Istana Open House for Post Hari Raya and Pre NPD 2014!

Another impromptu trip!

And this trip is to Istana!

Since young, I had went into Istana grounds quite a couple of times as a volunteer but never as a visitor so after checking out from Istana Official Website, I decided to go down for a 1/2 day trip with my brother.

Figuring that since the Istana will be crowded, I decided to go there at 8.30am to avoid the morning crowd.

Guess the crowds are even earlier! I managed to clear the queue and security checks after more than 1 hr of wait.

Just to warn most folks that are 1st timer :- it will be VERY crowded with a lot of kids and there will be a lot of events going on.

If you are one who love crowds, this is a very good event but other than that, this is pretty boring as there is minimum places to shoot without people blocking your view.

Some interesting facts on Istana grounds:

• The Istana grounds is usually open to the public on:
• Chinese New Year
• Deepavali; 
• Hari Raya Puasa; 
• Labour Day; 
• National Day

• Admission to the Istana grounds
• Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents : FREE (Please bring proof of identification) 
• Other visitors : $1/pax 

• Admission to the Istana building (air-con; visitor zone to are only on 1st floor; 2nd and 3rd floor are for offices of President/PM and those IMPORTANT people. )
• All : $2/pax 
• Tour conducted by volunteer within Istana grounds/Istana building : $4/pax 

• Entrance to the grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road (nearest MRT will be Dhoby Ghaut). 

• Opening hours during open house are usually from 8.30am to 6.00pm.

• Pointed and sharp objects (e.g. knives of any size, forks) and flammable items (e.g. lighters)  will not be allowed within the Istana grounds for security reasons

• The following activities will not be allowed within the Istana grounds:
• Wheeled sports (e.g. cycling, roller blading)
• Littering
• Smoking
• Consumption of alcoholic drinks
• Pets (except for guide dogs)

• No storage facilities will be provided. Security personnel reserve the right to turn away visitors who bring along items that are not allowed.
• Visitors should have either kids below 3 years old or elder folks above 60 years old or wheelchair access will have priority queue at the entrance but will still subject to queuing up for security screening.
• All visitors will need to go through security screening prior to entering the Istana grounds.

• The sale of tickets to enter the Istana Main Building will close at 5.30pm, subject to crowd conditions.

• All proceeds from the sale of the souvenirs and the entrance fees collected are donated to charity. 

PS: Photos will be uploaded later!