Istana Negara, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, Royal palace complex in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Istana Negara is a palace complex in Kuala Lumpur that spreads over dozens of hectares and features twenty-two domes adorned with traditional Malay ornaments. The compound merges local design patterns with Islamic motifs across facades, archways and courtyards.
Construction started in late 2007 and finished in autumn 2011, with the project representing one of the largest public investments in the country. The compound replaced an older palace and became the new seat of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The complex takes its name from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim and serves as the residence of the nation's head, where official state receptions take place. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard, with soldiers in ceremonial uniform switching posts at the main gates.
Visitors can view the building compound from the outside and follow the guard ceremony from marked areas near the main gates. The grounds are not open to the public, but the street in front of the entrance offers clear sight of the facade and the ceremony.
The two largest of the 22 domes are shaped like neatly layered beetle leaves, and decorative lights on the domes change colour according to the function being held inside, visible from far off. The 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Abdul Halim of Kedah, held the palace's first installation ceremony here in 2012.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,414 contributors worldwide.