New Nature Guided Walk at the Istana

Preview of “Nature Guided Walk at the Istana” offers students and beneficiaries a glimpse of the Istana’s rich biodiversity

28 January 2014 - Members of the public will be able to learn more about the flora and fauna at the Istana in the new "Nature Guided Walk at the Istana" led by volunteer guides during Open House days from 1 February 2014. A collaboration between the National Parks Board (NParks) and the President's Office, the walk is organised for the public to better appreciate the greening and conservation efforts at the Istana. The guided walk will include the Spice Terrace, Front Lawn, Queen Victoria Garden and the Villa. 

A special preview of the tour hosted by President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Mrs Mary Tan was held today for some 30 people, including students from Cedar Primary School, Queenstown Primary School, Queenstown Secondary School and West Spring Secondary School, as well as beneficiaries from the Association of Persons with Special Needs (APSN) Centre for Adults Horticulture Programme.

During the walk, volunteer guides trained by NParks will share snippets of the Istana’s history and little-known facts of the resident flora and fauna. Highlights of the walk include plants which were a key part of the Istana’s history, such as the nutmeg at the Spice Terrace. Other examples of plants uncommon outside the Istana’s grounds are the Meninjau tree, Nibong palm and the fragrant Bread Flower climber. Visitors may also spot birds like the Oriental Magpie Robin and Lesser Whistling Ducks residing in the grounds, which have long been used as a conservation sanctuary for many species.

"While looking for a suitable volunteer programme, the idea to conduct a guided nature walk in the Istana came up. I was fortunate to be selected amongst the many experienced nature guides in NParks. I love the outdoors and hope to share the beauty of nature with others through this tour," shared Peter Yeong, one of NParks’ volunteers leading the tour.

The Nature Guided Walk at the Istana will begin at half hour intervals from 10am to 4pm. Tickets for the hour long guided walk are priced at $4 per person for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents and $10 for other visitors. Proceeds collected from the tour will go towards the Community Chest.

Istana Open House

The Istana is open to the public four times each year in celebration of Chinese New Year; Labour Day; Hari Raya Puasa / National Day and Deepavali.

Other activities during Istana Open House days include song and dance performances, guided and self-led tours, and other activities or displays. The detailed programme will be published on the Istana Website (www.istana.gov.sg) nearer to each open house.

Admission to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person.