🏛️ House of Twelve Roofs (Bubongan Duabelas) – Brunei’s Oldest Standing Residence

If you're into history, colonial architecture, or off-the-beaten-path museums, then Bubongan Duabelas, or House of Twelve Roofs, should be on your Brunei bucket list. Although I didn’t get the chance to visit during my trip, this spot left quite an impression on my research list—and it's definitely worth including in yours.

---

🏯 What is the House of Twelve Roofs?

As Brunei’s oldest surviving building, this historic residence now serves as a museum dedicated to the deep diplomatic and historical ties between Brunei and the United Kingdom. Its name comes from its distinctive twelve-roof design, a traditional yet unique architectural detail that makes it stand out.

Inside, the museum houses:

• 👑 Photographs of Queen Elizabeth II
• 📜 Exhibits about the Brunei-UK relationship
• 🏛️ Artifacts and colonial-era memorabilia

🕰️ It’s a quiet space rich in symbolism, political history, and architectural beauty.

---

👻 Haunted History: WWII Swimming Pool

As with many places in Southeast Asia, the House of Twelve Roofs bears haunting traces of World War II. In its backyard lies an old swimming pool, rumored to be the execution site of Japanese soldiers during the war. Locals believe it's haunted, adding a chilling layer to the property’s serene façade.

---

📍 How to Get There

• 📍 Address: Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
• 🚕 Located 1.5 km southeast of Sungai Kianggeh, on the road toward Brunei Museum
• 🏞️ Perched on a hilltop, it offers a dominating view of the river and the town below.

---

🕒 Opening Hours

Day	Time
Mon–Thu	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday	2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Sunday	Closed

📞 Phone: +673-224-4545
💰 Entrance Fee: Free (as of latest records)

---

🧭 Travel Tips

✅ Combine with a visit to Brunei Museum (same direction)
✅ Best visited in the morning for cooler weather and fewer visitors
✅ Bring water—hilltop location means a bit of a walk if you're not taking a taxi
✅ Respect signs and restricted areas—it’s still a formal residence museum
✅ Ask the staff about the WWII pool legend—they may share stories not in the books

---

📣 Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, House of Twelve Roofs offers a rare glimpse into Brunei’s royal and colonial past. Make time to visit—you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the sultanate’s story, and maybe a chill from the haunting echoes of history.