Within The World's Biggest Palace, Which PM Modi Will Visit While in Brunei

During his two days in Brunei, PM Modi will meet Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in the formal palace of the Sultan, Istana Nurul Iman Palace.

For the first time, an Indian prime minister is visiting Brunei, where he will spend two days. PM Modi will meet Brunei's monarch, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, at the latter's formal palace, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, during his visit to the country in Southeast Asia.

The world's biggest residential palace, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, is situated close to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, and is officially recognized by Guinness World Records. It has 257 bathrooms, 1,788 rooms, and 44 staircases composed of 38 different types of marble.

Past Events

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ordered Istana Nurul Iman, which means "Palace of the Light of Faith," in 1981. At an estimated cost of $1.4 billion, the building was finished by 1984, just before Brunei gained its independence from British domination. The palace was created by Filipino architect Leonardo Locsin with the goal of representing the nation's emerging modernity.

Features

With a massive 2,00,000 square meter footprint, it is the world's biggest residential palace. In addition to having 257 bathrooms and 1,788 rooms, it also boasts a function hall that can accommodate 5,000 people. In addition, the palace has five swimming pools, 110 parking spaces, an air-conditioned stable with 200 polo horses, and a mosque with capacity for 1,500 worshipers. 38 different varieties of marble are used to build the palace's 44 stairs.

Style of Architecture

The architectural style of the palace combines Malay customs with Islamic culture from Brunei. Golden domes adorn the imposing white facade, with a central dome adorned with 22 carat gold. Marble and gold accents grace the inside, which was created by Khuan Chew, who was also involved in the design of Dubai's Burj Al Arab.

The 28th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting was conducted virtually from this magnificent site, among the many events it has hosted.

The biggest residential palace in the world, Istana Nurul Iman, is not the most costly. London's Buckingham Palace, estimated to be worth $2.9 billion, has that distinction.