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Since 1960, the Istana grounds have been opened to the public a few days every year so that Singaporeans and visitors can share the sprawling parkland. The Istana is a precious and important part of Singapore's history and heritage and has borne witness to Singapore's many historical milestones. Located along busy Orchard Road, the 100 over acres Istana Domain is a welcome green lung within the city. Within the Domain, there are several buildings of architectural and historical interest. They used to house the Governors and top administrators of Colonial Singapore. Today, as official residence of the President of Singapore, the Istana continues to be a symbol of authority.
Overall management of the extensive grounds is the responsibility of the Senior Curator from National Parks. With some 30 workers under his charge, he not only maintains the grounds and the 9-hole golf course but also steps in whenever potted plant decorations are needed.
Rain Trees lining both sides of Edinburgh Road shade the half km walk from the Main Gate to the Centre Gate.
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The intricate cast iron Centre Gate that identifies this part of the grounds was built in 1931 as a receiving post for visitors. It still retains part of its original design.
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Behind it, bounded by two roads, is a miniature Japanese garden, completed in 1967.
This deeply wooded area is a reminder of the jungle that once stood here. Grand old Tembusu, some more than a century old, probably the last survivors of the jungle can be found. The shorter-lived Saraca and Jelutong also found here were planted as seedlings.
The Japanese Garden, located behind the Centre Gate fits snugly into the corner bounded by two roads. Completed in August 1967, it is tastefully landscaped with carefully selected plants. It imparts a distinctly different atmosphere from other parts of the grounds.
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Sprawling Pine Trees grow around the irregularly shaped lily pond, over which is a miniature wooden bridge. Stone lanterns, rocks, and low flowering shrubs with delicate flowers complete the picture.
The Japanese garden is at its best in the early morning when the mixed colour water lilies bloom and the Japanese Kois surface in search of food.
Named after the 105 mm Japanese cannon standing here, the Gun Terrace commands a panoramic view of the Istana grounds and the city's skyline.
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Sited along its perimeter is the Military Guard Room built in the early 1900s. Further along is a secluded pleasance, approached by descending two flights of steps in the terraced ground.
The Istana Front Lawn stretches from the Istana to just before the Centre Gate. From Colonial times, garden parties were held on the front lawn, where stately Yellow Flames planted by the Duchess of Kent and her son the Duke in 1952 add to its grandeur.
In the centre of this basically English garden with gravel footpaths is a rectangular lily pond with fountains. From this spot, a good view of the Istana Main Building and the President's Standard flying from the highest point of the building can be had.
In the garden, a good variety of interesting plants and trees can be found:
- Rose of India takes its name from its beautiful rose-like, though scentless, flowers.
- Ameherstia flowers freely and is native to Myanmar.
- Flowers of the Cannon Ball Tree can grow to 12.5 cm in diameter while its fruits give it its apt name.
- From the trunk of a Cassia, a Staghorn Fern's fronds hang to the ground.
A few nutmeg trees still grow in the grounds of the Istana. Clove and nutmeg trees in this part of the grounds recall the original Prinsep plantation. The scrawny Nibong palms also found at this location are a sharp contrast to the full-foliaged spice trees.
The spacious parkland here provides an excellent setting for the stately Sri Temasek and Villa. Thorns of the Nibong palm extend to as long as 7 cm, presenting a sharp contrast to the sensual buds of the clove flower. Harvested at this stage, the buds will yield the well known spice.
Of the four ponds in the Istana, the Swan Pond is the largest. So called because of the swans which inhabited it in the 1970s, it lies at two levels with an island in the midst of the main body.
The vicinity houses an interesting variety of plant life, including the Foxtail Palm, the Australian Ivy Palm, the Alstonia, the Rubber Tree and the Scented Coconut. In the evenings, swifts skim the water, which is home to Grass Carp, Koi, waterhens and turtles.
This well was uncovered on 29 Dec 1989 during some construction works. It was probably constructed by the Indian convicts who erected the Government House (now the Istana) in 1869. The well, 14.5 metres deep, has a diameter of 3.2 metres at the mouth and 3.0 metres at the base. The brickwork was executed in English bond. The parapet wall and cover are modern additions to facilitate viewing and maintenance.
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| Click on the above photo for enlarged view. |
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