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The massive Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkian Mosque on the outskirts of Bandar Seri Begawan is Brunei's largest and most impressive mosque. It was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the current Sultan's reign and is a masterpiece of islamic design. Its green, gold and white hues and beautifully manicured gardens take your breath away even before you enter.
Completed in 1992, Jame Mosque (as it is known locally) is located in Kampung Kiarong, about a ten minute drive from the city centre. It is best visited by taxi or private car as Bandar's bus services are infrequent.
The main minaret is over 80 metres tall - everything at Jame Mosque is on a massive scale. The interior prayer room for men - situated under the main gold dome - has seating for over 3000 devotees.
The faithful pray in comfort - both the enormous men's prayer room and the smaller ladies prayer room are fully air conditioned.
Inside the mosque are segregated bathing areas for men and women, and a huge marble spiral staircase encasing fountains leads to the upper floor.
The inside walls and columns are all intricately painted and tiled and the marble floors are polished to a fine finish. Huge luxurious rugs so impressive you hardly dare walk on them grace the floor. Everything in the mosque is 5 - star standard from the tap fittings to the designs on the walls.
The domed ceilings of the prayer rooms are designed so as to maximise the outside light and the visual impact of these areas is incredible.
The Jame Mosque was funded by the generous Sultan and we were unable to determine exactly what the place place cost to build. A huge amount to be sure, and undoubtedly incredibly expensive to maintain.
Entry is free. You can visit the mosque free of charge from 8 am to 5.30 pm from Sunday to Wednesday. Non muslims may not enter on Thursdays or Fridays or during prayer time.
You are required to dress politely and remember to remove your shoes before entering. Women are expected to wear some kind of head dress - these can be loaned free of charge at the mosque.
There is a counter just inside the main entrance where ladies can borrow a head dress or cloak. You are also required to leave any bags or cameras in a locker at this point. You will be issued with a key to secure your locker.
Photography is not permitted inside the mosque, although you are free to snap away in the grounds outside.
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HOTEL RESERVATIONS 
