Many once-iconic buildings in Malaysia now stand neglected or abandoned, leaving behind memories of their former glory. Some content creators take this opportunity to visit and explore these sites, sharing glimpses of their current state to evoke nostalgia for viewers.
Recently, TikTok user @/hassanhartanah08 posted a video exploring the once-popular 5-star hotel, Palace of the Golden Horses, located within the iconic MINES Wellness City in Seri Kembangan. The hotel is reported to be temporarily closed for renovation and rebranding after struggling to recover from the impacts of Covid-19. Although not entirely abandoned, parts of the hotel still operate as a medical tourism centre, with the ballroom currently used as a wedding venue.
Once hailed as “Asia’s Most Extraordinary Hotel,” the interim now-disused building still features its iconic golden horse statues scattered around the area, as seen in the now-viral videos. Despite mould and moss covering parts of the walls, the hotel’s structure remains intact and relatively well-kept, considering it’s unoccupied. Overall, the site exudes a spine-chilling atmosphere, resembling a post-catastrophe castle with its massive and looming architecture.
Many netizens reacted to the video, expressing shock and disbelief at the current state of this once-magnificent hotel. Some were surprised to learn that the Palace of the Golden Horses is now temporarily out of business, given the prestigious reputation it held just a few years ago. Others fondly reminisced about their experiences visiting or working at the establishment during its glory days.
There were also discussions on how the location could be repurposed, with suggestions to redevelop the impressive structure rather than letting it deteriorate. Some comments even pointed out that the hotel was once the wedding venue for several popular local celebrities, highlighting the legendary status it once held.
While it’s disheartening to see the Palace of the Golden Horses in its current run-down state, this also marks a fresh beginning for the hotel to embrace a new look. As of now, there’s no estimated completion date, but we look forward to its grand comeback!
Watch the viral videos here:
@hassanhartanah08 Inilah hotel bertaraf 5-7 bintang seketika dulu.. sangat mewah dan memukau! ⭐😍 Korang pernah check-in sini ?? #luxuryhotel #jejakhartanah #palaceofthegoldenhorses #themines #goldenhorses #selangor
@hassanhartanah08 Replying to @mastura.mass yes . tepat sangat dgn nama dia “ISTANA KUDA EMAS” luar dah grand.. interior lagilah super duper grand n classic luxury !! #palaceofthegoldenhorses #kudaemas #selangor #jejakhartanah
Sources: TikTok (1)(2)(3), NST, PGH Mines
Alia contributed to this article.
