Golden dome, 1788 luxurious rooms, 250 bathrooms; this is world’s largest palace, owner is…, located in…,not British royal family

India is home to several beautiful grand palaces. We all have heard of several grand palaces in India, often chosen as wedding venues by celebrities, where a single night’s stay can be priced anywhere from Rs 5 to Rs 10 lakh. But have you ever wondered which is the most expensive palace in the world? In this article, we will discuss the Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and 44 staircases crafted from 38 different types of marble, a mosque for reportedly  1,500 people, this opulent palace holds the title of the world’s most expensive palace.

Situated in Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Istana Nurul Iman is widely regarded as the most magnificent palace in the world. Its breathtaking architecture and sheer scale have earned it a spot in the Guinness World Records. Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the palace as an official guest last year.

Meaning “Palace of the Light of Faith,” Istana Nurul Iman was commissioned by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in the early 1980s. Built at an estimated cost of $1.4 billion, the palace was completed in 1984, just before Brunei gained independence from British rule. While this royal residence is not usually open to the public, there are certain times and conditions under which visitors are allowed entry.

Golden dome, 1788 luxurious rooms, 250 bathrooms; this is world’s largest palace, owner is…, located in…,not British royal family

The Istana Nurul Iman Palace, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, stands as a testament to unparalleled opulence and grandeur. Situated near Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei, this architectural marvel was completed in 1984 at an estimated cost of $1.4 billion. ​

​According to a report by GQ India, adding to its regal gradeur, the dome-shaped structure of the palace is embellished with 22-carat gold. Interestingly, the same gold detailing extends to the palace’s opulent interiors, which were designed by Khuan Chew — the acclaimed designer behind Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab.

Completed in 1984, this architectural masterpiece was designed by celebrated Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin. Covering an area of over 2.15 million square feet, Istana Nurul Iman is a symbol of unmatched luxury and scale.

The palace features more than 1,700 rooms, over 250 bathrooms, and a majestic banquet hall that can host up to 5,000 guests. It also includes a mosque with a capacity for 1,500 worshippers, five swimming pools, a vast garage for the Sultan’s impressive car collection, and a fully air-conditioned stable for his beloved polo ponies.

The name of Istana Nurul Iman means Palace (from Malay Istana) of the Light of Faith (Arabic` Nurul Iman). The palace was built in two years and finished to the attainment of Brunei’s independence from Britain on January 1st 1984. More than 1 billion dollars were spent on its construction.

According to the official website of Istana Nurul Iman, the palace has air-conditioned stables for the 200 beloved horses of the Sultan. But horses are not the only weakness of the Sultan. He is also fond of cars; that is why his dwelling has an underground garage with an area of 1 square km capable of hosting up to 110 cars.

“Only once a year you can get into the palace of the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah and personally shake his hand or talk to his wife, depending on your gender. The doors of the Palace are open only for three days a year, after the month of Ramadan,” reads the website.

Muslims have access to the palace for ten more days in Ramadan mainly for religious purposes. During the rest of the year you can only admire the palace from outside.

Before getting into the Palace you will have to stand in a long queue and pass a small medical examination, otherwise you won’t be able to say hello to the Sultan. After getting to the palace you will be offered food and presents, and children will even receive small green bags, containing money.

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