Istana launches guided nature tours

Patwant Singh Channel NewsAsia 1 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE: A new Nature Guided Walk was launched at the Istana on Saturday in collaboration with the National Parks Board (NParks).

President Tony Tan Keng Yam was at the launch, held during the Istana Open House in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

22,198 visitors - one of the largest crowd in recent memory - thronged the Istana to enjoy the Lunar New Year activities and performances.

But a new attraction was the hour-long nature walks, led by volunteers of NParks.

The walks, which will also take place at future Open Houses, enable visitors to learn about the rich flora and fauna and biodiversity around the Istana grounds.

President Tony Tan and Mrs Mary Tan joined in the walk.

Dr Tan was pleased with the good response to the nature walks.

"The grounds itself is a sanctuary for wildlife and diversity of plants. It is a little green lung in the heart of the whole city and I think it is marvellous that we have this green space near Orchard Road," said the president.

- CNA/ir