The 7 Biggest Religious Site in Bandar Seri Begawan

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Brunei, a small yet culturally rich country in Southeast Asia, is home to a diverse array of religious sites that reflect the nation’s strong spiritual heritage. From grand mosques to ornate temples, these holy places have become important centers of worship, pilgrimage, and cultural preservation. Here are five of the most significant religious sites in Brunei:

  • Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: Situated in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque stands as a majestic symbol of Brunei’s Islamic heritage. With its golden dome, towering minarets, and intricate architecture, it is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia. The mosque’s main prayer hall can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers, and its courtyard features a large ablution pool and a tranquil garden.

  • Ash-Shaliheen Mosque: Located in the town of Kuala Belait, the Ash-Shaliheen Mosque is the second largest mosque in Brunei and is known for its impressive size and architectural design. Completed in 2001, the mosque features a large main prayer hall, separate prayer areas for men and women, and a spacious courtyard. The mosque’s interior is adorned with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and colorful mosaics, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

  • Hua Ho Manggis Temple: Located in the town of Manggis, the Hua Ho Manggis Temple is one of the largest temples in Brunei and a prominent center of Buddhist and Taoist worship. The temple complex consists of several buildings, including a main prayer hall, a shrine to the Goddess of Mercy, and a pagoda. The temple is adorned with colorful decorations, statues of deities, and incense burners, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere.

  • St. Andrew’s Church: Situated in Bandar Seri Begawan, St. Andrew’s Church is the oldest Anglican church in Brunei and serves as a symbol of Christianity in the country. Built in 1927, the church features a simple yet elegant architectural design, with arched windows, a bell tower, and a spacious interior. St. Andrew’s Church is a popular place of worship for Christians in Brunei and holds regular services in English, Malay, and Chinese.

  • Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple: Located in the town of Seria, the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple is the main Sikh temple in Brunei and a prominent center of Sikh worship. The temple was built in the 1930s and features a traditional Sikh architectural style, with a large prayer hall, a separate area for the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book), and a community hall. The temple is adorned with colorful decorations, Sikh religious symbols, and a serene atmosphere, making it a sacred place for Sikh devotees.
Ash Shaliheen Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan
Ash Shaliheen Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan

The 7 Biggest Religious Site near Bandar Seri Begawan

Church of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church

  • Address: No. 11, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8761, Brunei
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (68)
  • Phone: +673 222 2261
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Open 24 hours
    Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    Thursday: Open 24 hours
    Friday: Open 24 hours
    Saturday: Open 24 hours
    Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Reviews:
    Shon Liow✭✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    Brunei Catholic Church of Our Lady of Assumption (COLA), sadly attended Cornelius Cardinal Sim funeral mass on 15th June 2021. He will be missed by many parishioners, may his soul rest in peace. Been attending this church for over 50+ years, even went its associated St George Primary School, next to the church. i remember in the old days, it used to be a bare bone church with no aircon. Now expanded and much better renovated & nicely decorated, fully aircon. Always full of life every Christmas season except this year cos we lost our Cardinal Sim in 2021
    T. Spark✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Beautiful church. Mass on 6 p.m. I came to visit this attraction but eventually joined the mass due to heavy rain. It’s good to see some local activities.
    Yan Abear✭✭✭✭✭
    8 months ago
    Nice Catholic church in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Walkable within the city center, about 10mins away from Regalia Museum
    Michael Toh✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Beautiful and wonderful church. Weekday mass at 6pm
    chun jean Lim✭✭✭✭
    4 years ago
    Convenient Location. Historical and friendly Community. Just take note sunday is no-car day if you need to head to church during the morning. Parking is conveneint though aside for the no-car sunday campaign.

Church of christ iglesia ni cristo

  • Address: WW69+CJ3, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (1)
  • Reviews:
    Bhaby Boss✭✭✭✭✭
    in the last week

Gereja Anglican St. Andrew

  • Address: VWWQ+4V7, Jalan, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8411, Brunei
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (23)

Pff Avenue

  • Address: WWHG+MW6, Simpang 123, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3313, Brunei
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating:

Temple

  • Address: WXQF+66P, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (1)

Brunei Darussalam

  • Address: Darussalam Complex, Jln Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8811, Brunei
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (4)

BaitunNabawi

  • Address: WW98+GJQ, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (1)
Ash Shaliheen Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan
Ash Shaliheen Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan

Explore prominent consulting firms in neighboring countries, such as those referenced in Singapore, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, to gain insights into the dynamic business landscape of ASEAN. These firms contribute to the region’s enterprise vibrancy, positioning Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei as a hub for strategic insights and innovative solutions.

