Changing of the guard

Had a chance to witness our own changing of the Guard at Istana Negara.. by Kor Armor Di Raja. They look smart on the horseback with the red tunic and the full regalia, it reminds me of the guards at Buckingham Palace. The foot guard look splendid in full Malay dress with the green songket samping and medals on the chest. Not too bad... not bad!

The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. It is located on a hillock at Jalan lstana, just outside the city centre. It stands on a 28-acre (11 hectare) area. The Istana was originally a double storey mansion built in 1928 by a local Chinese millionaire, Chan Wing. After the Japanese occupation, it served as a residence of the Sultan of Selangor until 1957, when the Federal Government acquired it for use as the official residence of our King after some major renovation and extension.

Balairong Seri is a hall located in the East Wing. It is only used for official and customary functions. It sometimes serves as a banquet hall. The second hall on the 1st floor is the Dewan Mengadap where the King receives honoured guests such as Head of States and foreign dignitaries.

While, Bilik Duta is where the King grants audience to the Prime Minister and also where honoured guests are received. The Queen receives her guests at the Bilik Permaisuri while the Bilik Menteri is the rest room for guests.

Visitors can witness the changing of the guards daily.