Live performances, activity booths at Istana open house for Deepavali celebration
The Istana. (File photo: CNA/Howard Law)
SINGAPORE: The Istana will open to the public on Monday (Oct 24) to celebrate Deepavali.
There will be various activities such as candle-making, balloon sculpting and games.
Visitors can also catch dance and band performances by students from schools such as CHIJ Katong Convent, NAFA School of Young Talents, Xinmin Secondary School and Clementi Town Secondary School.
Guided tours of the Istana main building will be conducted from 9am to 2.30pm and 4.30pm to 5pm. Visitors can view selected function rooms as well as the collection of state gifts presented to Singapore's leaders.
Self-guided tours will also be available.
Visitors interested in the Istana's flora and fauna can join the nature guided tour of the enhanced Japanese Garden and the Inclusive Garden from 10am to 4pm.
Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. All other adult visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of S$2.
There are entrance fees to the main building and tours.
ENTRANCE FEES INTO ISTANA MAIN BUILDING
| Singapore citizens, permanent residents | Standard | |
| Adult | S$2 (self-guided); S$4 (guided) | S$4 (self-guided); S$10 (guided) |
| Children (four to 12 years old) | S$2 (self-guided); S$2 (guided) | S$2 (self-guided); S$2 (guided) |
| Children (Below four years old) | Free | Free |
FEES FOR NATURE GUIDED TOUR
| Singapore citizens, permanent residents | Standard | |
| Adult | S$4 | S$10 |
| Children (four to 12 years old) | S$2 | S$2 |
| Children (Below four years old) | Free | Free |
A merchandise booth will feature limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President's Challenge souvenirs.
All fees collected and proceeds from the merchandise booths will go towards charities supported by President's Challenge. Only cashless payments via PayNow will be accepted.
More information can be found on the Istana website.
The Istana is typically open to the public five days each year.
During the Deepavali open house last year, there were no performances, tours, food trucks or souvenirs on sale due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Live performances and activity booths made a return to the Istana open house for National Day in August, for the first time since the pandemic started.
