Istana in Singapore

The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. Meaning “palace” in Malay, it is where the President receives and entertains state guests. The Istana is also the working office of the Prime Minister of Singapore.

The 106 acres (0.43 km²) estate was once part of the extensive nutmeg plantation of Mount Sophia. In 1867, the British colonial government acquired the land and built a mansion to be the official home of the British governor. This continued until 1959 when Singapore was granted self-government, and the governor was replaced by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, who was in turn replaced by the President.

The Istana is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore. It occupies over 40 hectares in Orchard Road and is an important part of Singapore’s history and heritage.

The Istana building was built by the British Colonial government to house its governors. Completed in 1869, it was designed and built by Colonial Engineer, Major John Frederick Adolphus McNair, and was known then as the Government House. When Singapore attained self-government in 1959, it was handed over to the Singapore Government and renamed Istana (“Palace” in Malay).

The Istana, meaning ‘palace’ in Malay, is the official residence of the President of Singapore. It is also the working office of the Prime Minister of Singapore. Built during the British colonial rule in Singapore, the architecture of the building reflects the neo-Palladian style of buildings. The Istana features louvered windows, deep verandahs and paneled doors. The palace is open to public only a few times a year which includes the Chinese New Year, Labour Day, Hari Raya Puasa & National Day and Deepawali.