Istana Woodneuk

Istana Woodneuk is an abandoned two-storey Sultan's palace located in the former Tyersall Park near the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Few know of its existence next to the largely popular Singapore Botanic Gardens, which sees hordes of tourists every year. Originally built in the mid-1800s as "Woodneuk House" by Irish architect Denis Santry, Istana Woodneuk became the residence of Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor. Later rebuilt in 1935, the palace, now in ruins, is privately owned by the State of Johor and closed to the public. 

The palace is often confused with the nearby Istana Tyersall, which had red roof tiles, while Istana Woodneuk’s roof was blue. The original Woodneuk House was on land bought by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1860. It was the residence of his wife, Sultana Fatimah, while the other palace - Istana Tyersall - was being built. After Fatimah's death in 1891, Istana Tyersall was completed, but Abu Bakar later willed Istana Woodneuk to his fourth wife, Sultana Khadijah, before his own death in 1895. The palace was later rebuilt in 1935 for Sultan Ibrahim and his wife, Sultanah Helen. The iconic blue roof tiles of Istana Woodneuk are still present on the site, scattered all over the floors of the caved-in rooms. It is now a stunning property in a state of shocking disrepair, having been vandalised and taken over by graffiti.

During World War II, Istana Woodneuk briefly served as a military headquarters during the Battle of Singapore. After the war, it was used by British officials until it was returned to the Sultan in 1948. The palace was maintained until 1986 but was abandoned after the Singapore Government acquired Tyersall Park in 1990. Over time, the palace fell into disrepair, becoming a target for vandals and ghost hunters. In 2006, a fire caused by drug addicts destroyed much of the structure, leaving it beyond repair. Today, the palace is in a ruined state, although elements are still intact, such as a bathtub, a terrace, and a beautiful staircase leading to the second floor.