Istana

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. It is located within a large open compound in the otherwise urbanised setting of the Orchard Road area.



History
The Istana building itself is not normally open to the public, though the surrounding grounds are on certain statutory holidays. Other times, its grounds are often used for official functions. The Prime Minister has his office in the Istana Annex.

On the first Sunday of the month, there is a Changing of the Guards parade, which is a popular public event.

The 100 acre (0.4 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.