Istana open house on Sunday in celebration of Deepavali

Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $2 per person. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - The Istana will be open to the public on Sunday (Oct 22) from 8.30am to 6pm in celebration of Deepavali, with a slew of activities planned.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore will organise a display of birds during the open house, along with a balloon sculpting booth, and henna and face-painting booths.

Visitors can also expect music performances by community clubs and schools, and dance performances by students.

There will also be guided nature walks showcasing the Istana's flora and fauna, as well as guided tours of the Istana main building led by volunteers from the National Heritage Board, which allows visitors to view selected function rooms and display of gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries.

Visitors can also turn to self-guided tours with the Istana Garden Walk mobile app, which includes features such as a self-guided plants trail and maps showing places of interest.

The Istana Heritage Gallery at the Istana Park - located opposite the main gate of the Istana along Orchard Road - will also be open from 10am to 6pm. It allows visitors to learn more about Singapore's history through its Presidents' perspectives.

Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $2 per person.

Visitors can enter via the main gate at Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut.

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