Though smaller than states like Sikkim and Tripura in India, Brunei is strategically placed on the island of Borneo; its Sultan's enormous wealth and extravagant lifestyle have drawn notice on multiple occasions.
The house of Brunei's Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, known as "Istana Nurul Iman," will be unlike any other head of state's residence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited throughout his time in office. With 1,700 rooms, a 22-carat gold dome, and a 2 million square foot footprint, the largest palace in the world is the pinnacle of opulence.
Situated strategically on the island of Borneo, Brunei is smaller than Indian states like Sikkim and Tripura, but it has garnered attention time and time again due to its Sultan's enormous wealth and extravagant lifestyle.
Bolkiah, the second-longest reigning king in history after Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, is rumored to have a $30 billion net worth. Brunei has abundant natural gas and oil reserves.
At an estimated $5 billion, Bolkiah's collection of private cars is the most eye-catching feature of his opulent lifestyle. A gold-coated Rolls Royce, almost 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys are among the collection's vehicles.
In one of his 200 garages, he has not only opulent cars but also rare gems like a Lamborghini Urraco, a Ferrari 456 GT Venice (one of only seven in the world), and a Porsche 959 that are displayed with pride.
It was reported in the 1990s that half of all Rolls Royce car sales worldwide were made by the Sultan and his family.
Bolkiah is renowned for releasing his purse strings for even the most basic needs. In order to take care of his grooming demands, Bolkiah reportedly pays his chosen barber $20,000 to fly from London to Brunei.
The Sultan is quite proud of his incredible fleet of private aircraft, which includes an Airbus A340-200, a Boeing 747-400, and a Boeing 767-200. His most valuable asset, nevertheless, is the Boeing 747-400, often known as the "flying palace," which is gold-plated.
According to an article in the South China Morning Post, the interior of the airplane is decorated in gold and features pricey chandeliers that are adorned with Lalique crystals.
But the Istana Nurul Iman, with its 1,700 rooms, 250 baths, and five swimming pools, is the largest palace in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. There are gold washbasins in every room.
It's said that the Sultan, who loves horses too, built extra air-conditioned stables. In addition, he maintains a private zoo with 30 tigers and other rare bird species.
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