Sri Negara
which was built in 1913. It was the site where the Constitution of Malaya was drafted and where our 9 Sultans signed the Merdeka Agreement in 1957.
Probably the rarest opportunity in the country
The nation's most historic restaurant and café set within the most beautiful King's House or Sri Negara, which will reopen to the public as an interactive modern museum and a heritage inspired diner.
Be a part of our history.
For lease | Completion 2025
Aset Warisan Satu Sdn Bhd, is embarking on the conservation of the historic monuments, Carcosa and Sri Negara, two grand buildings sitting atop the peak of KL’s Lake Gardens over a sweeping 40-acre verdant land.
Aset Warisan Satu is inviting selected operators to lease its first building under this program, the beautiful and world-famous Sri Negara which was featured in a movie in 2018.
Successful operator(s) will operate part of the ground floor of the premises as a restaurant and café. This will be subject to strict architectural compliance regulations and codes to be set by JWN and Aset Warisan Satu as landlord, in order to comply with and observe the conservation demands of the historic building.
The Carcosa and Sri Negara were built on a 10.16 hectares site at Persiaran Tunku Jaafar Kuala Lumpur, on Lot 34 and Lot 65, Section 60.
Carcosa was listed as a heritage building on 7th April 2011 by DNH. Sri Negara is a heritage building registered as Istana Tetamu on 29th May 1986. Both buildings have high heritage significant value in terms of history and architectural style
From Federal Lodge to Sri Negara
Sri Negara was initially built under the instruction of Sir John Anderson (1904-1911), then the High Commissioner of Federated Malay States (FMS), to relocate the Resident-General of FMS and reserve Carcosa as the official residence of FMS High Commissioners instead. However, the swap did not happen. A series of events that took place between 1910 to 1913 while the building was being constructed, namely the fall of rubber and the contractor's financial difficulties, pushed its completion past Anderson's tenure. The title Resident-General was changed to Chief Secretary in November 1910 to define the role of the position in relation to the High Commissioner and the British Residents. Chief Secretary Edward Brockman (1912- 1920) continued to reside in Carcosa while the new "Federal Lodge", as Seri Negara was initially referred to, served as the official accommodation for the Singapore-based High Commissioner during his brief visits to Kuala Lumpur.
The architectural design for the Federal Lodge was executed by the FMS Public Works Department, directed by Government Architect Arthur Benison Hubback. Like Carcosa, it had an external verandah-way all around, with large openings to maximize cross ventilation. Its original internal fittings were described as rather austerely ornate with much dark paneling being introduced in the hall and reception rooms.
References to the building as the "Government House" began to appear in 1915. It came to be the scene of many glittering garden parties, cocktail parties, dinners, and dances held by the High Commissioners. Very often, investitures were held in the Drawing Room while important conferences took place in the Dining Room. This Dining Room was enlarged in 1925 to seat 60 people - the extra space having been obtained by removing walls on the ground floor.
The Government House was reintroduced as "King's House" in 1930 (after King George V) and remained lively with government events throughout the years. Before Merdeka, the strength of its staff was formed by 7 Drivers, 8 Office Boys, 4 Room Boys, 4 Pantry Boys, a Storekeeper and Outside Staff.
King's House was vacated by the British Commissioner on Merdeka Day, 31 August 1957. All crystal, china, and upholstery were replaced as they bore the British emblems. Paintings and portraits associated with the monarchs of England from the time of Queen Victoria were taken down, leaving only portraits of Sir Frank Swettenham and Sir George Maxwell who were early British Administrators in the FMS. The building was renamed "Istana Tetamu" (Guest Palace) by the Malayan Government. It became the official guesthouse for foreign dignitaries who were visiting the country.
