This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
A visit to the Royal Regalia Museum is on most “things to do in Brunei” lists, and yet most descriptions sell it way short. From everything I had read and heard, I thought this museum was just a collection of gifts given to Sultan by foreign dignitaries (and it certainly has plenty of those). But it’s so much more than that.
On my visit, it quickly became clear that the museum is much more than just a storage space for political tokens; it’s a tribute to the Sultan of Brunei and an introduction to the country’s contemporary history.
As you wander through the museum’s seemingly endless displays, you will learn about the sultan and his family, ogle precious royal regalia (no surprise there), and go on a journey through Brunei’s quest for independence in the 1980s.
Read on to learn why the Royal Regalia Museum is a must-visit when you go to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. I’d even make it a first stop so you have context for the rest of your trip.
A Grand Entrance
The Royal Regalia Museum welcomes you with a grand marble hall filled with repeating patterns of various royal objects including shields, spears, parasols, and a chariot. It’s immediate high drama, and you know you are in for a royal treat.
The building was originally completed in 1970 as the Churchill Memorial Building, but was renovated and reopened as a museum in September 1992, to coincide with the Sultan’s Silver Jubilee (25 years on the throne).
There is a supposed giftshop at the very end of the exhibits, on the opposite end of the hall from the entrance. But it’s more of a counter with a few leaflets and perhaps some objects for purchase.
Exploring the Sultan’s Ancestry
The museum experience starts with an exploration of the Sultan’s lineage, tracing the roots of a family that has been central to Brunei’s identity. If you know nothing about the royal family when you arrive, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge.
The story of the Sultan of Brunei from childhood to coronation any beyond unfolds in the first exhibit. You’ll peruse family trees and ancestral portraits of the Sultanate over the years—with a particular focus on the coming of age of the current Sultan.
His official name, you’ll learn, is a quite a mouthful: His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
There is a special high-security, no photos allowed, room with important very shiny gold royal objects, and a replica of the throne. There is a serious guard posted there to make sure there is no funny business.
Then you’ll learn about the Sultan’s military background (in the British Army) and his skill in a variety of sports.
You will emerge from the family history into the hall with the bulk of the gifts from foreign dignitaries (finally!). There is an impressive variety of souvenirs, from a humble bag of coffee to a silver and gold replica of a grand mosque.
The Sultan’s Legacy: Beyond Diplomatic Gifts
And just when you think you are done, you come across a magnificent gilded chariot!
“What is this thing?” you ask. Indeed, you have stumbled across the Silver Jubilee Gallery, which displays a mini-recreation of the October 1992 25th anniversary (aka Silver Jubilee) of the Sultan’s ascension to the throne.
Take a wander alongside the members of the royal procession in full regalia, or plant yourself in the adoring crowd.
But you’re not done! There’s a mini-replica of Pemajangan, the same decorative structure you will see when you swing by the entrance of Istana Nurul Iman, the royal palace.
Just past the Pemajangan you get to perhaps my favorite part: the miniature model of the royal banquet hall. It’s so unassuming, you might just miss it. But I love a good model.
There is also a gallery of photos of all the dignitaries who attended the Silver Jubilee ceremony. I admit I was surprised to see so many ladies with their heads uncovered (except for tiaras!), but perhaps things were a little less strict back then.
A Glimpse into Brunei’s Modern History
If you still have energy after winding through the Silver Jubilee procession, there is a lot more information to absorb on Brunei’s modern history, tucked in the back of the museum. The main focus of this section is on Brunei’s independence from Britain and beyond.
From political reforms to social developments, this section chronicles the transformation of a nation, describing all the developments in governance, economy, religion, and international relations under the Sultan’s guidance. It’s basically a crash course in understanding Brunei.
Did you know (aka things I learned at the museum):
- Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888.
- At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 1984 Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah proclaimed independence from Britain. The new administration was established as a ministerial government.
- The Sultan declared the enforcement of the Syariah Penal Code in April 2014.
- In 2004, the Sultan established a Council to develop a national vision, which was launched as Wawasan Brunei 2035. It aims to “transform Brunei Darussalam by 2035 into a nation that is recognized for (i) its highly educated, skilled and accomplished people as measured by the highest international standards; (ii) its quality of life among the top ten countries in the UN’s Human Development Index; and (iii) its dynamic and sustainable economy, to be among the top ten countries in the world in terms of per capita income.” Those are some SMART goals!
- Brunei remains a member of the British Commonwealth. It is also a member of the UN, ASEAN, OIC, Commonwealth of Nations, and APEC.
This section is definitely worth checking out to get a good sense of Brunei’s past, present, and future.
Planning Your Visit
A visit to the museum should be on your must-see list early in your visit to Bandar Seri Begawan, as it arms you with valuable context about this relatively new nation.
Museum Hours
The museum is open 9am-5pm every day of the week except Friday. Last entry is at 4:30pm.
We easily spent two hours in the museum. You can do it a lot faster if you don’t plan to read all the history stuff.
Museum Cost
The museum is free for Brunei residents, but the rest of us have to pay a nominal BND$5 for adults and BND$2 for children. They only accept cash, so plan accordingly.
Museum Rules
You have to wander the museum barefoot (or with socks), so leave your shoes at the door.
You cannot bring in bags, or food or drink. They have plenty of lockers at the entrance for you to store your stuff.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Regalia Museum is not just a cultural attraction for tourists visiting Brunei; it is a key to understanding the evolution of modern Brunei and the heart of its people.
Overall, my visit to this museum enriched my appreciation for Brunei’s heritage. It presents a portrait of a country proudly rooted in tradition yet striving for modernity.
For anyone seeking to grasp the essence of Brunei’s recent past, this museum is an invaluable resource and a highlight of a visit to Brunei. Make it one of your first stops in Bandar Seri Begawan!
Looking for other things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan? Check out 13 Fun Things to Do in Bandar Seri Bagawan.
