Istana Jahar

Istana Jahar was built in 1887 for a grandson of the Kelantan sultan and takes its name from the jahar tree that stood in the grounds; it is timber, raised on posts, with deep verandahs and some of the best woodcarving in the country worked into the panels, screens and eaves - Kelantan being the state where Malay carving traditions ran strongest. It is now the Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs, and the displays follow the life cycle as the court observed it: birth ceremonies, the first haircut, circumcision, betrothal and the elaborate stages of a royal wedding, along with textiles, weapons and regalia. It stands in the cluster of museums around the old palace grounds in central Kota Bharu, which are best done together in a morning.

Highlights

• Carved timber architecture - panels, screens and eaves in Kelantan tradition.
• Royal life-cycle displays - birth, haircut, betrothal and wedding ceremony.
• Textiles and regalia - songket, weapons and court dress in the galleries.
• A museum cluster - several palace-era buildings within the same grounds.

When to go

All year; note that Kelantan's weekend is Friday and Saturday. An hour or two.

Practical notes

Opening days follow the Kelantan week, so Friday closure catches visitors out. Captions are limited in English. Displays are static and dated in parts.

Nearby

The Istana Batu, Bank Kerapu war museum and the central market are all close.

Key facts