"Certainly a world-class theatre with an individual character, the elegant Istana Budaya has been proclaimed as one of Malaysia's celebrated landmarks."
Spanning over 5.44ha with a floor space of 21,000 sq/m., its RM 210 million cost should come as no surprise, looking at the distinctive facade and features the building displays.
Located near the Titiwangsa Lake at the junction of Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Kuantan, Istana Budaya was designed by a local architect, Muhammad Kamar Ya'akub. It portrays a blend of the best aspects of the Malay culture such as the following:
"Wau Bulan" - this traditional Malay kite is used as the main motive of the theatre's floor.
"Sirih Junjung" - a multi-tier floral arrangement of "sirih" or betel leaves used as a symbolic piece for Malay weddings, festivities and welcoming ceremonies is reflected in the entire roof of the theatre.
"Rumah Melayu" - a typical Malay house pattern is the general layout of the building. It has three major sections: the lobby is the "serambi" or verandah, the auditorium represents the "rumah ibu" (living room) while the main stage and rehearsal hall is equivalent to the "rumah dapur" or kitchen.
"Tangga" - staircases ("tangga") that lead to the grand entrance depict the staircase of a traditional Melaka house.
"Tingkap" - the Royal Boxes follow the patterns of a Malay house's windows ("tingkap"), all large and spacious.
"Balairong Seri" - the auditorium is evidently designed similar to this royal palace hall of the olden days.
"Rebana Ubi" - the theatre lobby on the third floor takes the shape of this traditional Malay drum
In addition, Banyan Leaf, which signifies the beginning of Wayang Kulit or shadow play also decorates the theatre lobbies, and its walls are elegantly adorned by the exquisite artwork by Malaysia's National Arts Laureate, Dato Syed Ahmad Jamal.
Last viewed - July 04, 2008
Getting there
If traveling by bus, alight at the Tawakal Medical Centre bus stop in Jalan Pahang. Cross the road and go on to Persiaran Titiwangsa 3. Then walk on for another 15 minutes to reach the Istana Budaya. Buses plying the route is Intrakota No. 10, 49 and 49A.
If you are driving and coming from Jalan Ipoh or Jalan Pahang, take the Jalan Tun Razak turn. When you reach the Istana Budaya, turn left into Jalan Kuantan and you will come to the car parks. If you are coming from the east side of the city, then turn in to Jalan Tun Razak all the same and go on until you see the Jalan Pahang roundabout. Make a 6-o'clock turn to get to the opposite side of Jalan Tun Razak. A little distance ahead is the Istana Budaya.
User recommendation
"The place is very posh, enchanting, and very traditional. i've been there once for the Ronggeng Rokiah play. a very enjoyable moment! place that is a palace~" by amnina azmi
"Selama ni lalu je kat sana, tapi x pernah masuk pun.Tengok gambar cam menarik jerk.........." by INA
"Bangunan yang dibina khusus untuk teater ini adalah unik dan tujuan untuk menaikkan seni teater tanah air, amat bagus." by Irwana Ameera
"I'm so proud that this building has been acknowledged as the world-class spot to handle the international performance. Currently, the Chang & Eng Theatre received a huge respond from Malaysians. We will having the THE FAME MUSICAL at the same place on May." by scalia
"It's just superb to have such international standard performing place like IB."
"for a RM210 million price tag.. this building better be good.. and infact it does deliver.. the stage and interior looks superb.. too bad i dont frequent the theater as i find the shows a bore.. =)" by rifdy
"Salah satu tempat teater yang boleh dikatakan bertaraf dunia. Saya telah pergi ke tempat ini beberapa kali untuk menonton teater. Salah satu teater yang paling saya suka adalah Cindai." by Fitri Alia
"" for theatre lover...this place is great..."Cindai" one of my favourite... :)" " by sheena
""A classic Malaysian Product, a must for all Malaysian theatre fans. A Tribute to Seniman Agung was my favourite, imagine watching Sgt. Hasssan, the musical in a world class theatre..
just like watching Miss Saigon in West End..."" by rozman
"Sememanya berbaloi dengan harganya. UNik, menarik dan "world class"..Promosi yg hebat seperti sekarang amat perlu untuk menarik penggemar teater." by moose
"Assalamua'laikum...for me IB is very beautiful place. My dream to come here and see it by myself was success when I saw the PUTRA Theater. I was very exciting and really proud of it. All the best IB." by Norshuhani binti Abd Manan
