Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: The Largest Mosque in Brunei

Locally known as Kiarong Mosque, Jame'Asr Hassanila Bolkiah Mosque was built in 1992 to celebrate the 25th year of the current Sultan's reign.

It is the largest Mosque in Brunei and it's four terrazzo-tiled minarets dominate the suburbs of Bandar Seri Begawan.

It's certainly noticeable even from afar with its 29 golden domes. These 29 golden domes represent the 29th Sultan of Brunei. At night the mosque is lit up like a gold flame.

The interior is best described as jaw-dropping over-the-top structure. The sheer volume in itself is amazing, not to mention the woven rugs scattered across the men's prayer hall.

I was fortunate to walk inside the hall when I needed a restroom and one of the staff is kind enough to let me use theirs. I just wished I can snap a few pictures but I had to respect their rules.

Walking along the hall to the restroom, I can tell that it's really a big Mosque. And if you walk further on the right from the visitors entrance, you'll be more amazed when you seen the grand private escalator the Sultan used to enter the Mosque.

The private escalator is located just a few minutes from the main entrance. I'm not sure if visitors are allowed to use this gate, though, because we entered at the gate on the other side of the Mosque.

If you're going to stay in Jubilee Hotel, this is  included in their 45 minutes free viewing of the city. Don't expect though, that you can stop and take pictures because it's literally just a viewing tour.

The Mosque is about 3km northwest of the city centre towards Gadong. To get there, take Bus 1 or 22 from the main bus terminal.

Address: Jalan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway, Kampung Kiarong

Business Hours: 8am to 12:00pm, 2:00 to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 6:00pm Monday to Wednesday & Saturday |  10:45am- to 12:00pm, 2:00 to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday (Closed  on Thursday & Friday)

Opening Hours:

8:00am - 12:00am, 2:00pm - 3:00pm & 5:00pm - 6:00pm Monday to Wednesday & Saturday | 5:00am - 6:00pm Friday | 10:30am - 12:00pm, 2:00pm - 3:00pm & 5:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday