3 pm: Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Brunei is truly a country of magnificent mosques. Even in the countryside, the mosque is the centrepiece of the village or town. But the grandeur of the Jame Asr Mosque in the heart of the capital leaves you humbled. The huge dome and tops of the minarets are plated with pure gold, that gleam in the afternoon sun.

The grand white marble stairs lead to the male prayer hall. There are five fountains in the mosque symbolising the five pillars of Islam.

The male prayer hall is an impressive 60,000 square feet, centrally air-conditioned and can accommodate 3,500 people. At the center of the hall is a huge chandelier at least 30 feet in diameter, suspended from a decorated dome. The chandelier is made of 24-carat gold and plated with high quality Strass crystal glass from Austria. The female prayer hall is smaller, but equally impressive and can accommodate 1,500 people.

The mosque is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and lovely fountains.

Image: The Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque in the heart of Bandar Seri Bagewan has domes and minarets of gold