Private Tour of Istana Alam Shah, Official Palace of the Sultan of Selangor
I admit that I am not someone who is easily impressed with things. In a sense, you can say that I am quite jaded with life, after having seen and done many different things around the country.
However, my private tour of the majestic Istana Alam Shah was a highlight that will remain in my memory for a long time.
As a delegate of Eat.Travel.Write 5, I was hosted for a morning at Istana Alam Shah, the official palace of the Sultan of Selangor. This visit was made possible by UPEN Selangor, Klang Municipal Council (MPK), Gaya Travel Magazine and of course, the Office of the Sultan of Selangor. Thank you very much for making this visit possible!
Now, where shall I begin, or rather HOW? It is not often that a commoner gets to set foot in a palace, and even if he or she is invited, it is only for official functions and solely confined to a couple of rooms.
This private tour took us to all the important rooms of the palace, including Balairung Seri, or the ceremonial room, where photography is strictly prohibited.
Trust me, if you can only choose one place to visit in all of Klang, do make it Istana Alam Shah. Yes, it is open to the public but only via written requests and exclusively for groups or organisations – no walk-in visits. Tours are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We visited on Thursday morning and were given a friendly welcome by the palace staff, where we had the opportunity to take an official group photograph first.
After being feted with a royal breakfast fit for princes and princesses in the Middle Hall (Balai Tengah), we were then taken on the tour, led by Chief Supervisor of the Palace, Abdul Kadir Safuan and Orang Besar Daerah Klang, Y.A.D Dato’ Setia Diraja Dato’ Abdul Ghani bin Pateh Akhir.
Besides just looking around with a dropped jaw and wide eyes like country bumpkins, we were regaled with insider stories of the Selangor sultanate and most importantly, explanation about the functions of the Sultan.
Through our tour, we were able to get a good glimpse of Tuanku Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s personal passions, especially his love for cars and motorcycles. Vintage car enthusiasts should really check out the Royal Automobile Gallery if the opportunity arises. There are 49 cars and 20 motorcycles, some of them quite rare.
If you wish to plan a group tour of Istana Alam Shah, write in officially to the Office of the Sultan of Selangor at the address stated below:
Dato’ Bijaya Diraja
Add: Pejabat Urustadbir Istana Alam Shah, 41300 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel: +603-33713411
Fax: +603-33716969
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The big bikes (Harley Davidson) was still in good condition?
Wow~ So grand! Love those bikes!
OMG! you are so lucky to be able to walk around royal grounds. Time to plan a visit soon!
Dang that Royal Automobile Gallery! Look at all those ride, so classy.
This was an amazing write up for an amazing trip… I want to go back there again and listen to En Kadir’s anecdotes….
I am envious of Emily’s. LOL.
Never have an opportunity to visit an istana before.
From the pictures it looks awesome to me.
Such a priceless experience, you are so lucky 🙂
That’s cool! I have not visited this place before thanks for sharing
Love to view those antique cars…Were here once but only to the palace to cover The Sultan”s previous wedding years back… got to interview him then..
The place looks so grand and antique though! Lucky you that you able to visit such gorgeous place =)
Wow I wish to visit their Royal Automobile Gallery, so wow!!
Wow! Just look at the gold details! You’re so lucky you were able to tour a palace! 🙂
Oh my! What a great experience you had! That looks so fun though. Not many people can get the chance to go there (me I meant)
I am impressed with the building design. They maintain well the building.
Love to go to this kind of tour. That car collection is awesome!
Tolong beri kerja sama dan urus kan segala keperluan beta.
Beta akan berangkat.