Astana, Kuching

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The Astana is the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak, also called the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri. It is located along the north bank of the Sarawak River, overshadowed by the impressive new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building. The Astana, which means "palace" in the local dialect, was constructed in 1870 for the newly married Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak. Today it consists of three bungalows supported by square brick pillars. There is a library and a collection of artefacts linked to the Brooke family. It also has a tower, and its own jetty fronting the Sarawak River. However, it's not open to the public and can only be viewed from the outside.

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The Astana is a palace built by Rajah Charles Brooke in 1870 (the second Rajah of Sarawak)
It is located on the edge of the Sarawak River, but on the opposite side to the main part of Kuching.
It is now the official residence of Sarawak’s Governor.

We caught the Sampan to go across and have a closer look. Unfortunately, it isn't open to the public, but we were lucky that somebody was about to enter the Palace, so the gates were open, and we had a better view.

From what I have read, the Astana has had several renovations and has a library and a collection of artefacts linked to the Brooke family.

It also has a tower in which we could see the Palace guard standing, and has its own jetty fronting the Sarawak River.

The Astana is not open to the public, so I only viewed it from the outside.
Evidently, it is open during the Hari Raya festival.

The Astana was built by Rajah Charles Brooke (the 2nd white rajah of Sarawak) at the time of his marriage to Ranee Margaret, in 1870. It is now the residence of HE the Governor of Sarawak. It is not open to public but a good view of it can be obtained from the Kuching Waterfront.

The Astana means palace in Malay. It is a shingle-roofed, white-washed imposing edifice erected on a hill-lock. The Astana was built by the second white Rajah Charles Brooke in 1870 and it was the seat of power of the Charles Brooke and the last white Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke. It is now the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak and therefore not open to visitors. However, you may take a boat ride to the opposite shore to have a closer look on the palace.

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Across the waterfront from the Historic District is the State Astana of Sarawak. Built in 1870 by Charles Brooke, the White Raja, and colonial leader of Sarawak it has been used by the governor of Sarawak ever since. Unfortunately the Palace grounds are not open to the public.

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Located across the river, the elegance of this beautiful white building attracts every eye. Built as the home to the White Rajah in the 1800's it is now the Yang Di-Pertua (State Governor)'s official residence. The gardens are always open to the public while the building itself is only open to the public during official ceremonies and functions.
At night, it's all lit up and makes for a nice sight from across the river, as shown in my second picture

The Astana is a majestic building with a romantic history. This former place was built in 1870 by the second Rajah, Charles Brooke, as a bridal gift for the Ranee Margaret. Then known as Government House, it is actually three separate buildings fused into one. Each building is connected to the other by short and narrow passageways.

It has undergone substantial alterations since the days of the Rajah Brooke.

Today it is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sarawak.

As it is an official residence, the Astana is not open to the public. Visitors are allowed the pleasure of strolling around the Astana's beautifully landscaped gardens, which are decorated with ethnic artifacts.

Built in 1870 during the reign of the second White Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Brooke; the Astana has a romantic story behind its construction as it was build as a gift to his bride, Ranee Margaret. Formerly known as the Government House, it is actually three separate buildings fused into one. Each building is connected to the other by short and narrow passageways.

Once the home of the White Rajah, it has undergone substantial face-lift since the days of the Brooke dynasty. Today it is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sarawak.

As the official residence of the governor, it is not open to the public except during special events like the Hari Raya celebration. Visitors are however allowed to stroll around the Astana's beautifully landscaped gardens, which are decorated with ethnic artefacts.