If you are looking for a unique and fascinating attraction in Singapore, you should not miss the Istana, the official residence and office of the President and Prime Minister of Singapore. The Istana, which means “palace” in Malay, is a majestic building that showcases the history and heritage of Singapore, as well as the state affairs and ceremonies that take place there. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about visiting the Istana and its heritage gallery, including the best time to visit, how to reach, what to expect, and what to do nearby.
History and Heritage of Istana
The Istana was built in 1869 as the colonial governor’s house, and was originally named the Government House. It was designed by Major John Frederick Adolphus McNair, a British engineer and architect, in the neo-Palladian style, with influences from Indian and Malay elements. The Istana sits on a sprawling 106-acre estate, which includes lush gardens, a golf course, a swimming pool, and a tennis court.
The Istana became the official residence and office of the President and Prime Minister of Singapore in 1959, when Singapore attained self-government from the British. Since then, the Istana has witnessed many historic events and milestones in Singapore’s history, such as the merger and separation with Malaysia, the declaration of independence, and the development of the nation.
The Istana also reflects the cultural and artistic heritage of Singapore, as it houses many state artefacts, artworks, and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Some of the notable items include the portraits of the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Singapore, the medals and awards conferred by the President, the costumes and uniforms worn by the state officials, and the souvenirs and mementos from various countries and cultures.
The Istana also symbolizes the dignity and sovereignty of Singapore, as it hosts many state functions and ceremonies, such as the swearing-in of the President and the Cabinet, the presentation of credentials by foreign ambassadors, the reception of foreign leaders and guests, and the celebration of national and cultural festivals.
Istana Heritage Gallery
If you want to learn more about the history and heritage of the Istana, you should visit the Istana Heritage Gallery, which is located at the Istana Park, opposite the main gate of the Istana. The gallery is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily, except on Wednesdays, and admission is free.
The gallery showcases the rich and diverse collection of state artefacts, artworks, and gifts from foreign dignitaries that are displayed in the Istana. The gallery is divided into four sections, namely:
The Istana and Its Grounds, which features the architectural, landscape, and historical aspects of the Istana and its estate.
The Ceremonial Functions of the Istana, which highlights the state affairs and ceremonies that take place in the Istana, such as the swearing-in of the President and the Cabinet, the presentation of credentials by foreign ambassadors, and the reception of foreign leaders and guests.
The Istana as a Home, which showcases the personal and family life of the President and the Prime Minister, as well as the staff and volunteers who work and live in the Istana.
The Collection of the Istana, which displays the state artefacts, artworks, and gifts from foreign dignitaries that are housed in the Istana, such as the portraits, medals, costumes, and souvenirs.
The gallery also features interactive and multimedia exhibits, such as touchscreens, videos, and audio guides, that enhance the visitor’s experience and understanding of the Istana and its heritage.
Istana Open Days
One of the best ways to experience the Istana and its heritage is to visit the Istana during the Istana Open Days, which are usually held on public holidays and special occasions, such as the Chinese New Year, the Hari Raya Puasa, the National Day, and the Deepavali. On these days, the Istana is open to the public from 8.30 am to 6 pm, and admission is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and $2 for foreigners.
During the Istana Open Days, visitors can explore the main building, the grounds, and the gardens of the Istana, and enjoy the various activities and entertainment options available, such as:
The performances by local schools and community groups, which showcase the diverse and vibrant cultures and talents of Singapore.
The games and quizzes, which test the visitors’ knowledge and skills on the history and heritage of the Istana and Singapore.
The photo booths, which allow the visitors to take pictures with the Istana and its surroundings as the backdrop.
The guided tours, which are offered by the National Heritage Board and volunteer guides, and cover the main building, the grounds, and the gardens of the Istana. The tours are conducted in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, and last for about 45 minutes. The tours are free, but require prior registration online or on-site.
How to Reach Istana
The Istana is located at Orchard Road, the main shopping and entertainment district of Singapore. It is easily accessible by public transport, such as train, bus, car, or taxi. Here are some of the directions and transportation options to reach the Istana:
By train:
The nearest train station is Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Istana. The station is connected to the North-South Line, the North-East Line, and the Circle Line, which link to various parts of Singapore.
By bus:
The nearest bus stop is Dhoby Ghaut Station, which is about a 5-minute walk from the Istana. The bus stop is served by several bus services, such as 7, 14, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 162, 167, 171, 174, 175, 190, 700, 971E, and NR6, which connect to various destinations in Singapore.
