Thursday 9 May 2013

Brunei Holidays : Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
The golden-domed mosque is Brunei's proudest architectural achievement. 
Ranked #2 of 19 Brunei Holidays -Tourist attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei
“One of the many impressive buildings in BSB”, It doesn't matter from which direction you look at this Mosque, it is impressive. Situated close to the waterfront of BSB the Mosque stands on spacious grounds; on these grounds, next to it, a large pond is laid out, with in the middle resides a large stone construction, resembling a large ornate ship. You can enter this construction through a gated jetty, luckily the gate was open, so we could explore this ship. Regarding the Mosque, non-Muslims may enter the Mosque en step onto a restricted area, where you can marvel at the spaciousness and splendor of the Mosque. Women have to dress in a long, ankle-reaching coat of course, provided for at the entrance and taking off your shoes is of course mandatory. Furthermore, non-Muslims should be aware that visiting times differ. Friday of course, entrance of the Mosque is restricted to Muslims only; Saturday and Sunday have also restrictions. The best days for a visit is Monday to Thursday. But the visit is worthwhile. To be recommended.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque  Brunei sightseeing, 
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
For me this inspiring pieces of architecture was a constant source of photo opotunities, every times I walked pass it I wanted to pull out my camera and take another dozen photos. For me the most impressive side of the mosque was looking back across the lagoon which showcases a replica royal boat and if you are luck a large...
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
This is one of the first places we went to on our trip around the capital city of Brunei. This Islamic mosque is a beautiful addition to the skyline of this wonderful city. Built in 1958 by the sultan at the time, the mosque is well maintained and peaceful as it is surrounded on all sides by an artificial lagoon and gardens. 

The mosque at most times is somewhat accessible to tourists. Only the main hall and one of the hallways allows visitors to freely explore. The other parts of the mosque are reserved for prayer. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and sign in. They are asked to refrain from wandering off the carpet reserved for visitors and robes are provided for those who are not appropriately dressed. The staff who oversee visitors are friendly and welcoming. 

The inside of the mosque is impressive with its use of marble, stained glass, granite, fine rugs and crystal chandeliers, although arguably the most attractive feature is the main dome, seen from outside, which is made of pure gold. 

This mosque is also one of the most accessible attractions in the city of Bandar itself, as it is centrally located near plenty of restaurants, the bus station and an entrance to the water village. Other attractions in this city such as the royal palace and other mosques are more restricted to tourists. 

Overall this mosque is a must see, it is a beautiful location to take pictures during the day and it is wonderfully lit at night.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
This mosque is one of the main sights in BSB. Set by a small lake, the mosque grounds are peaceful and a nice place to sit and contemplate. The mosque staff are welcoming and warm.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
This structure screams opulence. Located near Yayasan mall, this huge structure symbolizes deep faith of Muslim faithful. A must see structure when you visit Brunei.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
Easy to visit, central situation.. nice gardens. I don't know inside, closed that day for tourist people
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
Beautiful! An interesting visit. Very peaceful. It was hot hot hot. Do respect the covering up and taking your shoes off
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
This is a very beautiful mosque, centrally located and it gave so many possibilities to take pictures. During sunlight the dome was shining and white walls looked so warm and beautiful. In the evening there were many lights and reflections from the lake. Very nice and relaxing place. Next to this mosque starts watervillage and even those "ugly" waterhouses can't hide the glory of this mosque. 
We also visited inside area (we were given big robes to cover us - women). Visiting mosque and inside area is for free. When the prayer for men starts, women have to leave the mosque, but when it's not prayer time, you can easily walk around mosque and if wanted to - go inside (no picture taking inside).
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
An excellent specimen of architecture. Especially magnificent at sunset. Please observe decent dressing when entering the outer area of the mosque.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
It is just an amazing building to look at, a very peaceful setting too with the surrounding water. Very close to the center of town.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
most photogenic place in BSB city center. Inside not for all - we was at Friday and just started Ramadan, but outside very nice.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
Didn't venture inside this mosque but walked passed it regularly on our stay in Brunei as it was just near our hotel. Stunning to look at and lit up at night.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
I didn't go inside but walking around the perimeter it looked stunning, lovely spot to go and see and well maintained as you'd expect!
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
Eventhough it's not big in size, it has a beautiful classic design that imprint in one's memory easily. Its located in the middle of the Capital town so it's perfect for photo taking.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
This is a reasonably nice building, with good views from across the lake, and on the boat. Non Muslims are allowed in at certain times. It’s worth half an hour to walk around it. We couldn’t be bothered to wait for it to open up, so can’t comment on the inside.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
a guided tour will be fantastic if you really want to know about ones country. But as a backpacker, I recommend you to come here at night time and don't forget your camera. The architecture and background is simply stunning for photography.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
Beautiful mosque & boat. Visitors are no longer allowed to go all the way into the mosque, but you get a good view in the areas you're allowed. Make sure you get to the boat even if the gate is locked; they'll open it for you.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
The aya sofia or blue mosque of istanbul this is not, but nonetheless it is a Beautiful mosque in the heart of bandar - the outside grounds of the mosque are just as impressive, if not more so than the inside. Women have to wear one of the provided robes, but no need for head scarf which surprised me, and...
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
It was a Friday and a religious holiday so unable to enter the mosque, but took great photos of mosque, the surrounding moat, the boat on the moat, and the Muslim faithful on their way to prayer
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
Beautiful especially at sunset. Put on a robe and check out the interior as well! Unfortunately you can't take pictures inside. Make sure to walk around the exterior and view the mosque from across the lagoon.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
On the face of it, this is a mosque which is painted all white and has gold domes = so one could say it's nothing spercial. But it is right in the centre of town and is quite dominant. especially with the setting of a small, man-made lake around 3/4s of the area. Very impressive and well worth a visit.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
The setting of this mosque is very impressive with a huge reflecting pool with a replica boat in it. Women need the full black robe treatment just to get in. But the marble floors are completely covered by carpets, and visitors are restricted to the main entry area and cannot just wander around, so your visit will be pretty short!
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
Although it is only 1 day before the King's birthday, theoretically, it is closed for tourist. However, the staff is very kind, he still let us in to see the interior. Of course, women in black aba but scarf is not necessary. 
Besides the interior, the exterior is also pretty enough, a colorful stone boat, you can get in which has a nice angle to take the picture of mosque. A big white pond shows the grandeur of the place.
Photos of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan
Verry impressive combination of marble, gold and whiteness. Looks more impressive from between the two main shopping centre buildings in the centre of town.

This photo of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is courtesy of TripAdvisor

source :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293938-d317479-Reviews-or20-Omar_Ali_Saifuddin_Mosque-Bandar_Seri_Begawan_Brunei_Muara_District.html#REVIEWS

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