I just can't get enough of its beautiful facade and structures. Make sure you explore this Mosque when you visit Brunei.

Getting there from Central BSB is very easy. Just follow it's shining light and you'll get there in no time. You'll find that walking is more enjoyable than you can imagine just thinking how the Mosque will look like when you get there.

Address: Jalan Stoney, Bandar Seri Begawan

Opening Hours: 

8:30am - 12:00am, 1:30pm - 3:00pm & 4:30pm - 5:30pm (Saturday and Wednesday (Interior) 

4:30pm - 5:00pm Friday (Exterior)

8:00am - 8:30pm daily except prayer times (Compound)