The Istana is the official residence of the President of Singapore. Istana is a malay word for Palace. Just like any presidential palace it is where the setting president receives and entertains state guests. The building was completed in 1869 and gone major renovation in 1996 and was completed in 1998.
The Istana is sited on top of a hill in a100 acres land along Orchard Road. During national holidays, the Istana grounds is opened to the public from 8:30 to 6:00 pm and admission is free for Singaporeans and for others including tourists are required to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person. There are a variety of performances on the grounds at certain time during the day. Visitors can have photos taken with the President when he come by to greet visitors.
For an entrance fee of $2, visitors can come inside the Istana and allowed to view selected function room in the ground floor of the buildings. The selected gifts to the President and the Prime Minister are also on display at the State Dining room. Visitors are prohibited from taking pictures while inside the palace.
The main entrance along Orchard Road manned by military honor guards
The main road lined with raintrees that lead to the center gate
The Center Gate
The Istana Front Lawn,were garden parties often held
The Terrace
Yes the Istana grounds has its own golf course
The Villa, were foreign dignitaries stayed while guests of the state
The Gun Terrace
