Beautiful architecture of Balai Besar

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Balai Besar
Balai Besar Alor Setar Architecture
The beautiful vernacular architecture of Balai Besar in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

The more I see of Alor Setar, the more I think that it is an architecture enthusiast’s city. There are just many notable Asian and modern architecture in the city. Thai/Chinese at Wat Nikrodharam, Zahir and Albukhary mosques, as well as modern Menara Alor Setar.

But there’s another one with its Asian with heavy Thai influences, part of the royal palace, the Balai Besar. Originally built in 1735 as the Royal Audience Hall, it was where weddings, state assemblies and royal gatherings, including the installation of two sultans in 1805 and 1959, were held. During the Bugis and later the Siamese invasion, it was damaged that in 1896, was restored.

The Balai Besar is a gem of an architecture. The floors, poles and roof are made of wood. It has interesting Thai motifs and a beautfiul twin staircase leading to the second floor. While the front is really Asian architecture, with its airiness and lightness, the back is more of concrete and wood.

Facade of Balai Besar with its airy and multi Asian architecture
Facade of Balai Besar with its airy and multi Asian architecture
Beautiful yellow walled structures at the back of Balai Besar
Beautiful yellow walled structures at the back of Balai Besar
At the back of the Belai Besar with its Asian colonial architecture
At the back of the Belai Besar with its Asian colonial architecture
Balai Besar
Istana Kota Star, the royal palace at the back of Balai Besar
I'm a Travel and Architecture photographer, blogger and writer based in Cebu, the Philippines.

A true blue Cebuano, I make stunning images and meaningful stories. My work has been published in various coffee table books as well as local and international publications including Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London), done photo assignments for Mabuhay and written posts in Smile.

My personal Photography work has been exhibited around Asia and Europe including Paris in France, Germany, The Netherlands, South Korea, China and around the ASEAN regional capitals.

I am a peripatetic traveler and have been to all 81 Philippine provinces and abroad.

Check out my portfolio site at StanCabigas.

3 thoughts on “Beautiful architecture of Balai Besar”

  2. hi im doing a reports on The Balai Besar. So i was wondering could you please explain to me the types of form or architecture used for the facade.

  3. Pingback: Beautiful Alor Setar Architecture for a memorable visit • langyaw

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