Built during the colonial era with the foundation stone laid in 1867, the Istana is a magnificent building that today is the official residence of the President of Singapore. The lush grounds feature ponds and a Japanese garden. Open to the public on Singapore National Day, the Istana displays examples of gifts given to the president by dignitaries during state visits, which are housed in the Istana Heritage Gallery. The Istana presidential palace is 2 km from the hotel, a 6-minute drive away or less than half an hour’s walk.
