A crowd of tourists watching as a motorcade leaves Istana Negara. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Tourists head there hoping to get glimpse of King and Queen
THERE are many reasons why Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur is a favourite with tourists.
First and foremost, it is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Visitors admiring the outstanding architecture of Istana Negara. — Filepic
It features majestic architecture complete with lush gardens.
Fino Wang, 39, who is managing director of a local tour company, said many tourists flocked to Istana Negara in the hope of catching a glimpse of the King and Queen.
A tourist posing next to a guard on horseback at the entrance.
Though chances of seeing the King and Queen may be slim owing to their busy schedules, tourists can have their pictures taken with the security personnel on horseback stationed on both sides of the palace entrance that they are guarding.
“The guards, fit and smart astride their steeds, are a regal sight to behold.
Tourists snapping photographs of Istana Negara from the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus while (below) another group poses in front of the palace.
“However, to minimise stress for the horses, tourists are advised to neither touch nor stand too close to the animals,” said Wang.
The best time to visit the palace is just slightly before 9am where the guards are about to take their positions, added Wang.
The palace is a designated stop with KL Hop-On Hop-Off, a city bus tour that enables passengers to get on and off as they please.
Due to security reasons, visitors are not allowed beyond the gate into the palace grounds.
