Humble Visit at Istana Negara Lama

Remember the wedding of the century last year between Prince William and Kate Middleton?

The world was so fascinated by it. Even the Malaysians glued to the television to watch the live telecast on the fateful day April 29, 2011. We are pretty hooked up with the royalty or even its scandals in UK, aren’t we?We even know the names, at least three or four family members of Queen Elizabeth II. What if we switch it up to our local Malaysian sultanate history and background, do we know them much? 

Your silence speaks for yourself.

Be a proud Malaysian by visiting Istana Negara Lama (the former official residence for the King) in conjunction with its Raja Kita (Our King) Exhibition which for the first time, the royal ground will be open up for public visit. 

I even took time off from my busy schedule to make a trip at Istana Lama. It was a very good experience indeed to learn about our Sultans and Kings in Malaysia and to boost your pride and love for this nation.

Stands along 13 acre, the palace was originally a double-storey mansion which called The Big House which owned by a local Chinese millionaire, Chan Wing in 1928.It served as the official residence for the Japanese Governor during Japanese occupation as well as the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor.

                                      

When Malaysia achieved its independence in 1957, the residence was converted to the official palace of the sovereign Yang di-Pertuan Agong ever since.

Only the Balairong Seri (the throne room) is open for public in which the King used for official and customary function. Yes, this is the hall which you watched in TV during the live telecast of the previous King installation ceremony, the oath taking ceremony of the new appointment of the new Prime Minister and new federal government. 

The exhibition also gives you the extensive information on 14 Kings who ruled Malaysia before. Really, reading each and every story of our former Kings and current King, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim has made me so humble.

Some of the official items and even personal items on display:

Kalung Diraja (Royal Necklace) and Gandik Diraja (Royal Diraja)of the current Queen

Royal Headgear (Solek Dendam Tak Sudah) - a black songket embroiled with gold thread)

The throne

Conferment medals

The kissing of the Keris is one of the customary at the installation of the King

The Royal Oath

The driving licenses of current Queen

Visiting information:

• Open from 9 am to 5 pm
• Admission fee: RM 2 for Malaysians and RM 5 for Foreigners
• Address: Istana Negara Lama, Jalan Istana, 50566 Kuala Lumpur

Please note the exhibition only  until 31 December 2012. Hopefully, it will be extended.