Istana Negara: A Magnificent Royal Palace
Istana Negara is a splendid royal palace located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It stands majestically on the Bukit Petaling hill and spreads over 28 acres with views of the scenic Klang River and the bustling area of Jalan Syed Putra. It is the official residence of the Malaysian royal family, his majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the title of the monarchy. The present king of Malaysia Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin was coroneted in 2007. Malaysia has a unique system of monarchy, where members of the royal family take turns in periods of five years to rule the country. This agreement came into place during its independence in 1957 where there were 9 royal families existing. The current king, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is the 13th such leader under this agreement.
Originally the palace was an extravagant mansion of a Chinese businessman Chan Wing who built it as his primary place of residence in 1928. Since then it has had many owners including the Japanese Governor during the Japanese Occupation from 1942-1945 and the British Military Administration who used it as their offices. After Malaysia gained independence the Selangor State Government rented it as the official residence of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor. However, it changed hands again for the last time in 1957 when it was bought by the Federal Government in lieu of the official residence of his majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Various installation ceremonies have also taken place at this palace which has undergone significant remodeling from its original design.
When visitors approach the gates of the royal palace, they can see the royal insignia of the Agung etched into the gates. Picturesque landscaped gardens are visible in the palace compound along with the royal flagpole as royal horse guards and standing guards stand watch over the residence. There are two wings in the palace. The east wing houses the throne room which is used for official functions, installation ceremonies, ceremonies of oath by members of government and is also used as a banquet hall. The west wing holds the Conference of Rulers at the Bilik Mesyuarat Raja-Raja room. Another sight to behold is the changing of the guards which happens every day, a tradition from the time Malaysia was a part of the British Empire.
Visitors looking for accommodation in a Kuala Lumpur hotel can find luxury accommodation at the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur. This hotel part of the Bukit Bintang hotels is conveniently located in the Golden Triangle district of Kuala Lumpur which is home to many businesses and shopping destinations alike.
Originally the palace was an extravagant mansion of a Chinese businessman Chan Wing who built it as his primary place of residence in 1928. Since then it has had many owners including the Japanese Governor during the Japanese Occupation from 1942-1945 and the British Military Administration who used it as their offices. After Malaysia gained independence the Selangor State Government rented it as the official residence of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor. However, it changed hands again for the last time in 1957 when it was bought by the Federal Government in lieu of the official residence of his majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Various installation ceremonies have also taken place at this palace which has undergone significant remodeling from its original design.
When visitors approach the gates of the royal palace, they can see the royal insignia of the Agung etched into the gates. Picturesque landscaped gardens are visible in the palace compound along with the royal flagpole as royal horse guards and standing guards stand watch over the residence. There are two wings in the palace. The east wing houses the throne room which is used for official functions, installation ceremonies, ceremonies of oath by members of government and is also used as a banquet hall. The west wing holds the Conference of Rulers at the Bilik Mesyuarat Raja-Raja room. Another sight to behold is the changing of the guards which happens every day, a tradition from the time Malaysia was a part of the British Empire.
Visitors looking for accommodation in a Kuala Lumpur hotel can find luxury accommodation at the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur. This hotel part of the Bukit Bintang hotels is conveniently located in the Golden Triangle district of Kuala Lumpur which is home to many businesses and shopping destinations alike.
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