Istana Lama, Former royal residence in Telok Blangah, Singapore.
Istana Lama was a two-story palace constructed with Dutch brick structures and elaborate drainage systems across its extensive grounds. The residence featured distinct architectural elements designed to manage the tropical environment and support its large-scale operations.
The palace was built in 1824 for Temenggong Abdul Rahman following an agreement with Sir Stamford Raffles, marking Singapore's emergence as a British settlement. This event established the foundation for colonial administration in the region.
The palace served as the seat of Malay nobility, where the Temenggong conducted diplomatic affairs and oversaw local governance under colonial rule.
The site now contains the Harbourlights condominium completed in 1997, where remnants of the original gates remain visible among the landscaping. Visitors can spot these historical traces while walking through the residential area.
From 1931 to World War II, the former palace operated as Hotel Bellevue after German proprietors leased and ran it. This period reveals how the historic structure adapted to new purposes during a changing era.
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