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The Istana Kenangan is a charming wooden structure in Kuala Kangsar. Also known as Istana Lembah and Istana Tepas, Istana Kenangan is a short distance from Istana Iskandariah and the Ubudiah Mosque. On my second visit to Istana Kenangan, I was fortunate that it was a very clear day, so I could get these nice shots for AsiaExplorers.
Istana Kenangan was built around the same time as Istana Iskandariah. After the calamity of the Big Flood of 1926, when the original palace, Istana Sri Sayong, was almost swept away, a decision was made to built a new palace that is on higher ground. Istana Kenangan was built as a temporary mausoleum for the late Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Shah (Marhum Kadasallah), while awaiting the completion of Istana Iskandariah nearby.
Istana Kenangan, Kuala Kangsar.
Istana Kenangan is noted for being built entirely of wood, without the use of nails. It was planned to shape like a sword (pedang) in its scabbard (sarung pedang). The handle of the sword is where the Sultan's bedchamber is located. The scabbard is where the royal court or Balai Rong Seri was located. Although small, it has a beautiful throne (singgahsana). The walls are made of diamond-shaped plaits (kelarai) while the roof structure takes the combined styles of the five ridges (perabung lima) and the ridge of the five bananas (perabung pisang sesikat).
Today Istana Kenangan comes under the state museum authority, and houses the Perak Royal Museum. On display here are exhibists on the history of the Perak monarchy as well as the personal collections of the past rulers of Perak.
(above) The far end of Istana Kenangan.
(left) Intricate wood carvings adorn the walls of the palace.
(below) View of Istana Kenangan from the road around Bukit Chandran.
(above) The palace is painted yellow, a royal colour. (right) Another view of the Istana Kenangan. (below) Façade of Istana Kenangan.
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