THE Pahang monarchy boasts a rich history, reflected in the many splendid royal residences built within and beyond the state.
These grand palaces have served, and continue to serve, as homes for members of the Pahang royal family.
Istana Abu Bakar
Istana Abu Bakar is the official palace of the Sultan of Pahang, located in the royal town of Pekan. Built in the early 1960s, the palace was named after Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah, the fourth Sultan of Pahang who reigned at that time.
As the official palace, Istana Abu Bakar is where ceremonial events such as investitures are held in the Balairung Seri.
Istana Abdulaziz
Nestled on a hill in Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Istana Abdulaziz was built as the residence for the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and the Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, when they held the titles of Tengku Mahkota and Tengku Puan, respectively.
The two-storey palace with light blue rooftops is named after the combined names of Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah.
Istana Mahkota
Located on Jalan Telok Cempedak in Kuantan, the Istana Mahkota with its red-tiled rooftops can be seen by those who journey towards or from the popular Teluk Chempedak beach.
Istana Pahang
This palace along Persiaran Raja Chulan in Kuala Lumpur is the official palace of the Pahang royal family in the capital city.
Istana Sri Udara
The stately palace in Temerloh serves as the residence for the Pahang royal family during their visits to the district.
Istana Hinggap Kuala Lipis
The building originally served as a residence for British officers. According to the Pahang royal family’s official website, it was renovated to become the official residence of the Mentri Besar when the position was created in 1948. The Mentri Besar occupied the building until 1955, when the Pahang capital was relocated from Kuala Lipis to Kuantan that year. Since then, the building has been known as Istana Hinggap. It has hosted several significant events, including the historic wedding of Tengku Ampuan Afzan on April 22, 1954.
Istana Mangga Tunggal
Among the many palaces in Pekan, Istana Mangga Tunggal stands out with its unique name, derived from a mango tree in its compound that bears only one fruit at a time. This palace was the residence of Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Shah before he moved to Istana Abu Bakar.
Istana Kuning
Istana Kuning in Pekan was built in 1927 and served as the residence of Sultan Abdullah Al-Mu’tassim Billah, the fifth son of Sultan Ahmad Al-Mu’adzam Shah. In 1931, the palace served as the meeting place for the Durbar. Following the conference, Sultan Abdullah Al-Mu’tassim Billah passed away in 1932, and the palace became home to his wives. It was eventually demolished to make way for the construction of Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Istana Leban Tunggal
Built in 1935, this palace in Pekan was named after a single chaste tree that grew in the area. The palace was once the residence of Tengku Besar Pahang Tengku Sulaiman Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Al-Mu’adzam Shah. The building had also served as the Pekan public library but had since been abandoned.
