Istana to open doors on April 13 for Hari Raya, Labour Day celebrations

The public can look forward to activities such as batik painting and immersive storytelling at the next Istana open house on April 13.

Visitors can tour the Istana from 8.30am to 6pm on that day, in celebration of Hari Raya Puasa and Labour Day, said the President's Office in a media release on April 4.

Hari Raya Puasa fell on March 31, while Labour Day is marked on May 1.

Visitors can also look forward to cultural music and dance performances from 10am to 4.30pm during the open house.These include traditional Malay music, ukulele versions of Hari Raya songs and cultural dance performances by Lasalle College of the Arts, Sembawang Primary School, Woodlands Secondary School and the NTUC Club, among others.

The public can view a collection of state gifts during self-guided tours of the Istana Villa, from 8.30am to 6pm, and go for the guided Istana Heritage Tour between 9am and 4pm if they have pre-registered for it.

Visitors can also stop by activity booths by social services agencies like Caring Singapore and Singapore Children's Society, to learn more about their work to support beneficiaries.

Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, and migrant domestic workers accompanying families. Otherwise, there is an admission fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child, aged four to 12.

Singaporeans and PRs can also enter the Istana Villa, at a $2 fee. Non-resident adults and children from the ages of four to 12 may also pay $10 and $5, respectively, to visit the villa.

All proceeds from the entry to the Istana grounds, tours as well as Istana and President's Challenge merchandise booth will go to organisations supported by the President's Challenge.

Visitors can enter the Istana from its main gate at Orchard Road, which is a short walk away from the nearby Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.

The Istana is open to the public up to five times a year, during its open house. The previous open house was held on Feb 2, in celebration of Chinese New Year.

For more information, visit go.gov.sg/visitistana.