The Istana Kampong Glam or the Istana Kampong Gelam was once a Malay Palace that can be found in Singapore. Located in Kampong Glam near the Masjid Sultan, the palace formerly housed Sultan Hussein Shah of Jahor.
Built in the year 1819 by Sultan Hussein Shah of Jahor, on a land that was given by the British India Company of approximately 23 hectares, the first Istana Kampong Glam was indeed a beauty to behold. Made of solid wood, the structure has stood east of the Beach Road, occupying a space double the size of the complex that remains today. Much of the land that was within the borders of the Istana Kampong Glam was taken over to construct the North Bridge Road in the year 1824.
Sultan Hussein Shah of Jahor lived in the palace till briefly before his demise in 1835, after which his son Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah occupied it, after refurbishing the original wooden structure with concrete. The colonial inspiration that marked the new palace is said to be derived from the influence of George Drumgoole Coleman, a colonial architect who has combined the Palladian style with Malay motifs in wonderful proportions to create a masterpiece that is truly world class.
The Istana Kampong Glam was refurbished into the Malay Heritage Centre in 2004 while retaining the charm and glory of the unforgotten architect that were expressed in each aspect of the design of the palace. Cement and timber were however substituted in the interior flooring of the palace and the compound, walled enclosure as well as the road that led to the palace remained in their original designs.
When visiting Singapore, a trip to the Istana Kampong Glam will surely enrich your holiday with the grandeur of the structures that have housed prestige. When in the city consider staying at a 5 star hotel in Singapore such as Sheraton Towers Singapore. It is a leading luxury hotel in Singapore that will give you the opportunity to immerse in the finest of comforts available while also providing easy and convenient access to some of the greatest attractions of the city.
