List of palaces in Malaysia

Last updated July 29, 2025

Official palaces of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Istana Negara (Jalan Istana) – Former royal residence of the King of Malaysia (old palace), Kuala Lumpur (currently served as Royal Museum of Malaysia)
Istana Negara (Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim) – Royal residence of the King of Malaysia (grand palace), Kuala Lumpur ^[1]
Istana Melawati – Second national palace of Malaysia (southern palace), located in the centre of Presint 1 Putrajaya ^[2]

Istana Hinggap

Istana Hinggap can be categorized into two types. First, there are the city palaces located in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur. It functions as the royal residence for the respective Sultans, Raja or Yang di-Pertuan Besar in Kuala Lumpur. There are nine Istana Hinggap built respectively for the nine Kings of Malaysia. Second, there are the temporary/leisure palaces when the Sultan, Raja or Yang di-Pertuan Besar goes to visit their territory inside/outside their own state. Some of them even have Istana Hinggap outside Malaysia.

Istana Hinggap Perlis – Raja of Perlis palace at Jalan Eaton
Istana Hinggap Kedah – Sultan of Kedah palace at Jalan Kedah
Istana Hinggap Perak – Sultan of Perak palace at Jalan Persekutuan,
Istana Hinggap Selangor – Sultan of Selangor palace at Jalan Sultan Salahuddin
Istana Hinggap Negeri Sembilan – Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan palace at Jalan Persekutuan
Istana Hinggap Johor – Sultan of Johor palace at Jalan Persekutuan
Istana Hinggap Pahang – Sultan of Pahang palace at Bukit Kewangan
Istana Hinggap Terengganu – Sultan of Terengganu palace at Jalan Tun Razak
Istana Hinggap Kelantan – Sultan of Kelantan palace at Jalan Wickham

List of Istana for the constituent states

Perlis

Istana Arau – Official palace for the Raja of Perlis. This palace was built in 1905 during the reign of Tuanku Raja Syed Alwi Jamalullail.
Istana Fauzana – The Raja of Perlis' residential palace in Kangar
Istana Kenangan Indah – located in Repoh. Previously official residence of the late Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail and his consort. After Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail died and Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail take the throne, this palace has become the official palace for YMM Raja Perempuan Besar Perlis.

Kedah

Istana Anak Bukit – Official palace for the Sultan of Kedah.
Balai Besar – Located in Alor Setar facing Masjid Zahir (Zahir Mosque). This palace was built in 1735 was almost destroyed twice in 1770 (attacked by Siamese army) and 1821 (attacked by Bugis army). The palace is supported by 42 main pillars now serves as Kedah Royal Museum.
Istana Kuning – Old residential palace for the Sultan of Kedah.
Istana Pelamin – Or Istana Kota Setar. Currently the Kedah Royal Museum. Built in 1732 by Y.A.M. Duli Yang Maha Mulia Almarhum Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah.
Istana Bukit Malut – Royal Palace located in Langkawi Island, Kedah.
Istana Kuala Chegar – Built in 1920 by Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (1882 – 1943).
Istana Seri Pelangi – Located at Jalan Tunku bendahara, Alor Setar. Currently the widow of DYMM Amarhum Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah, DYMM Che Puan Besar Kedah, (formerly known as Sultanah Haminah) reside here.
Istana Sepachendera – Built in 1882 by Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (1882 – 1943) for his wife, Che Sepachendera.
Istana Nur Iman - located at Jalan Lumba Kuda.
Istana Kesuma - Official royal residence of the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Kedah.
Istana Lubuk Pusing - Build by Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, destroyed during the second World war.
Istana Pumpong - Built by Tunku Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince of Kedah during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid and was demolished in the 70s.

