The Istana Open House takes place five times a year, coinciding with major festivals and celebrations in Singapore. A visit to the Istana Open House is a chance to view the verdant grounds of the Istana and perhaps even a chance to meet the Singapore President!
Planning to pay a visit to the Istana Open House? Here is a guide of some essential things to know and what you can expect.
Visiting the Istana Open House
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The Istana Open House is open to the general public from 8.30 am to 6 pm on the designated dates. Entry is free for Singaporeans and PRs (including migrant domestic workers accompanying families.) and there is an admission fees for all others. Payment for admission fees are via cashless payments such as credit or debit card and QR code. Children below 4 years old enter for free.
Take note that admission is via the Main Gate along Orchard Road, next to Plaza Singapura.
There are two queues to help facilitate entry. One queue is for Singaporeans and PRs and the other queue is for all others. Singaporeans and PRs will need to show their identification to gain free admission.
There is a security checkpoint, so be sure that you don’t bring in any prohibited items such as pointed or sharp objects like knives or forks, flammable items like lighters, tripods or canned items (including canned food and drinks). Also take note that wheeled sports (e.g., cycling, rollerblading, riding Personal Mobility Devices) are not allowed at the Istana Open House.
After you clear the security checkpoint, you are into the Istana Grounds.
What to See at the Istana Open House: Sights & Landmarks
From the Main Gate, Edinburgh Road, runs uphill towards the main Istana building. You can choose to walk up along the road, or walk along the grassy grounds up the hill to take in the sights.
Swan Pond
Located close to the Main Gate is the Swan Pond. This is home to a pair of White Mute Swans.
Centre Gate
Heading up along Edinburgh Road, you will arrive a fork in the road and Centre Gate. This is typically where you can find a map of the Istana Grounds and you can orientate yourself. Take the fork to the right for the fastest way to the lawn where the main activities take place.
Japanese Garden
Behind Centre Gate is the Japanese Garden. Completed in 1967 and enhanced in 2021, it is a picturesque spot where you can take pictures at a dry rock garden along with traditional stone lanterns. The pond and stream make it a tranquil spot to pause for a while.
The Villa
The Villa, built in 1908, served as a guest house for visiting state visitors. It has even hosted guests like the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and People’s Republic of China Deng Xiaoping. It is currently being use to display state gifts while the Istana Main Building is undergoing renovation. An admission fee is payable to enter into The Villa.
Vanda Miss Joaquim Grove
In front of The Villa, there is a grove of Singapore’s National Flower that you can walk through.
Military Guardroom
Beside The Villa is the Military Guardroom. This is where the Ceremonial Guards that can be seen at the Main Gate are deployed from.
Gun Terrace
Opposite from the Military Guardroom is the Gun Terrace. You can take a picture here with a 105mm Japanese cannon. It was presented to Singapore by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in South-east Asia Louis Mountbatten in 1945. The Gun Terrace is also a great spot to view the modern Singapore skyline in the distance.
Lily Pond Garden
Take a walk down 55 steps to reach the Lily Pond Garden. A gazebo stands at the end of the lily pond and it is a popular spot for photo taking. Fun fact: a statue of Queen Victoria once stood in the gazebo and the garden was once known as the Queen Victoria Garden.
Main Building
The Istana Main Building at currently close for renovation works. The hoarding shows a visual representation of what it looks like.
Inclusive Garden
Located on the other side of the hill from the Lily Pond Garden is the Istana’s Inclusive Garden, opened in 2021. This is a collaboration between the President’s Office and the National Parks Board, the Garden will cater to a wide range of visitors, including the elderly in wheelchairs and persons with disabilities. You can view edibles and other plants in the garden.
There are other buildings around the Istana Grounds that are off-limits to the public. These include Sri Temasek, a double-storey bungalow that is the official resident of the Prime Minister.
Things to Do at the Istana Open House
Performances & Activity Booths
Many of the activities at the Istana Open House take place at the Function Lawn, towards the top of the hill, in front of the Main Building.
When we visited, there was huge air-conditioned tent that had been set up over the Function Lawn.
Throughout the day, there are performances, such as music and dance performances, planned. Booths inside the tent had activities such as balloon sculpturing and craft activities for visitors and families.
There were also stalls selling drinks and light refreshments.
Guided Tours
Interested to dive deeper into the history of the Istana? You can join a one-hour guided walking tour of the Istana. This starts at the tour booth near the Main Gate and is led by volunteer guides who will provide an introduction to the fascinating history of the Istana, its architectural heritage and unique flora and fauna.
The Istana Heritage Tours are conducted in English and Mandarin at hourly intervals from 9 am to 4 pm. Registration is required and the spots get snapped up quickly. Registration fees apply and all proceeds go towards the organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.
Viewing the State Gifts
You can view the State Gifts at The Villa, spread over two floors.
There is also a display of the Presidential symbols too. An admission fee applies for entry into The Villa.
Toddler Playground
A small, temporary playground for toddlers is typically setup close the Inclusive Garden. There may also be activities taking place close by too.
Food Trucks
Hungry from walking around the Istana Grounds? You may be able to find food trucks where you can pick up something to eat.
Tips for Visiting the Istana Open House
Arrive Early
Personally, we think that the best time to visit the Istana Open House is early in the morning. The weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds.
Be Prepared for the Weather
If you arrive later in the day, or will be staying till mid-day with the kids, bring along a hat or a fan to stay cool. Or if it is in the wetter months, bring along an umbrella too.
Check the Programme Schedule
You can time your visit to coincide with performances taking place during the Istana Open House too.
Toilet Facilities
You will find portable toilets placed around the Istana Grounds. However, if you are looking for proper toilet facilities, you can find one set of restrooms near Sri Temasek (quite a walk away from the rest of the activity areas).
Another set of toilets can be found another behind The Villa.
Supporting the President’s Challenge
The fees paid at the Istana Open House go toward supporting the beneficiaries of the President’s Challenge. So, it feels good to know that any money spent at the Istana Open House is going towards a good cause.
Our Thoughts on Visiting the Istana Open House
The Istana Open House is a chance pay a visit the grounds of a Singapore landmark and enjoy its wide, open spaces and nature spot. The various performances and activities add to the festive atmosphere during any visit. We think that it is a visit that can be enjoyed for some family bonding time on a little day out.
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