Raja Di Hilir Perak Visits Pulau Raja to Trace the History of Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap

Pulau Raja, located in the waters of Pulau Pangkor, Perak, holds a fascinating history, particularly regarding the existence of an Istana Hinggap (royal stopover palace) belonging to the late Sultan Iskandar Shah, the 30th Sultan of Perak. Although the palace building no longer stands as it once did, its remnants still possess historical value that deserves attention so that the story behind its construction is not lost to time.

On November 2, 2026, the island received a visit from His Royal Highness Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris A'fifullah Shah II, in conjunction with the Program Jiwa Murni Madani organized by the Western Fleet Command of the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM). His Royal Highness's visit not only graced the program but also gave greater significance to the efforts of tracing the history of the Perak Sultanate in the waters of Pangkor.

This historic visit also focused on the site of Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap, which is believed to have been built in 1936. The site is linked to the history of the British handover of the Dindings territory back to the state of Perak in 1935, a significant event in the development of the state's administration and sovereignty.

His Royal Highness's Visit with the Royal Family and State Dignitaries

During the visit, the Raja Di Hilir Perak was accompanied by his son, Yang Mulia Raja Nabil Imran, and his nephew, Yang Mulia Syed Idris Al Sagof. The presence of these royals demonstrates the continuity of interest and attention the Perak Sultanate institution has toward historical relics connected to past administrations.

Also accompanying His Royal Highness were the Manjung District Chief (Orang Besar Jajahan), Toh Seri Bijaya Lieutenant Colonel Dato' Shaharudin bin Haji Nazari (Retired), and the Kampar District Chief, Yang Dihormati Toh Muda Panglima Bukit Gantang, Toh Muda Azman Yeop Jr. The involvement of these dignitaries highlights the importance of local historical heritage closely tied to the royal institution and state administration.

A representative from Team Orang Perak, Saiful Rezal, also had the opportunity to join the visit at the invitation of Yang Mulia Raja Kamar Azhar Raja Ahmad Saifuddin. This participation allowed Team Orang Perak to get a closer look at the historic location and understand the importance of documenting the heritage remnants found on Pulau Raja.

Tracing the Site of Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap Built in 1936

One of the main purposes of the Raja Di Hilir Perak's visit was to personally inspect the remains of Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap. Based on historical information provided, the building is believed to have been erected in 1936, during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Shah, who served as the Sultan of Perak from 1918 to 1938. His reign period is also confirmed by official records of the Perak Sultanate.

The existence of the palace shows that Pulau Raja is not just a small island with natural beauty, but also has the potential to be an important location in the history of the Perak Sultanate. An Istana Hinggap is typically associated with a royal stopover or temporary residence, but the specific function of the building on Pulau Raja still requires research based on relevant historical documents and records.

Although the original state of the building requires further study, the remaining structural remnants can provide clues regarding its position, layout, and construction features. Research into the building materials, foundation, and existing structures could potentially help researchers build a clearer picture of the palace when it was still in use.

The Connection Between the Pulau Raja Istana Hinggap and the 1935 Handover of Dindings

One aspect that makes the history of Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap so interesting is its connection to the return of Dindings to the state of Perak. The territory, which was previously under British administration, included the mainland and surrounding islands, including Pulau Pangkor. The return of this territory was a major achievement in the history of Sultan Iskandar Shah's reign.

Efforts to return Dindings went through a process of agreements and legislation in 1934 before the territory was returned to Perak in 1935. British Parliamentary debates in 1934 also noted that the Dindings area indeed had territorial ties with the state of Perak and its return had been considered for a long time.

According to information regarding an English-language newspaper clipping dated 1936 presented alongside the history of Pulau Raja, the Istana Hinggap is said to have been a gift from the Perak government through local dignitaries and the people as a token of appreciation for the return of Dindings. If the details of the clipping can be verified through the original copy, it would be a very valuable piece of documentation to explain the background of the palace's construction and its connection to that historic event.

Pulau Raja or Pulau Pelanduk Holds Unexplored Heritage Treasures

Pulau Raja, also known as Pulau Pelanduk, has its own uniqueness among the cluster of islands around Pangkor. Its position surrounded by the waters of the Strait of Malacca makes this area interesting not only from the perspective of natural beauty but also in terms of the history of governance and the relationship between the local community and the Perak Sultanate institution.

