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The Istana will be welcoming members of the public to its Open House this October 24. What to expect? Activity booths, guided tours and live performances – all in celebration of Deepavali.
Take part in activities such as balloon sculpting and candle-making, which will be held at the Centre Gate Tent and Main Tent respectively. Both activities are open to the public throughout the day. Look forward to numerous dance performances too – students from Bowen, Punggol and Clementi Town Secondary School, and NAFA School of Young Talents will be at the Ceremonial Plaza from 10am to 4.30pm.
At the Main Tent, students from Xinmin Secondary School and CHIJ Katong Convent will conduct its band performances from 10am to 10.45am and 11.45am to 12.30pm respectively. Visitors can also catch the musical performance by students from the NAFA School of Young Talents at the Main Building Reception Hall from 3.30pm to 4pm.
Those interested in learning more about the Istana’s flora and fauna can also sign up for the Nature Guided Tour of the Japanese Garden and the Inclusive Garden, happening every hour from 10am to 4pm. The nature guided tour costs $4 for Singapore citizens and PRs, and $2 for kids 4 to 12. If you wish to take a closer look at the collection of State Gifts presented to Singapore’s president and prime minister, there are also guided tours of the Istana Main Building. The tours will be conducted every 30 minutes from 9am to 2.30pm and 4.30pm to 5pm. Self-guided tours are available as well.
The self-guided tour for Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR) will cost $2 per person, and is free for children below four. Meanwhile, the guided tour will be $4 per pax for adults and $2 for children aged 4 to 12.
If your hunger pangs strike, there’s food trucks from Goodburger, and an ice cream booth from Udders. Limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs will be available for sale at merchandise booths. All proceeds from the merchandise will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge.
Entry to the Istana grounds is free for all Singapore Citizens and PRs. Other visitors will be required to pay an entrance fee of $2 per adult.
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