The Istana — Attraction in Singapore

The Istana is only opened to the public for 5 days annually from 0830 to 1800. Since I was free on one of the rare days (Deepavali on 6 Nov 2018), I decided to head down to take a look.

Take note - try to be early because queues would start to form from afternoon onwards. For Singaporeans/PR, entrance is free but it would cost foreigners S$2. Do remember to bring your NRIC or passport to provide your identity.

Once you're in you would need to walk ~400m to the Istana main building. Along the way, you would see and experience a vast of green space rife typical Singaporean plants. It is highly recommended to take a slow stroll to enjoy the peaceful greenery. However, do remember your sunscreen and umbrella.

After you reach the main building you have 3 main choices for activities - entry into the Istana the main building only, entry + guided tour of the main building and guided tour of the greenery in the green space mentioned above. The 1-hour guided tours are limited so do remember to head down early if you want to get a slot. Each tour is S$4 should you be interested. If you just want to head into the main building, it would be S$2. All of the money received would be donated to the President's Challenge.

As I did not manage to get a slot for the guided tour, I just entered the building to take a look. It has 3 main wings replete with gifts from ambassadors from other countries that you can slowly take in. The highlight for me was the President's reception room where the President hosts courtesy calls - it was a scenery that I had saw on the TV previously.

Overall, it was a pleasant visit.

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First experience, lots of trees to provide shade along the roads inside but depending on the time of day, still quite hot. Entered on the Deepavali holiday (yesterday) so entry for Singaporeans and PRs was free while others had to pay to enter. Reasonable. Security was polite and professional. A visitor who wasn't local, filmed part of the security screening while waiting in line and was stopped by an officer who asked very respectfully for his phone and informed him that any footage taken there had to be deleted and that the officer had to witness him deleting it. The visitor didn't kick up a fuss so everything was handled in a calm manner. Glad for that. After all, the officer was doing her job. The security also collected all lighters so don't bring your favourite lighter if you're going to visit. The grounds of the Istana were well-manicured and very green. Quite a bit of walking to do. There were some pop-up booths for drinks, balloons and even one by the Night Safari with pythons and lizards on display. For a $5 donation to their conservation fund, one could touch the python and have a photo with it. It was not the usual place one would expect to see them but still interesting. Some visitors thought the lawns were like the botanical garden's and promptly sat down like a picnic. Not exactly what I'd like to see. After all, it isn't the botanical gardens, it's the Istana. You can go to the botanical gardens any time to do that. Feels slightly disrespectful to me but that's just my opinion. It was pleasant but hot. Would recommend visiting when it is open and taking an umbrella, a handheld fan and a bottle of water along. Oh and wear comfy...

The Istana, a white 144-year-old building, is the official residence of the President of Singapore since the independence in 1965. The building is of an eclectic style that embodies European & Malay elements in its architecture. People always eagerly anticipate the annual open house to get a glimpse of its splendour. As well as the beautiful lush & green surroundings. Any chance you have to visit during the few days it’s open house per year - take it. The palace is open to the public during scheduled public holidays & it’s where the president receives & entertains state guests.

Construction started 156 years ago & the architectural style is Palladian. The Neo-Palladian style architecture & sprawling green grounds recalls a sense of grandeur.

One special thing is the chance to join guided tours of the main building. The greenery, covering more than 40 hectares, is like a peaceful paradise. As one of Singapore’s oldest heritage sites, the Istana holds significant historical & cultural value.

If you can’t wait for the annual open house, you’ve got the opportunity to watch a popular public event. On the first Sunday of the month, there’s a Changing of the Guards parade....