Royal Museum (Istana Batu)|Kelantan|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The museum is only 500 meters from Kota Bharu town. It is located at Jalan Hilir Kota, in front of Istana Balai Besar and behind the Muhammadi Mosque.Also known as Istana Batu, the Royal Museum is located in the middle of the Kota Bharu town, close to Istana Jahar.

The design of the palace was inspired by HRH Sultan Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV who reigned from 1920 to 1944. The building, in its present form, was completed in 1939 and was given as a wedding gift from HRH Sultan Ismail to his nephew Sultan Yahya Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim Petra (1961 - 1979).

Since then, the palace has been the residence of the Kelantan royal family. In 1969 however, the building was turned into the Royal Museum with consent from HRH Sultan Ismail Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra, the reigning Sultan of Kelantan.

Today, this historical building is treasured by anyone who is interested to learn about the Kelantan royal family's history and lineage. The collections inside the museum provide visitors with an insight to the life of the Kelantan royal family. Each room within this former palace is installed with specific exhibitions which includes photographs reflecting the royal family's social activities, costumes and priceless artefacts such as beautiful crystals, silver and brass wares, and antique furnitures.