The Astana (palace)

The Astana is a palace in Kuching, Sarawak, on the north bank of the Sarawak River, opposite the Waterfront. It is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sarawak.

The Astana, then called the Government House, was built in 1870 by the second Raja, Charles Brooke, as a wedding gift to his wife Margaret. The royal couple then occupied it as their main home. [ [http://www.kuching.net.my/destinations2.asp?destination=%27The+Astana%27 Kuching.net - destinations] ] Many changes and renovations have been made, including that the original three separate buildings are now linked by short, narrow passageways. In 1883, a clock tower was added at the front of the palace in memory of Brooke.

The palace is not normally open to the public, although the landscaped gardens are.

The name is a variation of 'istana', meaning 'palace'. [ [http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/destination/view.cfm?id=D4E5F992-6325-11D7-B35D00D0B78F6634 Virtualmalaysia.com - The Astana] ]

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