Top Religious Site Alternatives in Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei (  broo-NY, Malay: [brunaɪ] ), formally Brunei Darussalam (Malay: Negara Brunei Darussalam, Jawi: نݢارا بروني دارالسلام‎, lit. 'State of Brunei, the Abode of Peace'), is a country in Southeast Asia, situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. Apart from its coastline on the South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, with its territory bifurcated by the Sarawak district of Limbang. Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo; the remainder of the island is divided between its multi-landmass neighbours of Malaysia and Indonesia. As of 2020 the country had a population of 460,345, of whom approximately 100,000 resided in the capital and largest city Bandar Seri Begawan. The government of Brunei is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Sultan of Brunei, and it implements a fusion of English common law and jurisprudence inspired by Islam, including sharia.
At the Bruneian Empire's peak during the reign of Sultan Bolkiah (1485–1528), the state is claimed to have had control over the most of Borneo, including modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, as well as the Sulu archipelago and the islands off the northwestern tip of Borneo. There are also claims to its historical control over Seludong, the site of the modern Philippine capital of Manila, but Southeast Asian scholars believe the name of the location in question is actually in reference to Mount Selurong, in Indonesia. The maritime state of Brunei was visited by the surviving crew of the  Magellan Expedition in 1521, and in 1578 it fought against Spain in the Castilian War.
During the 19th century, the Bruneian Empire began to decline. The Sultanate ceded Sarawak (Kuching) to James Brooke and installed him as the White Rajah, and it ceded Sabah to the British North Borneo Chartered Company. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate and was assigned a British resident as colonial manager in 1906. After the Japanese occupation during World War II, a new constitution was written in 1959. In 1962, a small armed rebellion against the monarchy was ended with British assistance. The country gained its full independence from Britain on 1 January 1984.
Brunei has been led by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967. The country's wealth derives from its extensive petroleum and natural gas fields. Economic growth during the 1990s and 2000s has transformed Brunei into an industrialised country, with the GDP increasing 56% between 1999 and 2008.  Brunei has the second-highest Human Development Index among Southeast Asian states, trailing only Singapore. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brunei is ranked fifth in the world by gross domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity. The IMF estimated in 2011 that Brunei was one of two countries (the other being Libya) with a public debt to national GDP ratio of 0%.

The Biggest Religious Site in Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei, is home to several religious sites that attract visitors from all over the world. Apart from its iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, there are three other religious sites that are popular among tourists and locals alike. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Brunei.

1. Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: Also known as the Kiarong Mosque, it is one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. The mosque was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sultan’s reign and can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers. With its golden domes, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens, the mosque is a sight to behold. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque’s exterior and admire its exquisite architecture.

  • The mosque is open to visitors from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, and from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm on weekdays.
  • Modest dress is required, with women advised to cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or pants.
  • Shoes are not allowed inside the mosque, and there are designated areas to store them.

2. Chinese Temple: Located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan’s Chinatown, the Chinese Temple is a popular religious site for the local Chinese community. The temple is dedicated to Taoist deities and offers a serene atmosphere for worshippers. Its vibrant red and gold exterior, adorned with traditional Chinese motifs, is a stunning sight that attracts visitors from near and far.

  • The temple is open to visitors from 7 am to 7 pm.
  • Respectful attire is required, and it is customary to remove shoes before entering the temple.
  • Visitors can light incense sticks and make offerings near the temple’s main altar.

3. Tamu Kianggeh Market: While not a traditional religious site, the Tamu Kianggeh Market holds great significance for the local Muslim community. Located by the Brunei River, the market is a bustling hub of activity where locals gather to buy fresh produce, clothes, and handicrafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, sample delicious local cuisine, and observe the daily lives of the Bruneian people.

  • The market is open from early morning until late afternoon.
  • It is recommended to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
  • Visitors can try local delicacies such as ambuyat and local fruits.

These three religious sites offer unique insights into Brunei’s diverse religious and cultural landscape. Whether you’re interested in exploring stunning mosques, Chinese temples, or traditional markets, Bandar Seri Begawan has something to offer for every visitor.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Religious Site spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.

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