While house visiting this holiday season, add The President’s home to your list; it’s not often that the doors to The Istana are open, after all. As always, there will be a couple of Istana Open House events happening throughout the year, with the next one being on 13th April 2025. This is in celebration of Hari Raya and Labour Day, where visitors will get to witness multicultural live performances and munch on local delights from food trucks.
The colonial building located at Orchard Road isn’t usually open to the public, but the gates to the grounds open to the public a few days a year. When the public holidays roll around, it’s about that time that the Istana Open House occurs. All you have to do is check The Istana website for upcoming events.
Image credit: Nparks via Facebook
For the uninitiated, The Istana is the official residence of the President of Singapore. Although our current leader, President Tharman, does not live in the palace, his office is located within. He does make an appearance at the Istana Open House from time to time, though, so you just might spot him there.
Image credit: @fisyah via Instagram
It is also where Singapore hosts foreign dignitaries and where ceremonial duties are performed.
Take lots and lots of pics to immortalise the memory of visiting The President’s home.
Image adapted from: @nicolellli & @vicdhondt via Instagram
The gates open at 8.30am. Simply show up at the Main Gate along Orchard Road and enter for free if you’re a Singaporean or PR; no registration is required. All other visitors are welcome too, with a ticket of $20/adult and $10/child. By the way, all the proceeds go to charities and beneficiaries supported by the President’s Challenge.
Main tent where activities and performances are held.
Image credit: @kimminalism via Instagram
Stay patient while the guards do their duty during the security checks, and be prepared to queue for a bit. As long as you’re not carrying any prohibited items, you’ll be good to go. Items not allowed include pointed and sharp objects like scissors, flammable items, tripods, and canned drinks. Having said that, you’re advised to carry an umbrella and water bottle.
One can also enter the Istana Villa at $2/pax for Singaporeans and PRs; and $10/adult or $5/child for all other visitors.
Image adapted from: Nparks via Facebook, @matsuyamayoshihiko via Instagram
There’s also usually an Istana Heritage Tour conducted by NParks volunteers that starts every hour from 9am to 4pm.
| Tour fees | |
| Singapore Citizens & PRs | $8/adult | $4/child Family package: $22 for 2 adults & 2 children |
| Other visitors | $30/adult | $12/child |
Sign up for the Istana Heritage Tour.
If slots are full, feel free to roam the Istana grounds and beautiful gardens on a self-guided tour. All this has to be done on foot; don’t bother bringing your bicycles, roller blades or PMDs as they won’t be allowed in.
Image adapted from: @audreywalker225gtm via Instagram
What else is there to look forward to? Multicultural performances, food booths, a food truck, and merchandise booths. Bring home limited-edition souvenirs that can only be found at The Istana.
Image credit: @matsuyamayoshihiko via Instagram
This Sunday, activities include batik painting, storytelling, and ukulele workshops. If you’re in the mood for some fun, you can even try your hand at golf putting and a scavenger hunt.
From 10am-4.30pm, look forward to live performances by students from various schools, including traditional Malay dance, Indian dance, Chinese dance, and a choir.
Well, for most people #sundayfunday consists of spending quality time with the family, so grab the folks and head to the Istana Open House 2025.
Image credit: @matsuyamayoshihiko via Instagram
Admission: Free for Singaporeans & PRs | $20/adult, $10/child for visitors
Date: 13th April 2025
Time: 8.30am-6pm
Location: The Istana
Cover image adapted from: @matsuyamayoshihiko & @fisyah via Instagram
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