National Palace

The Federal Government then bought the palace in 1957, to be converted into the Istana Negara. Since then it had undergone several renovations and extensions. But the most extensive upgrading was carried out in 1980, as it was the first time that the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong was held at the Istana Negara. Prior to this the Installation Ceremonies were held at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

This majestic building is nestled within a serene and beautiful 11.34-hectare compound with a variety of plants and flowers, swimming pool and indoor badminton hall. It is located at Syed Putra Road right in the heart of the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The building has several halls for specific purposes such as the two main halls, the Throne Hall (Balairong Seri) and the Audience Hall (Dewan Mengadap) on the ground floor.

The whole area is fenced up and the Royal Insignia of His Majesty is placed on each steel bar between two pillars of the fence. At the front of the Istana Negara, there is the main entrance which resembles a beautiful arch. On each side of the arch, are two guard posts to shelter two members of the cavalry in their smart full dress uniform similar to the ones at Buckingham Palace, London.

Main Palace Entrance is a favourite picture spot for tourists. But the palace grounds are not opened to the public or tourists.

Here is quite a tourist attraction where tourist are all interested on the hoseback guards

We had one photo with one of them.

The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. It is located on a hillock at Jalan lstana, just outside the city centre.

It stands on a 28-acre (11 hectare) area. The Istana was originally a double storey mansion built in 1928 by a local Chinese millionaire, Chan Wing.

After the Japanese occupation, it served as a residence of the Sultan of Selangor until 1957, when the Federal Government acquired it for use as the official residence of our King after some major renovation and extension.

Balairong Seri is a hall located in the East Wing. It is only used for official and customary functions. It sometimes serves as a banquet hall.

The second hall on the 1st floor is the Dewan Mengadap where the King receives honored guests such as Head of States and foreign dignitaries.

There is also a 6 hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool and a lake in the far end of the ground.

While, Bilik Duta is where the King grants audience to the Prime Minister and also where honored guests are received. The Queen receives her guests at the Bilik Permaisuri while the Bilik Menteri is the rest room for guests.

The nearest LRT Station would be Pasar Seni. It is about 20 minutes walk from Pasar Seni Station to Istana Negara.

In the ground of the palace is a guard house for the body of household troops. The extensive grounds is enhanced by immaculate lawns and colorful gardens. Visitors can witness the changing of the guards daily.

INDEX : Kuala Lumpur City 4 September 2008 November 23, 2013 10:45:42 AM