The istana is only open 4-5 times a year. It's nice to visit for its luscious gardens. The interiors are not very grand but it's nice to see.

Luckily we visit Singapore on its open day. It's a large house with a great collection of artwork as gifts from different countries. Not so special that worth the long queue but the fact that it rarely open.

It's not often that the Head of State opens up his residence to the public to roam about. This happens at major celebratory festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, etc. A band will be in attendance along with other performances. The Prez himself will be walking about to greet the visitors. Photo ops for the public. Free for... More

Istana is an official office of the President of Singapore. Its open on major public holidays like the National Day in August. The place is green and serene and you get to see various types of flora that you otherwise would not get it even in Botanical Gardens.

We were fortunate to be in Singapore on one of the few days a year that the Istana was open to the public. Was advised to go at 8.30am but didn't get there till 12.20pm - VERY, VERY long line that we decided would take too long so went elsewhere for a couple of hours but on returning along Orchard... More