In 1989, it was rebranded as a luxury hotel together with Carcosa, and from thereon known to be part of "Carcosa Sri Negara". Its interior space was reconfigured involving a revised stairway design, new fabric panel partitions, new floor finishes and repair work on its roof truss members. The original foldable doors and some windows were replaced with fixed glass panels to accommodate air conditioning. A fire incident in 2000 also damaged the roof to the building's right wing. Landmark Hotels and Realty managed the hotel up to 2010 before passing over the lease to Saujana Hotels & Resorts from 2010 to 2016.
The building will be undergoing a complete restoration with period features and fittings reinstated as per its original design intention.
The following year in 1925, alteration works were planned for Government House. The tender for the works was won by Chaw Cheong for the sum of $12,915. The changes were described as follows:
"The alterations to Government House, Kuala Lumpur, are progressing well. The dining room will be very much larger and capable of seating sixty people, the extra space having been obtained by removing the walls on the ground floor. A new office is to be built for H.E. ".
Malaya Tribune, 1st August 1925.
Table No. 2-2: List of Governor and High Commissioner that occupied Government House
The history of Sri Negara or Istana Tetamu (King’s House)
The smaller house adjacent to Carcosa believed to be referring to 'Government House‘ (now lstana Tetamu) was first mentioned by the Governor, Sir John Anderson during his discussion proposal, quoting from a dispatch of 27th July 1910 as described in the newspaper.
''10 ... I propose to retain for the use of the High Commissioner the house at Kuala Lumpur hitherto occupied by the Resident-General, and to build a somewhat smaller house on an immediately adjacent site for the officer discharging the duties hitherto performed by the Resident-General, who would have the use of the High Commissioner's house for any purpose for which his own might be inadequate. "
The Singapore Free Press, 11th October 1926.
It was when Sir Arthur Young became the Governor and High Commissioner to the FMS that the name 'Government House' began to be heard. Also designed by architect Arthur Benison Hubback, the building was to be fitted with a covered way to connect the office with the main building, electric fans, and crockery, no doubt for future entertaining by 1915. The Government House was literally appeared in the 1921 map of Kuala Lumpur. In 1923, all FMS dispatches to the secretary of state were to be headed to 'Government House Kuala Lumpur'.
Carcosa continued to be occupied by the Chief Secretary of the FMS. The Conference of Residents was still held on a regular basis at Carcosa despite the changes of the position in the British administration. In 1924, the King of Siam was entertained at Carcosa. At the same time, the neighbouring Government House was used by the Governor and High Commissioner of the FMS during their regular t ours to t he Malay states. An old building plans, sections and elevations of Government House show the building is a two-storey seven bedroom building with private veranda and bathroom to each bedroom. A separate building (now known as Gulai House) linked by a covered walkway was an office for t he clerk while the private secretary's office was located on the ground floor of the main building. The list of official occupants in Government House are presented in Table No. 2-2.
July 1946-Group photograph after the plenary conference of the constitutional proposal for Malaya
Mr Richard M Nixon and Sir Gerald Templer walking down the steps of King's House in 1953
Jan 1948- Signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948 at King's house
Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tuanku Abdul Rahman, and Sir Donald MacGillvray outside of King's House after he signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957
Sri Negara's Historical Significance
Malay Rulers on the lawn of King’s House after the signing ceremony on 5 Aug 1957
The 1957 Federation of Malaya Agreement
This agreement revoked the treaty of 1948 and prepared the Federation of Malaya for independence. The signing took place in the Dining Room of King's House, Kuala Lumpur, on 5 August 1957. Queen Elizabeth II was represented by the High Commissioner Sir Donald MacGillivray who handed sovereignty over Penang and Malacca and her power and jurisdiction of the Federation.
