Istana Kota Manggalela, Royal palace in Kuala Belait, Brunei
Istana Kota Manggalela is a royal palace in Kuala Belait built from concrete and cement, located on Jalan Maulana. The structure displays architectural features characteristic of 1950s construction methods and design approaches from that era.
The palace was completed in 1958 and served as a temporary residence for Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III during his visits to Belait District. Later in the 1960s and 1970s, it housed British Army officers stationed in Brunei as temporary accommodations.
The palace's name references a historical conflict between colonial forces and the Sultanate in the region's past. The structure remains a recognizable landmark in the local community's memory and daily geography.
Visiting the palace requires advance arrangements through official channels due to active security protocols and restricted visitor hours. Interested guests should contact relevant authorities ahead of time to make proper requests.
The building shifted between royal use and military housing within just a few decades after its completion. This dual function reflects the complex relationship between the Sultanate and British military presence in the region during that period.
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