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Istana (palace) Kampong Glam was the official royal residence of
Sultan Hussein Shah who, in the early 1800’s, ceded the sovereign rights
of Singapore to the British. As part of the historic agreement, the
Sultan, with his earnings from the British India Company, built a
palace, Istana Kampong Glam . The Sultan named the area “Kota Raja”
(“The King’s Enclave’).
Sultan Hussein Shah first had the palace constructed of wood. It was
later that his son, Sultan Iskandar Shah, built and re-designed the
present palace in 1840. The palace was rebuilt with British funds and
was probably designed by GD Coleman, who was superintendent of Public
Works from 1828 to 1841. The style of the porch and front facade is
reminiscent of and carries an indelible signature of Coleman’s work.
 The
Istana has extensive and very well-kept grounds. Around the palace may
be seen several smaller Malay village style houses which were built
within the walled compound. These houses were built with the purpose of
housing the Sultan’s extensive entourage as he usually brought his whole
family and hundreds of his relatives from Riau, as well as their many
servants.
The passage of time has also brought with it new additions to the
already lavishly appointed palace grounds. One of the Sultan’s
descendants who, was a sports enthusiast founded a sports club on the
premises. The Kota Rajah Club was built and intended for the enjoyment
and training of young men of good breeding to in recreational sports
such as badminton, tennis, and the like.
At present, remnants of what must have been a very lavish lifestyle as
led by the Sultan and his family may still be seen on the Istana
grounds. Hugging the main building on three sides are what remains of
the village house. Due to neglect, they now carry the appearance of a
cluster of derelict brick and wooden huts. The clubhouse, on the other
hand, may still be found on the palace grounds today.
 In
the Sultan Hussein Ordinance of 1904, enacted by the British Government,
financial provisions were made for the Sultan’s descendants. The Sultan
and his descendants were entitled to an annual stipend, which would last
for the rest of their lives. As long as the bloodlines can be proved,
descendants of the Sultan are still entitled to be paid the annuity
regardless of where they live in the world.
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