By car:
The nearest parking lot is at Plaza Singapura, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Istana. The parking fee is $1.28 per hour from Monday to Friday, and $1.60 per hour on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.
By taxi: The nearest taxi stand is at Penang Road, which is about a 5-minute walk from the Istana. The taxi fare depends on the distance, time, and surcharges, and ranges from $3 to $20.
Best Time to Visit Istana
The best time to visit the Istana depends on your preferences and expectations, as there are advantages and disadvantages of visiting the Istana on different occasions, such as the festive seasons, the open days, and the weekdays. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit the Istana:
Weather:
The weather in Singapore is generally hot and humid throughout the year, with occasional rain and thunderstorms. The average temperature is about 27°C, and the average rainfall is about 170 mm per month. The wettest months are November to January, and the driest months are February to April. The best time to visit the Istana is during the dry months, when the weather is more pleasant and less likely to disrupt your visit.
Crowd:
The crowd level at the Istana varies depending on the season and the day. The busiest times are during the festive seasons, such as the Chinese New Year, the Hari Raya Puasa, the National Day, and the Deepavali, when the Istana is open to the public and attracts thousands of visitors. The quietest times are during the weekdays, when the Istana is closed to the public and only hosts state functions and ceremonies. The best time to visit the Istana is during the weekdays, to secure a good spot and avoid long queues. You can also book your tickets online or on-site to save time and hassle.
Check the event schedule before your visit, and choose accordingly. Look out for the dates and timings of the open days, the performances, the games, the quizzes, the photo booths, and the guided tours.
Tips and Reviews for Visiting Istana
To make the most of your visit to the Istana and its heritage gallery, here are some useful tips and reviews for visitors:
Admission fees:
The admission to the Istana and its heritage gallery is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and $2 for foreigners. The admission fee for the guided tours is $4 for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and $10 for foreigners. The admission fee for the main building is $6 for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and $12 for foreigners. The admission fee for the grounds and the gardens is $2 for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and $4 for foreigners. The admission fees are payable by cash or NETS only.
Dress code:
The dress code for visiting the Istana and its heritage gallery is smart casual, which means no shorts, slippers, or singlets. The dress code is strictly enforced, and visitors who do not comply may be denied entry or asked to leave.
Photography rules:
The photography rules for visiting the Istana and its heritage gallery are as follows: Photography is allowed in the grounds and the gardens, but not in the main building and the gallery. Photography is also not allowed during the state functions and ceremonies, such as the swearing-in of the President and the Cabinet, the presentation of credentials by foreign ambassadors, and the reception of foreign leaders and guests. Photography is also subject to the discretion and direction of the security personnel, and visitors who do not comply may be asked to delete their photos or leave.
Security measures:
The security measures for visiting the Istana and its heritage gallery are as follows: Visitors are required to present their identity cards or passports for verification at the entrance. Visitors are also required to undergo security screening and bag checks at the entrance. Visitors are not allowed to bring any prohibited items, such as weapons, explosives, flammable materials, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, or pets. Visitors are also not allowed to smoke, eat, drink, litter, or vandalize in the Istana and its heritage gallery. Visitors who do not comply may be fined, arrested, or prosecuted.
Nearby Attractions
If you have some extra time after visiting the Istana and its heritage gallery, you can also explore the nearby attractions, such as:
The National Museum of Singapore, which is the oldest and largest museum in Singapore, and showcases the history, culture, and art of Singapore and Southeast Asia. The museum is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily, and admission is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and $15 for foreigners.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and features a variety of plants, flowers, and wildlife. The gardens are open from 5 am to 12 am daily, and admission is free for everyone.
The Orchard Road shopping district, which is the main shopping and entertainment district of Singapore, and offers a wide range of shops, malls, restaurants, cafes, and bars. The district is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily, and admission is free for everyone.
The Istana is a remarkable and splendid attraction in Singapore, that offers a glimpse into the history and heritage of Singapore, as well as the state affairs and ceremonies that take place there. Whether you visit the Istana during the open days, when you can see the inside of the main building and the gallery, or during the weekdays, when you can enjoy a more peaceful and exclusive visit, you will surely be amazed and impressed by the Istana and its heritage.
You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the Orchard Road shopping district, to complete your Singapore experience.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you have a wonderful time visiting the Istana and its heritage.
