Istana Open Day

The Istana (which means palace in Malay) is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore, currently Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam. Parts of the house and it's grounds are open to the public on 5 days each year; Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day. Admission is free for Singaporeans and Singaporean Permanent Residents, everyone else pays $2

 This Friday it was Labour Day, I took the bus to Orchard Road to visit the Istana, I arrived late in the day and was told that the queue was about 90 minutes long but with time on my hands I decided to wait along with lots of other very patient people. Fortunately it was quite cloudy so not too hot.

Guards on either side of the entrance gates stand on duty and just like at Buckingham Palace have to suffer hordes of strangers come and stand beside them to have their photos taken

Security checks on entering, just like at airports

Going through the gates you first see a tree lined avenue up to the Istana and the extensive grounds to the side. Lots of people were having picnics, children were rolling down the lawns and generally enjoying the wide open spaces 

Singapore flag flying from the roof of the Istana

 There's even a golf course with bunkers, I wonder who plays here and how often this gets played on

 Before reaching the Istana you come across the Villa which had been used to accommodate state visitors until end 1984

         The Gun Terrace                                                                                      Steps up to the Istana

                                                           

                          Unfortunately I was too late to see inside the building but could appreciate it's elegance from it's exterior 

 On the lawn in front of the Istana were some of the benches that have been specially made from timber planks from the former National Stadium. Designs for the benches were selected from a public design competition

Nearby is a formal pond beautifully planted with gingers and hibiscus plants and another 'saved timber'  bench to rest on

By now it was nearly closing time and the crowds were being encouraged to start making their way back. I passed by Sri Temasek. This is the Prime Minister's official residence and recently had been the venue for Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew lying in state. Mr Lee Kuan Yew had died on March 23rd this year and 1.5 million people paid their respects during the 3 day lying in state period 

 In the park I spotted lots of birds including sea eagles, orioles and hornbills, also butterflies and lots of lovely mature trees 

and on past the Swan Pond back to the entrance gates

                                             
                                     being politely but firmly escorted out by a line of police

Leaving the Istana and it's grounds in peace 

only the guards keeping watch as I stepped back on to busy Orchard Road