The palace faces the Straits of Johor and has a bird's eye view of Singapore, a former possession of the sultanate.

The palace is well guarded by the Royal Johor Military Force (JMF), the Sultan's own private army.

[1] Istana Bukit Serene has a tower measuring 35m in height and is among the famous tourist attractions in Johor Bahru.

When the Japanese invaded Malaya, Tokugawa accompanied General Yamashita Tomoyuki's troops and was warmly received by Sultan Ibrahim when they reached Johor Bahru at the end of January 1942.

Although advised by his top military personnel that the palace was an easy target, Yamashita was confident that the British Army would not attack Istana Bukit Serene because it was the pride and possession of the Sultan of Johor.