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The Istana

이스타나 왕궁 · Newton

8 story sections10 min 54 s in all
History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1The Istana1:32

    Welcome, privileged traveler, to the periphery of power. We are standing near the bustling retail hub of Plaza Singapura, but today, our gaze is directed towards the imposing, heavily guarded gates of The Istana. …

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  2. 2The Main Gates and Security Threshold1:18

    The physical transition from the frenetic commercial energy of Orchard Road into the domain of the Istana is profound. Passing through the monumental Main Gates, one is immediately processed through a rigorous security checkpoint. …

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  3. 3The Swan Pond and the Grand Lawns1:24

    Emerging from the shaded avenue, the landscape opens dramatically to reveal the expansive Grand Lawns and the serene Swan Pond. This area exemplifies the English landscape garden tradition, meticulously transplanted to the…

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  4. 4The Main Building Exterior1:25

    We now stand before the architectural crown jewel of the estate: the Istana Main Building. This impressive, three-story edifice is a textbook example of Neo-Palladian architecture, infused with tropical adaptations such as deep…

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  5. 5The First Floor State Rooms and Diplomatic Gifts1:25

    Stepping inside the Main Building, photography is strictly forbidden, forcing us to rely entirely on our observational acumen. The atmosphere is heavily air-conditioned and hushed. …

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  6. 6The Lily Pond and Historic Slopes1:15

    Exiting the intense formality of the Main Building, we cross the Function Lawn and descend a gently sloping route into a secluded, almost mystical enclave. This is the Lily Pond. …

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  7. 7The Japanese Garden, Food Trucks, and Festivities1:21

    Our final sector encompasses the beautifully manicured Japanese Garden and the adjacent festival grounds. The Japanese Garden is a study in precision and restraint, featuring meticulously pruned bonsai, raked gravel, and…

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  8. 8The Istana1:14

    As our extensive, energy-consuming tour of The Istana draws to a close, we make our way back towards the main gates, likely feeling a potent mixture of awe, physical exhaustion, and hunger. Look back over your shoulder; even as…

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What is The Istana?

The Istana is a place in Newton with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationNewton
TypeHeritage
Story sections8
Total length10 min 54 s in all
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates1.3069, 103.8431
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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