Istana Iskandariah

Perak


The official residence of the sultan of Perak is arguably the most attractive royal palace in Malaysia, so it's a shame those of nonroyal blood can't get closer than a quick peek from the road. Completed in 1933, the two-floor palace is an intriguing mix of Arab and art-deco architectural styles.

If you could combine the hotels in Miami’s South Beach with a mosque, it might end up looking something like this.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Perak attractions

1. Istana Kenangan

0.15 MILES

Also known as the Palace of Memories, Istana Kenangan is made of wood (without a single metal nail) and bamboo woven into diamond-shaped patterns across…

2. Masjid Ubudiah

0.3 MILES

With bands of Italian marble and enormous gold domes, Masjid Ubudiah is a contender for the title of Malaysia's prettiest mosque. Commissioned by Perak’s…

3. Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery

0.41 MILES

This former royal palace, also known as Istana Kota and Istana Hulu, is a showy mash-up of Renaissance, neoclassical and Moorish styles. Completed in 1903…

4. Clock Tower

1.1 MILES

Kuala Kangsar's gold-domed clock tower was installed in the late 1930s, in honour of the coronation of King George VI. A handy landmark, it stands in the…

5. Church of the Resurrection

1.23 MILES

This dainty, red-roofed Anglican church was consecrated in 1908. Often closed, the building is an unusual feature of Kuala Kangsar's skyline.

6. District Office

1.25 MILES

One of the first rubber trees in Kuala Kangsar, dating to 1877, stands outside the grand white District Office.

7. Malay College

1.46 MILES

North of town lies the first Malay school to provide English education for the Malay elite destined for the civil service (it was nicknamed 'the Eton of…

8. Perak Tong

12.82 MILES

Developed in 1926 by Chinese Buddhists Chong Sen Yee and his wife, this temple (7km north of Ipoh) is popular for its mesmerising murals and panoramic…