This former royal palace, also known as Istana Kota and Istana Hulu, is a showy mash-up of Renaissance, neoclassical and Moorish styles. Completed in 1903, its marbled hallways now host exhibitions honouring the life of the 34th sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah: see his sunglasses, passport, shoes and a separate building harbouring Rolls Royces and other luxury vehicles.
Other royal family treasures include HRH's swords and keris (elaborate asymmetric daggers) and the fanciest baby cradle you've ever seen. State gifts are also displayed, including a record-breaking 54in fungus. The royal reaction to this mighty mushroom is not described.