Plenary Conference of the Constitutional Proposal for Malaya [1946]
Following the Malayan Union Protests in 1946, a working committee comprising representatives of the British administration, Rulers and UMNOs was set up to examine and report on the constitutional issues. They met on 6 August, sat at intervals up to November, and presented a report to a plenary conference on 20 November held in the Dining Room of King's House. On 22 November 1946, MacDonald flew to London to present and discuss the constitutional proposals with the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
The Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1948
This Agreement was signed at the Dining Room of King's House, Kuala Lumpur, on 21 January 1948, by the Rulers and Sir Edward Gent as the representative of the British Government. The Agreement supersede the Malayan Union, restoring power of the Malay Rulers and prepared for the establishment of the Federation of Malaya on 1 February 1948.
Sri Negara
which was built in 1913. It was the site where the Constitution of Malaya was drafted and where our 9 Sultans signed the Merdeka Agreement in 1957.
From Federal Lodge to Sri Negara
Sri Negara was initially built under the instruction of Sir John Anderson (1904-1911), then the High Commissioner of Federated Malay States (FMS), to relocate the Resident-General of FMS and reserve Carcosa as the official residence of FMS High Commissioners instead. However, the swap did not happen. A series of events that took place between 1910 to 1913 while the building was being constructed, namely the fall of rubber and the contractor's financial difficulties, pushed its completion past Anderson's tenure. The title Resident-General was changed to Chief Secretary in November 1910 to define the role of the position in relation to the High Commissioner and the British Residents. Chief Secretary Edward Brockman (1912- 1920) continued to reside in Carcosa while the new "Federal Lodge", as Seri Negara was initially referred to, served as the official accommodation for the Singapore-based High Commissioner during his brief visits to Kuala Lumpur.
The architectural design for the Federal Lodge was executed by the FMS Public Works Department, directed by Government Architect Arthur Benison Hubback. Like Carcosa, it had an external verandah-way all around, with large openings to maximize cross ventilation. Its original internal fittings were described as rather austerely ornate with much dark paneling being introduced in the hall and reception rooms.
References to the building as the "Government House" began to appear in 1915. It came to be the scene of many glittering garden parties, cocktail parties, dinners, and dances held by the High Commissioners. Very often, investitures were held in the Drawing Room while important conferences took place in the Dining Room. This Dining Room was enlarged in 1925 to seat 60 people - the extra space having been obtained by removing walls on the ground floor. The Government House was reintroduced as "King's House" in 1930 (after King George V) and remained lively with government events throughout the years. Before Merdeka, the strength of its staff was formed by 7 Drivers, 8 Office Boys, 4 Room Boys, 4 Pantry Boys, a Storekeeper and Outside Staff.
King's House was vacated by the British Commissioner on Merdeka Day, 31 August 1957. All crystal, china, and upholstery were replaced as they bore the British emblems. Paintings and portraits associated with the monarchs of England from the time of Queen Victoria were taken down, leaving only portraits of Sir Frank Swettenham and Sir George Maxwell who were early British Administrators in the FMS. The building was renamed "Istana Tetamu" (Guest Palace) by the Malayan Government. It became the official guesthouse for foreign dignitaries who were visiting the country.
In 1989, it was rebranded as a luxury hotel together with Carcosa, and from thereon known to be part of "Carcosa Sri Negara". Its interior space was reconfigured involving a revised stairway design, new fabric panel partitions, new floor finishes and repair work on its roof truss members. The original foldable doors and some windows were replaced with fixed glass panels to accommodate air conditioning. A fire incident in 2000 also damaged the roof to the building's right wing. Landmark Hotels and Realty managed the hotel up to 2010 before passing over the lease to Saujana Hotels & Resorts from 2010 to 2016.
The building will be undergoing a complete restoration with period features and fittings reinstated as per its original design intention.
The history of Sri Negara or Istana Tetamu (King’s House)
The smaller house adjacent to Carcosa believed to be referring to 'Government House‘ (now lstana Tetamu) was first mentioned by the Governor, Sir John Anderson during his discussion proposal, quoting from a dispatch of 27th July 1910 as described in the newspaper.
