Completed in 1866 for Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor, the Istana Besar was built to serve as the official residence of the ruler of the Malay state. However, the Sultan did not make the palace his permanent home, preferring instead to spend time at his Bidadari and Tyersall estates in Singapore. Nevertheless, no expense was spared in the construction and furnishing of the opulent palace situated near the seafront in the town of Johor Bahru. Special European-style furniture and decorations were imported from London to fill the various halls and rooms in the palace. Following the Sultan’s death, the palace was used from time to time as a residence by the Sultan’s wife as well as his successor, Sultan Ibrahim. Today, the Istana is mainly used for official functions while part of the palace has been converted into the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, showcasing various artefacts belonging to the royal family.
