The Istana

The Istana was built in 1869 and was known as Government House during the British colonial rule. It was a place of pomp and ceremony. After independence in 1959, it was renamed the Ïstana”and the new Head of State, Mr Yusof Ishak moved in. The grounds are as large as 40 football fields and there are 10,000 trees covering more than 100 species including the Nutmeg tree. There are three other buildings - the villas, the Lodge and Sri Temasek. There are also pons, the largest being the Swan Pond. Visitors can enjoy the greenery of the sprawling grounds, have a picnic or visit the staterooms (fee payable for staterooms).

Opening Days: Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and the first Sunday of August to celebrate National Day.

Opening Hours: 8.30 am to 6.30 pm

Main Entrance Fee: Singaporean and Permanent Residents –Free. Foreign Visitors - $1.00 per person. Staterooms (Istana Buiding) - $2.00 each for all visitors. These collection are donated to charities.

Specialities: Changing of the Guards Ceremony featuring the Precision Drill Squad from the SAF Military Police Unit on first Sunday of each month at 6.00 pm at the entrance gate of Orchard Road.