Istana to open grounds on 29 Jan for public visit on Chinese New Year

In celebration of the Chinese New Year the public could visit the Istana grounds on Sunday (29 Jan) from 8.30am to 6pm, the President’s Office announced today (25 Jan).
Members of the public can enjoy the performances of lion dance, a rooster and instrumental dance show, a sunflower dance and a Youthful Spring! dance.
The public can also look forward to an opera and a trained monkey puppet show, and music performances. Other displays highlighted by the President’s Office are the birds and a Chinese calligraphy booth.
Visitors can take the Nature Guided Walk or take a guided tour of the Istana main building. Otherwise, they can choose a self-guided tour with the help of the ‘Istana Garden Walk’ mobile application.
Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents, but other visitors have to pay an entrance fee of S$2 per person. For guided tours additional fees will apply.
The following fees apply for the Nature Guided Walk, which is managed by volunteers. Tours begin every hour from 10am to 4pm and all fees collected will be donated to charity.

For the tour the state room, banquet hall and reception room in the Istana main building, visitors will have to pay the following fees:
The Istana Heritage Gallery at Istana Park – located at the opposite the main gate of the Istana along Orchard Road – will also be open from 10am to 6pm, the President’s Office said.
The following items are not allowed to bring within the Istana grounds for security reasons and to prevent damage to the premises:

• Pointed and sharp objects (e.g. knives of any size, forks)
• Flammable items (e.g. lighters)
• Wheeled sports (e.g. cycling, roller blading)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Pets (except for guide dogs)

Littering and smoking are also not allowed.