Updated: 02/12/2013 04:58 | By Channel NewsAsia

More than 15,000 visitors at Istana open house

SINGAPORE: Despite the rain, more than 15,000 visitors spent the second day of the Lunar New Year at the Istana grounds on Monday.

For the first time, 320 people were led on guided tours of the 144—year—old Istana building. Through a 45—minute tour, they heard about the history of the rooms and architecture of the building.

"I found that with the tour, it’s more insightful. You get to learn about the history and the reasons behind some of the art and how they designed the building," said one of the visitors.

Throughout the day, visitors to the Istana had to contend with the wet weather.

Besides the guided tours at the Istana, visitors can also see the Sri Temasek —— a 19th century bungalow as well as a nutmeg tree plantation.

The skies did clear up in time for President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife to join in the Lunar New Year celebrations.

—CNA/ac