Brunei’s Royal Regalia Museum is exclusively devoted to one of the richest people on Earth: the Sultan of Brunei, who is worth approximately $20 billion. He was for some time the richest but, of course, he’s now been surpassed by the likes of Bill Gates, Larry Page (Google’s CEO) and Mark Zuckerberg.
The various exhibitions at the Royal Regalia Museum comprise a kind of biography of the Sultan’s life so far, as told through objects. You’ll find out about exactly what goes into the upbringing, schooling, marriage, wanderings and every day life of such an illustrious figure, and get one tiny glimpse of the trappings of insane wealth.
Where to stay in Brunei
Before we get into the nitty gritty of what the Royal Regalia Museum has to offer, here’s some quick accommodation advice. When visiting Bandar Seri Begawan, it’s a good idea to stay somewhere central, to enable easy access to major attractions, facilities and services. Whether you’re in Brunei on business or on vacation, you don’t want to waste time navigating long distances on public transport every day. Find a hotel in Brunei that’s close to the CBD to get the most out of your trip. And do be tempted to sample a little five-star luxury. What better way to round off a day of sightseeing and socialising than with a relaxing spa?
What you’ll see
Actually, it might be more appropriate to ask, ‘What won’t you see?’ A multi-billionaire’s collection isn’t exactly short on variety. There are several replicas of the Sultan of Brunei’s throne, a bunch of crowns that he’s worn at various points, luxurious gowns and an arsenal of weapons that could cover a small army. In addition, an array of gifts is on display, mostly made from expensive, exotic materials, such as ivory, jade and crystal. From Queen Elizabeth II, there’s what looks like the world’s most incredible beer mug.
Some parts of the collection are organised according to theme. One section is dedicated to the 1992 jubilee and includes a life-sized re-creation of the event, including the float that the Sultan rode through Brunei and mannequins in uniform. Another section provides a demonstration of the Sultan’s military significance, featuring decorations from more than twenty nations.
Finding the Royal Regalia Museum
The Royal Regalia Museum is located in the heart of Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, on Jalan Sultan, just a hop, skip and jump away from the major intersection. As you might expect, admission is free. Opening hours are 9am-5pm, Sunday to Thursday, 9-11:30am and 2:30-5pm, Friday, and 9:45am-5pm, Saturday. No visitors are allowed in after 4:30pm. After all, you need at least half-an-hour to explore such an epic collection.
Note that, on entry, you’ll be requested to remove your shoes and leave your belongings at the entrance counter – including cameras. Photography isn’t allowed. So, don’t carry anything with you that you’re not willing to part with while you wander around, and don’t forget to wear your best socks!
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