New attraction at Istana for Hari Raya Open House

Spice Garden, a new attraction at the Istana. PHOTO: ISTANA
Planted in collaboration with community gardening volunteers this year, the Spice Garden has more than 30 different species of herbs, spices and edible plants used for medicinal and culinary purposes. PHOTO: ISTANA

SINGAPORE - Visitors heading to the Hari Raya Istana Open House on Friday can expect a new attraction: Spice Garden.

Planted in collaboration with community gardening volunteers this year, the garden has more than 30 different species of herbs, spices and edible plants used for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Other than spices such as chillies and gingers, the garden also has lime,chinchau, lemongrass and roselle plants which are commonly used as ingredients to make local drinks.

Visitors can also enjoy different activities at the Open House.

There will be special performances, including Malay dance performances put up by the People's Association and music performances by Nan Chiau High School Wind Orchestra.

Visitors can sign up for a guided nature walk at the Istana, which will showcase its flora, fauna and biodiversity, or take a tour of the Istana main building led by volunteers from the National Heritage Board.

Guided tours cost $2 for children aged between four and 12 years old and $4 for adults who are Singaporean or Singapore permanent residents (PRs). It is $10 for other visitors.

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

The Istana ground will be open to the public from 8.30am to 6pm.

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