The Istana

The Grounds

Situated in the heart of the city, the Istana is a green lung amid the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Standing on what used to be Charles Robert Prinsep's nutmeg plantation, the estate is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. Since 1960, the Istana has been open to the public on special days for visitors to enjoy the beautiful grounds.

The National Parks Board takes care of the Istana grounds and is involved in landscaping works for functions held here.

  • Flora & Fauna
  • Gun Terrace
  • Fairway
  • Swan Pond
  • Japanese Garden
  • The Centre Gate
  • Lawn
  • Inclusive Garden
  • Benches at the Istana
  • Birds in the Istana
Istana Ground Flora
Flora & Fauna
Gun Terrace
Fairway image
Fairway
Swan Pond
Situated alongside the Centre Gate of the Istana is a tranquil Japanese Garden. This garden was first introduced to the Istana by Singapore's founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who had an affinity with Japanese landscape. Featuring an irregularly-shaped pond with rocks rising statuesquely above the calm waters, the garden is also adorned with stone lanterns, wooden bridges, as well as pine trees and weeping trees – features that add a distinctive Japanese touch to the miniature garden.
Japanese Garden
Rain Trees lining both sides of Edinburgh Road shade the half-kilometre walk from the Main Gate to the Centre Gate. The intricate cast iron Centre Gate was built in 1931 as a receiving post for visitors. Today, the Centre Gate serves as a welcoming symbol, beckoning visitors to the Istana's grounds.
The Centre Gate
Lawn
The Spice Terrace serves as a walk down memory lane for visitors as mature nutmeg trees and clove trees can be seen here. The scrawny Nibong palms also found at this location are a sharp contrast to the full-foliaged spice trees. Situated next to the Spice Terrace is the Spice Garden. The garden houses a wide variety of spices and herbs such as curry leaves, chilli, lemongrass, roselle, holy basil, chinchau, rosemary, ginger, coriander, pandan and mint. Inspired by the spices in the Garden, the “Istana Harvest” was created using ingredients found in the Garden and is served as a refreshing welcome drink to foreign dignitaries and guests of the Istana.
Inclusive Garden
Benches at the Istana
Birds in the Istana
Fruits in the Istana

You may want to read about

President's Duties

The President is responsible for safeguarding the national reserves and the integrity of the public service. The President also receives foreign dignitaries, officiates at state functions and performs other ceremonial and community duties.
Istana 150

The Istana turned 150 in 2019. A series of events and activities were held over the past year to commemorate this landmark anniversary.