We were in private car and got dropped off for a 15 min view through the gates. Cannot visit inside due to security factors. King come in and out and the timings are not known. Not a place to spend much time, just look and snap away.

Although restricted to views from the parking area, the building is quite imposing and a grand example of Islamic architecture located atop the hill with two large and five smaller domes visible from the entry gates. The grand entrance structures and gates are also impressive with two mounted horsemen and two guards, flanking the entry. Impressive and great for a few photographic memories.

This is the royal Palace. It is beautiful! Grand architecture. Worth a photo op. You can’t get very close, but it’s worth a look and put on your second tier itinerary. 10 minutes is all you need here so I hear that taking a private car was the right call as public transportation is difficult to get there.

The Istana Negara Palace is designed in the Arabic architectural style. The most eye-catching highlight is the building's prominent large gilded dome. The palace is decorated and carved mainly from wood or marble, creating splendor and luxury. However, you can only stand at the gate and look at it from quite a distance, you cannot enter the premises of the building.

Istana Negara is the official residence of the monarch of Malaysia. A lot of tourists are visiting this place even though it is not allowed to roam inside. However, you can take photos outside the palace gate and witness the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place daily.