Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

The Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, often referred to as the “Kiarong Mosque” by locals, is a truly magnificent and relatively modern landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. It stands as a testament to Brunei’s deep Islamic faith and the immense wealth of its monarch, being the largest and arguably most opulent mosque in the country.

Name: Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (Malay: Masjid Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah)

Address: Simpang 127, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. It is located in the Kampong Kiarong suburb, a few kilometers northwest of the city center.

How to Get There:
The mosque is a prominent landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan and is easily accessible.

By Air: The closest airport is Brunei International Airport (BWN). From the airport, it’s a short 10-15 minute taxi or Grab (Dart) ride to the mosque.
By Taxi/Ride-Sharing (Dart): Taxis and ride-sharing services like “Dart” (Brunei’s local equivalent to Grab) are readily available throughout Bandar Seri Begawan for direct transfers.
By Bus: Public bus routes in Bandar Seri Begawan serve the Kiarong area where the mosque is located. Bus stops are typically within a short walking distance.
Organized Tours: Many city tours in Brunei include a stop at the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque as a key highlight, often combined with the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Royal Regalia Museum.
Entrance Fee: Admission to the mosque grounds is free. Non-Muslims are generally welcome to visit outside of prayer times. It is essential to dress modestly (long trousers/skirts, covered shoulders and head for women). Robes are usually provided at the entrance for visitors who do not meet the dress code. Photography is generally allowed outside in the complex but often restricted or discouraged inside the prayer halls out of respect for worshippers.

Landscape and Architecture:
The Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is a grand and imposing structure that showcases a blend of traditional Islamic and modern architectural styles, surrounded by lush, manicured grounds.

Grand Scale and Opulence: Occupying a sprawling 20-acre (8.1-hectare) site, it is the largest mosque in Brunei and can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers. Its sheer size and the lavishness of its construction immediately convey a sense of grandeur and spiritual significance.
29 Golden Domes: The mosque is famously adorned with 29 gleaming golden domes, a deliberate design choice that commemorates Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as the 29th ruler of Brunei’s royal dynasty. These domes, often made of 22-karat gold, create a dazzling spectacle, especially under the sun or when illuminated at night.
Four Minarets: Four tall, slender minarets, each standing 58 meters (190 ft) high, frame the mosque and are topped with golden finials. These minarets are intricately ornamented and clearly visible from afar, guiding worshippers and signaling the mosque’s importance.
Luxurious Materials: The mosque is constructed using the finest materials sourced globally, reflecting Brunei’s wealth:
- Marble: Extensive use of high-quality marble for its floors, walls, and columns.
- Granite: Imported from Shanghai.
- Chandeliers: Features supersized crystal chandeliers, some adorned with Swarovski crystals, creating a dazzling interior.
- Stained Glass: Beautiful stained glass designed by renowned English artist John Lawson (known for his work in Westminster Abbey) adds vibrant light and intricate patterns.
- Carpets: Hand-made carpets imported from Saudi Arabia and Belgium.
Landscaped Gardens and Fountains: The mosque is set within meticulously maintained, beautifully landscaped gardens featuring fountains, pools, and lush flora, providing a serene and peaceful environment that complements the architectural splendor.
Modern Islamic Design: While incorporating traditional Islamic elements like domes, minarets, and geometric patterns, the mosque’s overall design also reflects modern architectural principles of clean lines and grand scale, creating a harmonious blend.
Sultan’s Private Entrance: A unique feature is the private entrance with an escalator on the north side, exclusively for the use of the Sultan and the Royal Family during their visits.

What Makes It Famous:

Brunei’s Largest Mosque: It is the largest and arguably most opulent mosque in Brunei, capable of accommodating a vast congregation.
Commemorates the Sultan’s Reign: It was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign, making it a direct tribute to the current monarch and a symbol of his rule and the nation’s Islamic identity.
29 Golden Domes: The distinctive 29 golden domes, representing the 29 Sultans of Brunei, are its most visually striking and famous feature, making it easily recognizable and a popular subject for photography.
Exquisite Materials and Craftsmanship: The use of incredibly lavish and globally sourced materials, combined with intricate craftsmanship in its mosaics, calligraphy, and stained glass, highlights the immense investment and artistic dedication put into its construction.
Symbol of Brunei’s Islamic Faith and Prosperity: Alongside the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, it serves as a powerful symbol of Brunei’s strong adherence to Islam and its significant national wealth.
Modern Islamic Architectural Masterpiece: It is considered a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture in Southeast Asia, influencing contemporary mosque design in the region.
Active Place of Worship: While a major tourist attraction, it remains a very active and significant place of worship for the local Muslim community.

Differences from Some Other Wonders:

Number of Golden Domes & Royal Significance: While the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque has one prominent golden dome, the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque features a remarkable 29 golden domes, each symbolizing a Sultan in the royal lineage. This specific numerical symbolism and its direct connection to the reigning Sultan’s jubilee make it distinct.
Location and Setting: Unlike the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is famously set in an artificial lagoon with a royal barge, the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is built on land within sprawling landscaped gardens, creating a more terrestrial grand mosque experience.
Relative Modernity: Completed in 1994, it is a more recent construction compared to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (completed 1958). This allows it to incorporate more modern materials and technologies while still adhering to classical Islamic aesthetics.
Private Royal Entrance: The exclusive private entrance with an escalator for the Sultan and Royal Family is a unique feature that underscores its close connection to the Brunei monarchy.
Scale and Capacity: As the larger of Brunei’s two state mosques, its sheer size and capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers distinguish it as the nation’s primary congregational mosque for major religious events.
Lack of European Architectural Fusion: While the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque blends Mughal and Italian Renaissance styles, the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, while grand, leans more towards a contemporary interpretation of traditional Islamic and possibly Turkish influences, without the prominent Italian elements seen in its older counterpart.