Pulau Pinang

Seri Mutiara Archived 2019-08-11 at the Wayback Machine – The official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Penang. This palace was built in 1890
Istana Kedah – Palace owned by the Sultan of Kedah in Pulau Pinang

Perak

Istana Cempaka Sari – Residential palace of Sultan Nazrin in Ipoh Sultan Nazrin Muizuddin Shah ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah
Istana Hulu – The palace, designed with a mixture of Western neo-classical and Islamic styles, was built in 1903 for the 28th Sultan of Perak.
Istana Iskandariah – The official residence of all the Sultans of Perak who have been installed since its completion in 1933. The palace is named after Sultan Iskandar Shah (1918–1938) who initiated its construction.
Istana Idrisiah – Or Istana Idris or Istana Negara Perak built by Sultan Idris Murshidul Aadzam Shah ibni al-Marhum Raja Bendahara Alang Iskandar in 1895. In 1931 the palace was demolished to give way for the construction of the new Istana Iskandariah.
Istana Kenangan – The Perak Royal Museum was built as a royal residence in 1926. It is an amazing architecture which was built from woods without a single nail.
Istana Kinta – Royal palace in Ipoh, Perak
Istana Raja Muda – Official palace for Crown Prince of Perak in Ipoh. Current Raja Muda of Perak is Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar ibni Almarhum Raja Muda Musa
Istana Raja Muda Lama – The former official residence for Crown Prince of Perak in Teluk Intan. It was built in 1922 for Almarhum Raja Muda Abdul Aziz (later become Sultan Abdul Aziz). The palace was abandoned in 1988 when DYTM Raja Muda Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah moved to Istana Tetamu in Ipoh
Istana Raja Di Hilir – Raja Di Hilir is the second in line for Perak's throne after the Raja Muda. Current Raja Di Hilir is Duli Yang Amat Mulia Raja Di-Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Iskandar Al-Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah II Afifurlah who also the son-in-law of the late Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah.
Istana Billah -
Kellie's Castle was meant to be a home away from home for Scottish Planter, William Kellie Smith in the 19th century in Batu Gajah.
Istana Riswin - residence of the Crown Princess of Perak, Raja Nazhatul Shima.
Istana Firuz - residence of the Raja Di Hilir of Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Ibni Sultan Idris Iskandar Al- Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah II Afifurlah.

Selangor

Istana Alam Shah – The Sultan of Selangor's official palace in Klang
Istana Bandar – A big palace made of wood and marble built for the fifth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Alauddin Sulaiman. This palace is also known as Istana Temasya.
Istana Bukit Kayangan – The Sultan of Selangor's state palace in Shah Alam
Istana Darul Ehsan – Royal palace in Putrajaya
Istana Mestika – The official residence of the crown prince of Selangor, also in Shah Alam
Istana Mahkota Puri – Built in 1899 in Klang. This palace has been demolished to make way for the building of the new Istana Alam Shah.
Istana Pantai Bahagia – Resting palace of Sultan Selangor in Morib
Istana Jemaah – Currently serves as school (Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah) located in Klang not far from Istana Alam Shah. This palace is named after the Queen of Selangor who was also the second Raja Permaisuri Agong (Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tengku Ampuan Jemaah.

Negeri Sembilan

Istana Seri Menanti (royal museum) SeriMenanti.jpg — Istana Seri Menanti (royal museum)

Istana Ampang Tinggi – Was commissioned by the 5th Yamtuan of Negri Sembilan, Yamtuan Ulin Ibni Almarhum Yamtuan Hitam. The palace was built between 1865 and 1870 at Ampang Tinggi ("High Dam") in Kuala Pilah
Istana Sri Menanti – Istana Seri Menanti was the official residence of the Negeri Sembilan royal family until 1931 and was turned into a Royal Museum in 1992
Istana Besar Seri Menanti – Official Palace for Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
Istana Hinggap Seremban – Residential palace of Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan in Seremban
Istana Baroh – Located in Seri Menanti
Istana Salatin – Currently the residential palace for Tuanku Tunku Ampuan Najihah binti Almarhum Tunku Besar Burhanuddin

Melaka

Istana Melaka – the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Melaka in Bukit Beruang
Seri Melaka – built in the 17th century. Currently functioning as Muzium Tuan Yang Terutama since 1996 Muzium Tuan Yang Terutama
Istana Kesultanan Melaka – Malacca royal museum. The current palace is smaller replica of the original palace.

