Istana Open House

Facebook, spam or friend? We get the most ridiculous groups, quizzes and events. Sometimes a quick glance through a person's preferences and photos revealed online might yield us clues to a personality that we might rather not know. Sometimes we get something that proves to be beneficial. A case in point would be this Free Quality Events in Singapore, a group that was set up by some hospitality students in Singapore.

Thanks to this group, I was informed about the Istana Open House. Located along Orchard Road and built on an old nutmeg plantation, the Istana was the former official residence of the representative of the British Crown. Normally, the Istana is not open to the public except on special public holidays such as Chinese New Year, Labour Day, National Day, Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali. Currently, the President and Prime Minister have their offices on the Istana Grounds and it is the Official Residence of the President of Singapore where he receives and entertains state guests.

During the openhouse, only the Istana(1869)(or "palace" in Malay) is opened to the public for a small fee of S$2.


Going into the Istana grounds, one is immediately greeted by tall leafy trees and sprawling greens.


After a short stroll, the imposing Istana building is perched on the hilltop, imposing looking over the business area in Singapore.

Unfortunately, no photos were allowed to be taken within the Istana itself. During the tour, we were shown the modest furnishings and gifts from foreign visitors.

As a small remainder of our former British colony status, there was a garden aptly named Victoria Garden with a statue of Queen Victoria.

The whole trip around the garden took us under 2 hours in the hot sun. The bulk of the waiting time was actually clearing the security checks at the door. If you are planning a trip down to the Istana during one of the holidays, please remember to bring along your passport and identity card. If you are a foreigner, there is a donation of S$1 required at the door, going to the President's supported charity foundation, Community Chest.

Istana Grounds
(Opened During Public Holidays From 830am - 6pm)
Next to the Doby Ghauht Mrt Station