Mix of old and modern charm

If this view seems like something out of a postcard, it exists in reality in the form of the King’s retreat palace, Istana Melawati in Putrajaya.

ISTANA Melawati, perched on the highest peak in Putraya, is the second national palace of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

According to the Istana Negara website, construction of the palace began in 1999 and was completed in 2002. Its design is based on a resort concept and it serves as a retreat palace for the King.

In Bahasa Malaysia, the word melawati literally means “guard’s tower”. The name of the palace was given by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah of Selangor.

One of the stately audience rooms within the palace.

Located at an altitude of 125m above sea level, the view from this palace encompasses nearly all of Putrajaya.

Istana Melawati has been used for the purpose of conferring federal awards, medals and Orders at the federal territory level of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysian Police, among others.

The palace has also been the meeting place for heads of governments and states chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

A turret at the palace casting its shadow over the pool area

Its design reflects its status as the country’s first modern palace, making full use of the value and adaptation based on traditional royal Malay heritage and designs.

The palace comprises four main components: the Royal Wing, which comprises the private quarters; the Reception Wing, where the Ceremonial Reception Hall is located; the Banquet Wing for functions; and the administrative office blocks.

The three tall towers form a prominent structure at the side and centre of the palace.

The grasshopper cage (sangkar belalang) design, which dates back to olden-day Malay palaces, is among the traditional designs revived at Istana Melawati.

These towers represent the old guard towers that were commonly found in olden-day Malay palaces.

The three tiered roofs with intricate eaves details and clay buah butong (appendages at the corners of the roof) represent an authentic attempt to replicate Malay traditional roof designs of the east coast.

At the main staircase of the Reception Wing is a Melawati made from chengal wood and topped with a golden roof.

Istana Melawati has been the meeting place for heads and governments and states chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

In terms of interior, the Royal Wing consists of the royal bedroom, royal resting room, royal banquet room as well as the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong.

It is also equipped with a royal swimming pool, a royal kitchen as well as a royal guest house.