Istana Melawati is the second national palace of Malaysia's Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Yang di-Pertuan Agong

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of state of Malaysia. The office was established in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya gained independence....

 in Putrajaya

Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a planned city, located 25km south of Kuala Lumpur, that serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya, due to the overcrowding and congestion in the Kuala Lumpur areas...

 after the Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. It serves as a royal retreat for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

History

The Melawati Palace is located in Precinct 1, Putrajaya

Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a planned city, located 25km south of Kuala Lumpur, that serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya, due to the overcrowding and congestion in the Kuala Lumpur areas...

. Construction of the palace began in 1999 and was completed in 2002. It has a resort concept and serves as a retreat for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Yang di-Pertuan Agong

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of state of Malaysia. The office was established in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya gained independence....

. Melawati literally means guard’s tower.

Architecture

Designed by Yang Mulia Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin, principal of Senibahri Arkitek architectural practice, the palace comprises four main components namely:

• Royal Wing - Private quarters
• Reception Wing - Ceremonial Reception Hall
• Banquet Wing - Functions
• Administrative Block - Offices

Three tall towers form a prominent structure at the side and centre of the palace. These towers represent old guard towers to be found in medieval Malay palaces.
The 3 tiered roofs with intricate eaves details and clay 'buah butong' (appendages at the corners) provides an authentic attempt to replicate Malay traditional roof designs of the east coast.
Inside the palace at the main staircase of the Meeting Wing, is a Melawati which is made from cengal wood topped with golden roof.

Interior

The Royal Wing consists the following components:

• Royal Bedroom
• Royal Resting Room
• Royal Banquet Room
• Office of the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong
  Yang di-Pertuan Agong
  The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of state of Malaysia. The office was established in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya gained independence....
  
  
• Office of the Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong
  Raja Permaisuri Agong
  Raja Permaisuri Agong, or in full, Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong, is the title given to the Queen of Malaysia, consort of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.The holders of this office have been:...
  
  
• Royal Bath (Royal Swimming Pool)
• Royal Kitchen
• Royal Guest House
• Royal Gallery
• Main Meeting Room
• Balai Rong Seri

External links

• Information about the Istana Melawati