''10 ... I propose to retain for the use of the High Commissioner the house at Kuala Lumpur hitherto occupied by the Resident-General, and to build a somewhat smaller house on an immediately adjacent site for the officer discharging the duties hitherto performed by the Resident-General, who would have the use of the High Commissioner's house for any purpose for which his own might be inadequate. "
The Singapore Free Press, 11th October 1926.
It was when Sir Arthur Young became the Governor and High Commissioner to the FMS that the name 'Government House' began to be heard. Also designed by architect Arthur Benison Hubback, the building was to be fitted with a covered way to connect the office with the main building, electric fans, and crockery, no doubt for future entertaining by 1915. The Government House was literally appeared in the 1921 map of Kuala Lumpur. In 1923, all FMS dispatches to the secretary of state were to be headed to 'Government House Kuala Lumpur'.
Carcosa continued to be occupied by the Chief Secretary of the FMS. The Conference of Residents was still held on a regular basis at Carcosa despite the changes of the position in the British administration. In 1924, the King of Siam was entertained at Carcosa. At the same time, the neighbouring Government House was used by the Governor and High Commissioner of the FMS during their regular t ours to t he Malay states. An old building with private veranda and bathroom to each bedroom. A separate building (now known as Gulai House) linked by a covered walkway was an office for t he clerk while the private secretary's office was located on the ground floor of the main building. The list of official occupants in Government House are presented in Table No. 2-2.
The following year in 1925, alteration works were planned for Government House. The tender for the works was won by Chaw Cheong for the sum of $12,915. The changes were described as follows:
"The alterations to Government House, Kuala Lumpur, are progressing well. The dining room will be very much larger and capable of seating sixty people, the extra space having been obtained by removing the walls on the ground floor. A new office is to be built for H.E. ".
Malaya Tribune, 1st August 1925.
Table No. 2-2: List of Governor and High Commissioner that occupied Government House
July 1946-Group photograph after the plenary conference of the constitutional proposal for Malaya
Mr Richard M Nixon and Sir Gerald Templer walking down the steps of King's House in 1953
Jan 1948- Signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948 at King's house
Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tuanku Abdul Rahman, and Sir Donald MacGillvray outside of King's House after he signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957
Sri Negara's Historical Significance
Malay Rulers on the lawn of King’s House after the signing ceremony on 5 Aug 1957
The 1957 Federation of Malaya Agreement
This agreement revoked the treaty of 1948 and prepared the Federation of Malaya for independence. The signing took place in the Dining Room of King's House, Kuala Lumpur, on 5 August 1957. Queen Elizabeth II was represented by the High Commissioner Sir Donald MacGillivray who handed sovereignty over Penang and Malacca and her power and jurisdiction of the Federation.
The Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1948
This Agreement was signed at the Dining Room of King's House, Kuala Lumpur, on 21 January 1948, by the Rulers and Sir Edward Gent as the representative of the British Government. The Agreement supersede the Malayan Union, restoring power of the Malay Rulers and prepared for the establishment of the Federation of Malaya on 1 February 1948.
Plenary Conference of the Constitutional Proposal for Malaya [1946]
Following the Malayan Union Protests in 1946, a working committee comprising representatives of the British administration, Rulers and UMNOs was set up to examine and report on the constitutional issues. They met on 6 August, sat at intervals up to November, and presented a report to a plenary conference on 20 November held in the Dining Room of King's House. On 22 November 1946, MacDonald flew to London to present and discuss the constitutional proposals with the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
''Old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural history of a city, helping to give people a sense of place and connection to the past. Historic buildings often represent an important connection to people who live in a city or those visiting through time."
The Sri Negara Gallery highlights the people, stories and events significant to the site and how they shaped the birth of the nation from the colonial to the post-independence era.
SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS
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Sri Negara
Surface Carpark
SN EXISTIING: 23 Carpark
SN NEW: 50 Carpark
SN TOTAL: 73 Carpark
Surface Carpark
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