Malaysia
During my visit to Alor Setar, or Alor Star as it is known locally, I was able to visit this sad and derelict Palace. No longer a school as per descriptor below, it remains in a sad state and only glimpses of bits of the front give you an idea how beautiful this building once was. I certainly enjoyed the walk round it and would love to see it restored.
Istana Sepachendera is a grand palace hidden within the grounds of a school. It’s often compared to the Taj Mahal due to its intriguing backstory. In 1882, the 26th Sultan of Kedah – whose administration spanned from 1881 to 1943 – built the residence as a declaration of love for his Thai wife, Che Sepachendera.
His devotion to her shines through the building’s stunning architecture, which blends together Malay and Thai influences. The royal couple gave birth to several royal princes in the palace too.
Sepachendera’s death in 1907 led the royal family to vacate the house. But it remained inhabited for years after by various parties. In 1922, it was home to the first English girls’ school in Kedah – Kampung Baru Girl’s School, established by Sepachendera’s son, Tuanku Ibrahim. During World War II, the palace was occupied by Japanese soldiers.
Following the war, the building became another all-girl’s school, but it closed in 1954.
The palace was last in use in 2000, when it functioned as a prayer hall for students and staff at the nearby Insaniah University College. There were talks in 2014 to preserve the palace and convert it into a museum.
Journeys From A Small Room 