The Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur, situated in the heard of bustling Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, is an impressive repository for the arts community in the country to showcase the best, brightest, and boldest theatric performances in the form of operas, musical theatres, classical concerts, operettas, and others. Look around the neighbourhood and you will discover a striking array of Kuala Lumpur serviced apartments to host your stay in the city. The Ascott Kuala Lumpur offers leisure and corporate visitors some of the finest options for Kuala Lumpur short stay accommodation that is replete with elegance and comfort. The Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur is a work of architectural genius and its halls and entry points emit a sense of grandeur that will transport visitors to the aged opulent palaces of yore. It incorporates design features of the traditional Malay house, replicated on a much grander scale. The roof boasts a vibrant set of turquoise folds reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House. The primary building assumes the shape of an arrangement of betel leaves, called sirih junjung, used in any traditional offering in Malay culture, especially during weddings and other traditional ceremonies. When visitors venture within, they will find the layout resembles the traditional Malay house, with three demarcations of the “serambi”, which is the lobby and foyer; the “rumah ibu”, otherwise known as the main house and encompasses the auditorium at the theatre; and the “rumah dapur”, which is the kitchen that translates into the stage and rehearsal hall. The theatre is a showcase of materials drawn from all corners of the country, such as marble from Langkawi and locally sourced wood to construct the doors and windows that were hand-crafted to evoke intricate floral and leaf motifs. The auditorium features royal boxes fashioned in the shape of traditional Malay windows and this impressive theatrical space can seat up to 1,412 audience members within its cavernous walls. Visitors will also discover a fascinating costume gallery onsite that showcases the gilded and intricately designed costumes from Mak Yong (a traditional Malay opera), Ajat Bebunuh, Layang Emas, Bangsawan, and Bambarayon performances.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
