SINGAPORE: The Istana will be open to the public on May 1 to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa and Labour Day, the President’s Office said on Friday (Apr 21).
Members of the public can visit the Istana’s enhanced swan pond, launched by President Halimah Yacob earlier this month. The pond features a new viewing deck and garden stream, as well as a curated selection of flowering and fragrant shrubs.
There will also be a series of live performances and various activity booths at the Istana, which will be open from 8.30am to 6pm.
Activities include balloon sculpting and henna painting, while student groups will perform band, dance and Dikir Barat numbers at the ceremonial plaza, main tent and reception room from 10.15am to 4pm.
There will be food and drink stalls, food trucks and booths selling limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs.
Guided tours will be from 9.30am to 5pm, during which visitors can view some function rooms and take a closer look at a collection of state gifts presented to Singapore’s leaders.
Visitors can also opt to go on self-guided tours, while those who are interested in the Istana’s flora and fauna can join a nature guided tour from 10am to 4pm.
The fees are as follows: