The Astana, Official residence in Kuching, Malaysia
The Astana sits on the north bank of the Sarawak River and features neoclassical architecture made up of three connected buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens. The complex has a formal layout with clearly defined outdoor spaces and structured grounds.
Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, had this palace built in 1870 as a wedding gift for his wife Margaret Alice Lili de Windt. The structure marked a turning point in how the regional rulers established their residences and power bases.
The name comes from the Malay word 'istana', meaning palace, showing how local language shapes the way people in Sarawak refer to this place. You notice this reflected in everyday speech throughout the region.
The interior of the palace is not open to visitors, but you can view the exterior and gardens from the water. A boat ride across the Sarawak River is the best way to see the front and grounds in full.
Charles Brooke cultivated a betel nut plantation behind the palace specifically to provide fresh offerings for Dayak tribal leaders who visited. This unusual practice shows how the ruler adapted to local customs and wove them into his diplomatic dealings.
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