ISTANA TO OPEN TO MEMBERS OF PUBLIC ON LABOUR DAY

In celebration of Hari Raya Puasa and Labour Day, the Istana will be open to members of public on Monday, 1 May 2023, 8.30am to 6.00pm. Visitors can look forward to visiting the enhanced Swan Pond, which was launched by President Halimah in early April. The enhanced Swan Pond also includes a new viewing deck and garden stream, with a curated selection of flowering and fragrant shrubs. Members of public can also enjoy a series of live performances and participate in the various activity booths at the Istana Open House (IOH).

Performances and Activity Booths

Throughout the day, visitors can join in various activities such as balloon sculpting and henna painting at the Main Tent. From 10.15am to 4.00pm, visitors can catch band, dance and Dikir Barat performances by student groups from Evergreen Secondary School, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents, Marymount Covent Percussion Ensemble, Pasir Ris Secondary School, Tanjong Katong Girls’ School, Temasek Polytechnic Dikir Barat and Wellington Primary School at the Ceremonial Plaza, Main Tent, and Reception Room.

Guided Tours

Guided tours of the Istana Main Building will be conducted from 9.30am to 5.00pm, during which visitors can view selected function rooms and take a closer look at a collection of State Gifts presented to Singapore’s leaders. Visitors can also opt to go on self-guided tours. Visitors interested in the Istana’s flora and fauna can join the Nature Guided Tour from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Fees will be collected on the spot. All fees collected will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge. Only cashless payments via the SGQR[1] will be accepted.

Snacks and Merchandise

There will be food and drinks stalls, food trucks, as well as merchandise booths with limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs. All proceeds from the merchandise booths will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge. Only cashless payments via the SGQR will be accepted.

Admission Details

Entry to the Istana grounds is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut. Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents. All other visitors (four years old and above) are required to pay an entrance fee of $2 per person. Only cashless payments via SGQR will be accepted. Entry may be restricted due to capacity, inclement weather, or other reasons. More information can be found on https://www.istana.gov.sg/Visit-And-Explore/Istana-Open-House.

PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

ISTANA

21 APRIL 2023