Johor

Istana Besar – A royal palace of the Sultan of Johor which is located in Johor Bahru. The palace is opened to public as Royal Museum of Johor but will be closed for public during royal events.
Istana Bukit Serene – The Sultan of Johor's palace in Bukit Serene, Johor built in 1933 and completed in 1939. The palace has a tower of 35 meters height facing Danga Bay.
Istana Bukit Pelangi – The royal palace of the Tunku Mahkota (crown prince) of Johor
Istana Pasir Pelangi – The royal palace of the Royal Family of Johor
Istana Tanjong – Resting palace of the Sultan of Johor which is located in Muar
Istana Hinggap – Resting palace of the Sultan of Johor which is located in Segamat
Istana Flintstones – Resting palace of the Sultan of Johor which is located in Mersing
Istana Sri Lambak – Resting palace of the Sultan of Johor which is located in Kluang

Pahang

Istana Abu Bakar – The Sultan of Pahang's official Palace in Pekan
Istana Abdul Aziz – Official palace for Crown Prince of Pahang, KDYTM Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Abdullah Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah dan KDYTM Tengku Puan Pahang. the name of the palace is derived from combination of Tengku Abdullah (crown prince of Pahang) and Tunku Azizah (crown princess of Pahang)
Istana Mahkota – Located at Jalan Telok Cempedak, Kuantan
Istana Mangga Tunggal – Built in 1920 during the reign of Sultan Abdullah Al-Mu’tassim Billah. the palace is named after a single mango tree that grow in the palace compound.
Istana Sri Angkasa -Royal palace in Cameron Highlands
Istana Sri Udara – Royal palace in “Bandar Ikan Patin” Temerloh
Istana Leban Tunggal – Completed in 1937, this palace is owned by Almarhum YAM Tengku Besar Pahang II, Tengku Sulaiman ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Al-Mu’azzam Shah. currently the public library at Pekan
Istana Kota Beram – Currently royal museum of Pahang
Istana Hinggap Kuala Lipis – Previously the residence for British officer since 1926. In 1948 it is converted into official residence for Menteri Besar of Pahang. In 1955 the residence is converted into a palace.
Istana Melati – Built in 1966 in Kampung Mengkasar, Pekan for YH Dato’ Maria Menado who at that time the wife of Al-Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abdullah Al-Mu’tasim Billah. The palace was built to replace Balai Gambang

Terengganu

Istana Badariah – Royal palace built in 1940 by Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Shah. This palace also functioned as the Renca-Consol during Japanese occupation in Malaya.
Istana Maziah – It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin Ill in Terengganu. It was built in 1897 to replace the Istana Hijau. This palace is located at Bukit Puteri
Istana Nur Nadhirah – Palace for the Crown Prince of Terengganu Istana Nur Nadhirah This palace was built in 1920 after the signing of Terengganu-Inggeris Treaty. During the Japanese occupation in Malaya, this palace served as the official residence of Shuchiji Kakha ( Shu Chokan Kakha ). After World War II until December 1956 this palace served as the official residence of British Governor.
Istana Syarqiyyah – Royal palace in Chendering, Terengganu. This is the newest palace and official residence of Sultan of Terengganu and Sultanah of Terengganu.
Istana Al-Muktafibillah Shah

Kelantan

Istana Balai Besar – The palace was built by Sultan Muhamad II in 1840 in Kota Bharu
Istana Batu – The Royal Museum is located in the middle of the Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The design of the palace was inspired by Sultan Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV who reigned from 1920 to 1944.
Istana Bukit Tanah – The Palace was built by Sultan Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV in 1920 in Tumpat, Kelantan
Istana Jahar – Built-in 1887, Istana Jahar was a gift from Sultan Mahmud II to his grandson, Long Kundur. Today, this palace is known as the Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs Kelantan.
Istana Kota Lama – The royal palace of the Tengku Mahkota (crown prince) of Kelantan
Istana Mahkota – Official residence of the previous ruler, Sultan Ismail Petra in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
Istana Negeri – The Sultan of Kelantan's official residence in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
Istana Telipot – Official residence of Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra, Crown Prince & Regent of Kelantan (then) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Sarawak

The Astana – Currently the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sarawak. The second Rajah, Charles Brooke, built this palace in 1870

Sabah

Istana Seri Kinabalu – The official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sabah.

References

↑ "King's Palace (Istana Negara) - שיחור". www.shichor.co.il. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
↑ https://www.ppj.gov.my/page/istana-melawati?slug=senibina-ikonik

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[1] "King's Palace (Istana Negara) - שיחור". www.shichor.co.il. Retrieved 2023-09-22.

[2] ttps://www.ppj.gov.my/page/istana-melawati?slug=senibina-ikonik

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