Istana Jahar
Built in 1885, Istana Jahar is a former palace that served as the royal home of Bendahara Long Kundur, grandson of Sultan Muhammad II. Named after the jahar tree that flourished in the area at the time, it is one of the most well-preserved and beautiful traditional structures in Kota Bharu, complete with exquisite woodcarving and a tropical hardwood frame. Today, Istana Jahar houses the Museum of Royal Customs and Traditions of Kelantan, where visitors can learn about the practices and customs of the Kelantan royal court.
There are exhibition areas that detail the various intricate parts of these celebrated customs, from birth to circumcision rites, wedding ceremonies, craftsmanship, dining, washing, and funeral rites. Some of these displays incorporate the Malay Weaponry Gallery, the Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, and the Royal Platform.
The royal residence is a magnificent timber building with deeply finished tropical hardwood floors and intricately cut partition boards and fine detailing.
In 1981 this palace was converted into the Museum of Royal Customs and Traditions of Kelantan and is now one of the most famous holiday spots in the town of Kota Bharu.
The collection brings together various types of clothing, well-known ceremonial attire, ornaments, and dinnerware. The refinement of the Kelantan royal lineage is shown through genealogical diagrams and photographs.
A great deal of information is provided about royal ceremonies tied to occasions, for example weddings, birth, circumcision, head-shaving, dining, funeral services, and bathing. As an example, the Royal Confinement Practice is very interesting and explains the way of removing fat from the stomach after childbirth by rubbing it with heated stones wrapped in cloth over several days.
Demonstrations of craftsmanship such as batik painting and songket weaving are arranged in alternating displays.
There is the Malay Weaponry Gallery that displays distinctive traditional weapons, for example the spear, the kelewang, the badik, and clearly the keris. The outdoor display incorporates several old carriages and war canoes.
Within the palace grounds, near the surrounding area, there is a gazebo called The Royal Platform where a ceremonial bath would be performed before a wedding or circumcision ceremony.
One of the most stunning wooden royal residences preserved in the country and a fascinating display that you do not see consistently. An undeniable must-visit in Kota Bharu. One hour should be more than enough opportunity to see everything.
This structure is surrounded by older structures that also deserve attention. To the left is Istana Balai Besar, built in 1840, which was the focal point of the government and administration of the Kelantan State Government at the time. To the right stands the noble Masjid Muhammadi, a reflection of the importance and authority of the Islam embraced by most people in Kelantan. At the back is the Old Palace that was once the residence of the late Sultan Yahya Petra while he was the Crown Prince.
Istana Jahar Kota Bharu is located just 1.5km from Salaam Suites. So be sure to visit this place!
Istana Jahar
Jalan Sultan, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
+60 9-748 4477
