Mosques of Borneo – but where is this island? Borneo Island is the third-largest island in the world and is divided among three countries: the Sultanate of Brunei, Malaysia (states of Sabah and Sarawak), and the largest area (73%) is Kalimantan which is part of Indonesia.
While the island is more known for its tropical rainforests and wildlife (and destruction thereof), Borneo is lesser known for the incredible architecture of its religious buildings, particularly in Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei).
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of East Malaysia’s state of Sabah located on the northern side of Borneo Island. Kota Kinabalu’s two most impressive mosques are the City Mosque (completed in 2000) and the older Sabah State Mosque (1974).
Kota Kinabalu’s City Mosque on Likas Bay is based on the design of the Nabawi Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Surrounded by a man-made lagoon, it has the nickname of “The Floating Mosque”.
Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city of the Sultanate of Brunei, bounded by the state of Sarawak and Brunei Bay. The city is known for two impressive mosques: the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque (1958), and the Jame A
The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in Asia, and even in the world. It is a fusion of Mughal architecture and Italian styles and features a very impressive golden dome, an interior of Italian marble walls, granite from China, crystal chandeliers from England, and some of the most beautiful carpets from Saudi Arabia.
The next few photos are of the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the sultan’s reign, this is the largest mosque in Brunei. It is locally referred to as the Kiarong Mosque.
While the architecture is impressive, Borneo has much to offer travellers such as the rain forest, wildlife, idyllic islands with great diving, and interesting culture with good food.
Both Kota Kinabalu and Bandar Seri Begawan can easily be reached via major Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong, as well as by flights from selected European and Middle Eastern cities. The major mosques are all located in the cities. To get into the country-side and jungle, take a domestic flight, rent a car with or without a driver, or take public buses.
☛ Read more: Orangutans of Borneo & Sumatra
☛ Read more: Sabah – Malaysia’s Untamed State on Borneo Island
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.