The Istana

Istana is a pleasant location with its verdant surroundings and serene pond. When my family visited on May Day, we found that there were long queues due to the public holiday. Although the weather was scorching hot, we patiently waited to enter. However, I personally felt that I prefer the Botanic Gardens, as it offers a similar ambiance but with more beautiful surroundings.

The Istana open house, nicely manicured garden and great place to visit once a lifetime. After pass the long queues and security scan, you all walk pass the lake where otters like to visit. Two swans are stationed in the lake. New water features install along the river wint flowing waters. Zen like garden features and orchard gardens to explore. You can also walk into the office building if keen. One to two hours exploration time. Can get warm and humid, bring umbrella, water and slap on your sunscreen.

Have never been to the Istana before, thought won’t be many people this Chinese new year, I was completely wrong. Reached around 8:45am, already long queue in front. Entrance fee is free for residents and $2 for the rest. The entrance fee for the office building is another $2 for the residents and $4 for the rest. Nothing much to see in the building, only level 1 is accessible. Long queue for the ticket purchase to the building. Averagely 45-90 mins wait. The garden has limited features, personally felt that Botanic gardens have more greens to see. Anyway just a unique experience for everyone.

The Istana, which mean The Palace in the Malay language. It was delightful to see the "Inclusive Garden" (previously known as Spice Garden) which consist of hard core path wide enough for wheelchairs, planters just the right height for wheelchair users with built in knee space. The low level water feature was mesmerising. It is worth the effort to decent the number of steps to get to the Lily Pond, the air is filled with scented honeysuckles. Apart from the graceful colonial style buildings complete with shutters, the matured garden set in undulating land which adds interest visually. The 42 hectares land during the colonial days was a nutmeg plantation, so look out for these trees. Other trees which may be of interest are coffee, Cocoa, Mulberry and pepper. Do look out for the next open day. Thank you for the opportunity for so many, to share the enjoyment of the gardens.

As a Singaporean, I have always wondered what it is like inside the gates of the Istana whenever I passed by the road. And as they only open to public about 5 times per year, I did not want to waste the opportunity. My first time visiting the beautiful Istana during Diwali open house. The queue was long but moving, due to the security checks. It was hot and humid, wished I had prep myself with portable fan and umbrella. I enjoyed the long walk up to the main building, passing by japanese garden and some swans swimming. I hope the Istana can provide better and more food choices next time as there were only two food trucks. I did not get to see the President though, would have been the highlight of the trip! :)