The Astana — "palace" in Malay — is a white-painted mansion on the north bank of the Sarawak River, visible from the waterfront esplanade and one of the most photographed buildings in Kuching. It was built in 1870 by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah, as a residence for himself and his wife Margaret. The building is still in use as the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak and is not open to the public.
The best view of the Astana is from the south bank waterfront — across the river, framed by palm trees, it looks exactly as it did in photographs from the early twentieth century. You can also see it from the bumboat during the river crossing. Visitors can walk along the north bank path from Fort Margherita toward the Astana gardens, though the building itself remains private. The jetty in front of the Astana was the main point of arrival for visitors to the Rajah's court.