Embodiments of royal splendour

An aerial view of Istana Negara, which features 22 domes resembling an arrangement of betel nut leaves.

NESTLED within 100ha of botanical garden, Istana Bukit Serene faces the Johor Straits, where it serves as the Johor Ruler’s official residence.

In 1935, then Sultan Ibrahim Abu Bakar and his consort Sultanah Helen had chosen an area located on the hilltop facing the straits to build a palace.