Not many stories about the remains of the Istana Hinggap on the island are known to the general public. Compared to the old palaces found in Kuala Kangsar, the history of the royal residence on Pulau Raja still requires more comprehensive research and information gathering. This situation makes this visit an important step in bringing attention back to the island's history.

If findings related to the palace site can be recorded systematically, Pulau Raja has the potential to become a reference location for the history of Perak. Information regarding its construction, the palace's function, its relationship with local residents, and events that occurred in the area can be compiled into documentation for future generations.

Efforts to Identify the Remains of the Istana Hinggap and Conservation Potential

One of the main objectives of the visit to Pulau Raja was to identify the remaining traces of Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap. Research at the location can help determine the current state of the site and identify appropriate steps to ensure the remnants do not continue to deteriorate due to environmental changes and natural factors.

There are also suggestions to examine the possibility of recreating the Istana Hinggap building if resources, historical records, and the condition of the site permit. However, any reconstruction effort must be based on detailed studies, including examination of original plans, old photographs, building materials, and information from reliable historical sources. This step is important to avoid changes that could compromise the historical authenticity of the location.

In addition to the conservation of building remains, the cleanliness and environmental sustainability around Pulau Raja are also being given attention. Conservation and beach cleaning activities can help preserve the island's beauty while providing a better environment for research, educational visits, and future heritage conservation efforts.

TLDM's Program Jiwa Murni Madani Combines Community Service and Historical Appreciation

The Program Jiwa Murni Madani organized by the Western Fleet Command of the Royal Malaysian Navy on November 2, 2026, served as a platform that brought together various parties in an effort to focus on Pulau Raja. Programs like this not only have social importance but also open opportunities to highlight the historical and environmental values of the island.

The visit of the Raja Di Hilir Perak added value and meaning to the program. Through this visit, attention can be drawn to history that may be less known to the public, particularly regarding the existence of Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap and its connection to the development of Perak's administration in the 1930s.

Collaboration between the royal institution, security forces, state dignitaries, and community representatives also shows that efforts to preserve historical heritage require the involvement of various parties. Each party can play a role based on their expertise and responsibilities, whether in research, site conservation, area security, or the dissemination of accurate historical information.

The Importance of Historical Documentation and Multi-Agency Cooperation

Efforts to preserve the site of Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap require continuous attention so that its historical value is not forgotten. Steps that can be considered include the preparation of photographic records, site mapping, collection of archival documents, and studies of historical materials related to the building's construction.

Collaboration between the Perak Palace, state government, local authorities, the National Heritage Department, historical researchers, non-governmental organizations, and the local community is essential to ensure that any conservation proposals are made in a planned manner. If studies confirm the importance of the site, appropriate protection measures can be considered to prevent the loss of remaining historical remnants.

Complete documentation can also benefit students, researchers, and the younger generation who wish to understand the history of the Perak Sultanate. The story of the return of Dindings in 1935 and the construction of the Istana Hinggap associated with that event are part of the state's history that is worth studying and passing on.

The Visit of the Raja Di Hilir Perak Brings Great Meaning to the Heritage of the Perak Sultanate

The visit of His Royal Highness the Raja Di Hilir Perak to Pulau Raja on November 2, 2026, highlights the importance of rediscovering historical locations that may have long been sidelined from public attention. Although Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap building can no longer be seen in its original state, its remnants can still serve as a link to the history of the Perak Sultanate's administration in the past.

The history of Pulau Raja cannot be separated from the development of the Dindings territory and Pulau Pangkor, which returned to the state of Perak in 1935. This event has a close connection to the reign of the late Sultan Iskandar Shah, thus making the effort to study the history of the Istana Hinggap on the island of particular importance.

This historic visit is hoped to be the starting point for more comprehensive documentation and conservation efforts. Historical treasures are not just old building remains; rather, they are evidence of a state's journey, the relationship between the ruler and the people, and a heritage that needs to be understood by the next generation. Knowing history, preserving heritage, and passing on these treasures to future generations is a shared responsibility so that the story of Pulau Raja and Sultan Iskandar Shah's Istana Hinggap remains in the annals of Perak's history.