Istana Negara

Istana Negara is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia, located along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim in Kuala Lumpur. Completed in 2011, it replaced the old Istana Negara on Jalan Istana. The palace complex covers 97.65 hectares with Islamic and Malay architectural elements, domes and a distinctive gold dome. It serves as the venue for official royal ceremonies and state functions.

Visitors cannot enter the palace interior as it is not open to the general public. Visits are limited to viewing and photographing the impressive main gates, golden domes, and the exterior facade from outside the perimeter. Visitors can observe the Royal Guard and the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the main entrance, see the royal insignia on the gates, and view the landscaped grounds and hillside setting from the roadside viewing area.

The new Istana Negara was constructed between 2007 and 2011 at a cost of RM 812 million to replace the old Istana Negara on Jalan Istana, which had served as the royal residence since 1957. It was officially occupied in November 2011 and first used for the installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2012. The old palace has since been converted into the Royal Museum.

Istana Negara is the symbol of the Malaysian constitutional monarchy and the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is elected among the nine Malay rulers. It hosts royal ceremonies, investitures, audiences with foreign dignitaries, and state functions, representing Malay royal traditions and Islamic heritage.