Istana open to public on second day of CNY

SINGAPORE - The Istana will be open to the public on Feb 9 in celebration of Chinese New Year, the Presidents Office said in a statement today (Feb 2). 

Opening hours are from 8.30am to 6.00pm. 

Most of the Istana grounds will be open except the Istana Lawn, which is currently undergoing renovations. 

The public can look forward to a series of performances from lion dance to Chinese orchestra.

In addition, members of the public can also choose to sign up for the Nature Guided Walk at the Istana, or take a guided tour of the Istana main building led by volunteers from the Preservation of Sites and Monuments division of the National Heritage Board. 

Visitors also have the option to go on a self-guided tour by using the "Istana Garden Walk" mobile application. One can find a self-guided Plants Trail or maps for Places of Interest around the Istana within the app, said the press release. 

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

maryanns@sph.com.sg