Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu

(was on Official business with the close royalty of Kelantan). The palace includes the Offices of the Sultan and the Royal Kelantan (Al-Muhammadi) Association. It's used for official events such as royal awards bestowal ceremony, birthday of the HRH The Sultan etc. The palace construction goes back during the late 1800s. In fact the surroundings itself holds a history of its' own. You will notice Istana Jahar (which turned into a Museum), other palaces, the Al-Muhammadi Mosque and even the architecture expands to local houses/premises in the surroundings. You can google them or read some reviews written here. (and sorry, can't show what's inside - you can already view some photos and reviews taken during the tahlil ceremony, official ceremony, Hari Raya etc. where it is basically opened to everyone) Most of the Kelantan royalties are really down-to-the-earth people if you get to know them. But nowadays since the MCO, I imagine, many events has been postponed or cancelled. It will be a while till we get to see the place get lively again. On the other hand, the food stalls are selling great food with really good & affordable prices.

Nice architecture with brilliant intricate details. Kota Bharu is named after this castle as in New Castle. You can actually open the gate by pushing yourself in, provided you have some official business inside 😁

I love the istana fence very much. Very intricate n beautifully design.

The Grand Palace (Istana Balai Besar) Istana Balai Besar (The Grand Place) is a single story palace built by Sultan Muhammad II over 170 years ago, as the official residence of past sultans. It is believed that bullfights used to be held in the palace for official Royal ceremonies until mid-1900. The palace is now used for official state functions and is not open to public. Another palace built by Sultan Muhammad II is the Jahar Palace (Istana Jahar). It was built for his grandson, and it was built up from wood, furnished with unique wood carvings.

One of the oldest castle in Kota Bharu. The name Kota Bharu (New Castle) itself originated from the construction of this castle around 1800 by Sultan Muhammad II.