Sunday, November 14, 2010

Batu Palace, Kota Bharu

Batu Palace was created a royal museum in a grand ceremony by the Sultan of Kelantan in July 1991. From architecture point of view, there is nothing impressive but the palace is coated with the royal golden paint which signify its status.

It was originally built in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail Ibni AlMarhum Sultan Muhammad IV as a wedding gift to Sultan Yahya Petra and his bride, Raja Perempuan Zainab II.

The palace was the official residence of Sultan Yahya Petra while he was Tengku Mahkota, or heir to the thrones, until 1960, when he ascended the throne and move to his new home in Istana Kota Lama.

Batu Palace was then renovated and became the official residence of Tengku Salwani Binte Sultan Yahya Petra in 1966. She lived there until 1969. Thereafter it became the official residence of Tengku Ismail Petra, who was Tengku Mahkota, until 1972.

Batu Palace is now converted to Royal Museum. Entrance fee is RM 1 for adult and RM 0.50 for children (Saturday to Thursday, 0830- 1645, Closed on Friday).

I did not venture into the museum but I manage to get a snapshot of what to expect inside the museum. From what I gathered, the museum displays royal belongings, pictures and dishware.

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