Visit to the Istana

The state seal on the main gates to the Istana. 

Istana opens its gates to the public (Chinese New Year's, Labor Day, National Day, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali).

Past Sunday was Labor Day, so we went to the Istana to check out the beautiful grounds for ourselves.

For SGD2, you can buy a ticket to enter the Istana and see the artwork and many gifts presented to the Prime Minister and President of Singapore. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed. Free admission for Singaporean and Singapore PR, for foreign there will be charged SGD1 to enter the Istana grounds. All money collected from visitor entries is donated to charity. We waited in line for about half an hour to enter, and then had to go through security. Not all of the estate is accessible to visitors, but there is plenty to see and enjoy.

Apparently one could see out to Indonesia on a clear day from the Istana before all the tall buildings went up in Singapore. The next chance to visit the Istana is on National Day. If we get a chance to come back, we're definitely bringing a picnic.