The Istana Nurul Iman Palace, the grand residence of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, holds the title of the largest residential palace in the world.
Everything About Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a significant journey to Brunei and Singapore, aiming to bolster India’s relationships with Southeast Asian countries. His initial destination is Brunei, where he will dedicate two days to discussions with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who holds the title of the second-longest reigning monarch globally, following the late Queen Elizabeth II, is set to welcome the Prime Minister of India. Known for his opulent lifestyle and immense fortune, his wealth is estimated to be around $30 billion, a figure that once placed him at the pinnacle of the world’s richest individuals.
The Istana Nurul Iman Palace, his main residence, holds the title of the largest residential palace in the world as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Spanning more than 200,000 square meters, this magnificent structure boasts an impressive 1,700 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and five luxurious swimming pools. Completed in 1984 at a staggering cost of $1.4 billion, the palace also includes 110 garages to accommodate a fleet of vehicles.
Hassanal Bolkiah boasts an extraordinary automobile collection that is the envy of car enthusiasts everywhere. With more than 7,000 vehicles in his possession, his garage features a staggering 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys. Among his prized possessions are unique and bespoke cars, including a Rolls-Royce adorned in gold and a Ferrari 456 GT Venice, of which only seven exist globally. The total worth of this magnificent collection exceeds a jaw-dropping $5 billion.
The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah collection of private aircraft is nothing short of extraordinary. Among his impressive fleet are a Boeing 747-400, a Boeing 767-200, and an Airbus A340-200. The Boeing 747-400, often referred to as the “flying palace,” boasts opulent interiors adorned with gold accents and exquisite Lalique crystal. Rumor has it that this magnificent aircraft set him back approximately $400 million.
His impressive art collection boasts remarkable works, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s iconic 1892 painting ‘Young Girls At The Piano’, acquired for a staggering $70 million.
Renowned for his lavish lifestyle, Hassanal Bolkiah is said to splurge as much as $20,000 on a single haircut. He even brings his preferred barber all the way from London to Brunei for exclusive grooming appointments.
He successfully completed his studies at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, an esteemed institution renowned for its rigorous training and commitment to excellence in military education. Sandhurst has a long and storied history, having produced many of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished military leaders. It is particularly notable for its role in educating members of the British Royal Family, including Princes William and Harry, who have both undergone training there. The academy is not only a symbol of military tradition but also a place where leadership, discipline, and camaraderie are instilled in its cadets, preparing them for the challenges of military service and beyond.
In addition to his extravagant way of living, which often draws attention due to its opulence and lavishness, he has also made significant contributions to various charitable initiatives. His philanthropic efforts span a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community. Furthermore, he has taken an active role in advocating for reforms in governance, working tirelessly to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical practices within political systems. Through his involvement in these initiatives, he seeks to create a positive impact on society, balancing his personal lifestyle with a dedication to social responsibility and civic engagement.