22 Oct (Wed): Istana Open House for Deepavali

The Istana grounds are open to the public in celebration of Hari Raya Puasa and National Day. View the Istana gardens while a variety of performances on the grounds provide entertainment. You may also have the chance to have your photos taken with the President and First Lady when they come by to greet visitors.

There will be guided nature walks by volunteer guides trained by NParks who will share snippets of the Istana’s history and little-known facts of the resident flora and fauna. Highlights of the walk include plants which were a key part of the Istana’s history, such as the nutmeg at the Spice Terrace. Other examples of plants uncommon outside the Istana’s grounds are the Meninjau tree, Nibong palm and the fragrant Bread Flower climber. Visitors may also spot birds like the Oriental Magpie Robin and Lesser Whistling Ducks residing in the grounds, which have long been used as a conservation sanctuary for many species. More details on the NParks website.

Selected function rooms with displays of gifts presented to the President and Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries can be viewed for a fee of $2. All proceeds from entrance fees and the sale of Istana souvenirs will be donated to charity.

More details on the Istana website. More about the activities during this Open House on Channel NewsAsia.

Time: 8.30am - 6pm
Venue: Entrance to the grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road.
Charges: Admission to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Others, including foreign visitors, are charged $1 per person.
Website: http://www.istana.gov.sg/