Sites : Old National Palace, Malaysia

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Sites : Old National Palace, Malaysia

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FORMER NATIONAL PALACE (ISTANA NEGARA LAMA)

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - February,2013

During one of our bike rides (... see Lost Again! Even More Lost blog), we had the opportunity to visit the Istana Negara Lama (the former National Palace of Malaysia). This palace was where HRM the Yang di-Pereutan Agung (Supreme King) of Malaysia used to reside. A new palace has been built, so this old one has been turned into a museum of sorts for all to view and was opened to the public on 1st February 2013. It's not everyday that one gets to see a palace, so here we go...

Entrance to the palace is through this front gate, located at the junction of Jalan Istana & Jalan Syed Putra. As one enters, there is former guard-house that has been converted into a ticket counter. Get your tickets here.

The actual entrance for visitors is through this arch portico beside the main gate.

Then take short walk up this tiled driveway. There are two sections to be viewed; the palace building and the museum annex.

A. THE PALACE BUILDING

The palace building is a double storey structure with two low tower situated almost at the two ends of the building. It was built in 1928 by Chan Wing, a local Chinese millionaire.

Each of the low towers is topped up with a yellow dome.

Front view of the left domed tower, with a gourd fountain in front.

And on top of each dome, a ventilator shaped like a regal crown.

At the front centre is a porch topped up with a smaller dome.

Side view of the front entrance porche, a nice chandelier can be seen hanging from the ceiling.

The front entrance arch door.

Antique lampposts line the driveway.
No photos are allowed inside the Palace building, so no teasers to show you all.
See this site for photos of the inside - FaceBook - Old Istana Negara

B. THE MUSEUM

The museum is housed in an annex to the left of the palace building. You are required to take off your shoes before entering the museum, oddly a plastic bag is giving to put the shoes in. One have to carry the shoes around as the exit is at another side. Sigh!

The entrance foyer inside the museum. No wonder, shoes are not allowed, the floors are covered with rich carpeting.

Right next to the entrance - a write up on the present Agung.

Malaysia comprises of thirteen states, eleven of which have their own sultans (kings). The Agung is the supreme king of Malaysia is selected during the Conference of Rulers, by a panel of his own peers- the rest of the sultans He reigns for five years, and then the sultans confer again to select the next Agung.

One of HRH official costume.

HRH Permaisuri Agong's (Queen's) costume.

The Queen's royal tiara.

Royal necklace of the Queen.

The King is also the Chancellor of the Insaniah University in Alor Setar, Kedah.
This is the HRH's official chancellor's attire.

The Perak Royal Order.

The "Tengkolok" - the King's Royal Headgear.

The "Muskat" - the King's official ceremonial attire.

Replica of the King's and Queen's throne.

A photo of HRHs, the King & Queen on their thrones.

The Royal Short Keris & Royal Long Keris.

Close-up of the Royal Long Keris.

Close-up of the Royal Short Keris.

Photo of the HRHs the King & Queen officiating the commencement of a Parliament of Malaysia session.

The official functions of HRH the King.

The Royal Seal of the King.

Photo of the new Istana Negara - the new official residence of the Agung.

The Istana Negara Lama (Former Royal Palace of Malaysia)

Address : Jalan Istana / Jalan Syed Putra,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
GPS : 3.134174, 101.696704

Face Book Page : The Old Istana Negara

Hours : 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Everyday)
Admission Fees :
Locals - RM5-00 (Adults), RM2-00 (Children 6-12 years old)
Foreigners - RM10-00 (Adults), RM5-00 (Children 6-12 years old)