Istana Open House - Deepavali

The Istana Grounds is usually open to the public to celebrate Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day every year.

Istana Open House

The Istana Open House is scheduled to be held on the following dates in 2025:

Chinese New Year (2 Feb 2025)
Hari Raya Puasa (13 Apr 2025)
Labour Day (13 Apr 2025)
National Day (3 Aug 2025)
Deepavali (9 Nov 2025)

Istana Open House

The next Istana Open House (IOH) will be on 9 November, 8.30am to 6pm.

Istana Open House Deepavali

Istana Heritage Tour

Embark on a guided tour of the Istana grounds to explore its rich history, architectural heritage, and unique flora and fauna. The 1-hour walking tour begins at the Main Gate and features highlights such as the Villa, Japanese Garden, and Ceremonial Plaza.

Istana Japanese Garden

Tours are conducted in English and Mandarin every hour from 9am to 4pm. Fees apply*, and all proceeds go to the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

*Fees for the Istana Heritage Tour are non-refundable and exclude the following admission fees:
(i) Admission fees required for entry into the Istana grounds during the Istana Open House and,
(ii) fees for entering the Istana Villa.

Souvenirs

There will be merchandise booths offering limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs, available while stocks last. Only cashless payments via Credit/Debit Card and/or QR Codes will be accepted.

All proceeds will go to the benefitting agencies supported by President’s Challenge. The social service agencies supported by the President’s Challenge include those from the following sectors:

Children, Youth & Family
Disability
Eldercare
Mental Health
Rehabilitation
Healthcare
Disability Sports

The souvenirs include memorabilia such as:

Caps
Mugs
Bookmarks
Postcards
Luggage Tags
Keychains
Magnets

Istana Open House Garden

Terms and Conditions

A. Admission Procedures into the Istana Open House (IOH).

Admission into the IOH is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road only. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut.
Entry is subject to security checks. Prohibited objects include pointed and sharp objects (e.g., knives of any size, forks, scissors), flammable items (e.g. lighters, aerosol sprays), tripods, and canned items (e.g., canned food and drinks, as well as aerosol cans).
There are no storage facilities at the Istana. Security personnel reserve the right to deny entry to visitors with prohibited items.
Admission to the IOH may be restricted due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
In the event of lightning risk, the IOH may be suspended or cancelled. Visitors on the Istana grounds can seek shelter at the tentages. Please avoid taking shelter under trees or canopies. Visitors may also seek shelter at nearby malls.

Istana Open House Main Gate Istana Main Gate

B. Visitor Etiquette and Safe Management Measures within the Istana Grounds

Visitors who are feeling unwell on that day are strongly encouraged not to visit the Istana.
Visitors are requested to maintain good hygiene.
Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the Istana grounds.
Please keep the Istana grounds litter-free.
Activities such as wheeled sports (e.g., cycling, rollerblading, riding Personal Mobility Devices) are not allowed.
No pets are allowed except certified guide dogs.

More information can be found here.

What is the ‘Istana’?

The Istana, which means ‘Palace’ in Malay, is a significant historical landmark in Singapore. Built by the British colonial government in 1869, the Istana grounds cover an area of about 40 hectares and have witnessed many important events in Singapore’s history. It is also home to some 260 plant species and diverse wildlife.

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