Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang diPertuan Agung (the King of Malaysia). It stands on a 28-acre (11 hectare) area, located at a commanding position on the slope of a hill overlooking the Klang River.

The Istana was originally a double storey mansion built in 1928 by a local Chinese millionaire, Chan Wing. After the Japanese occupation, it served as a residence of the Sultan of Selangor until 1957, when the Federal Government acquired it for use as the official residence of our King after some major renovation and extension.

The driveway, lined with cypresses and casuarinas, leads to 2 entrances - an entrance to the West Wing and the other to the East Wing. Balairong Seri is a hall located in the East Wing. It is only used for official and customary functions. These include ceremonial occasions of taking the royal pledge, installation ceremony of a new King, investiture ceremonies and the taking of oaths by ministers. This is also where the presentation and acceptance of diplomatic appointments are held. It sometimes serves as a banquet hall.

The second hall on the 1st floor is the Dewan Mengadap where the King receives honoured guests such as Head of States and foreign dignitaries. This hall doubles as a resting place of Sultans and Governors during the Conference of Rulers. The other rooms are Bilik Duta, Bilik Permaisuri and Bilik Menteri. Bilik Duta is where the King grants audience to the Prime Minister and also where honoured guests are received. The Queen receives her guests at the Bilik Permaisuri while the Bilik Menteri is the rest room for guests.

The Conference of Rulers is held at the Bilik Mesyuarat Raja-Raja situated in the West Wing.

In the ground of the palace is a guard house for the body of household troops. There is also a 6 hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool and a lake in the far end of the ground.