Istana opens up to public as part of Hari Raya Puasa celebrations

In celebration of Hari Raya Puasa, the Istana grounds will be open to the public on Sunday, 25 June 2017, from 8.30am to 6.00pm.

The public can look forward to music performances by Novo Winds Symphony Band, Naval Base Secondary School Symphonic Band, Sembawang Wind Orchestra and Yishun Secondary School Band. There will be dance performances by the Kolam Ayer Bhangra Dance Group – Bhangre De Sitare, Sheng Yi Heng Dances Group, Kampong Chai Chee’s Dance Group and Power Dances Group.  

A tea reception by President Tony Tan at a previous open house. Photo courtesy: istana.gov.sg
A tea reception by President Tony Tan at a previous open house. Photo courtesy: istana.gov.sg

Other features include a display of birds by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, a balloon sculpturing booth by SingTel and a Henna painting booth by Cognizant, according to a press release by the President's office. 

View the complete lineup of highlights here: 

Photo courtesy: screenshot from istana.gov.sg
Photo courtesy: screenshot from istana.gov.sg
Photo courtesy: screenshot from istana.gov.sg
Photo courtesy: screenshot from istana.gov.sg

Members of the public can sign up for the Nature Guided Walk at the Istana, a collaboration between the President’s Office and the National Parks Board (NParks). It will showcase the Istana’s flora, fauna and biodiversity.

Alternatively, take a guided tour of the Istana main building led by volunteers from the Preservation of Sites and Monuments division of the National Heritage Board. You can view selected function rooms and display of gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries.

Visitors can also do a self-guided tour with the help of the “Istana Garden Walk” mobile application. The app includes features such as a self-guided Plants Trail to discover 10 types of beautiful plant species in the Istana Gardens and maps of Places of Interest and Plants Trails.

School band performing at a previous Istana open house. Photo courtesy: istana.gov.sg
School band performing at a previous Istana open house. Photo courtesy: istana.gov.sg

The Istana Heritage Gallery (IHG) at the Istana Park (opposite the main gate of the Istana along Orchard Road) will also be open from 10am to 6pm. 

Istana souvenirs will be on sale during the Open House. Proceeds from the sale of souvenirs and all entrance fees collected will be donated to charity.     

Admission Details

Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents. All others visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $2 per person. 

Entry to the Istana grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut.