Foreword: If you are wondering what are some of the things that will capture my interest, here's a page you should not miss. On this page, you will find a list of places and activities that I would like to recommend to you. Singapore may be small indeed, but who knows, you may not have experienced Singapore the way that I did. Hopefully this page will keep you more informed of some interesting spots and activities that you have yet to hear of. If my recommendations interest you, check them out for yourself:
Whether you are a tourist, or a local Singaporean, if you are interested to find out more about Singapore's colourful heritage and history, this is a tour you should be on board.
I have went for two of the tours (Battlefield Tour - A Changi Museum War Trail� and Changi WWII - A Changi Museum War Trail�) and I have greatly enjoyed myself. The tour is very informative and enriching. The greatest joy is that the tour makes history come alive in the fun way!
What I greatly appreciate is that there is a good deal of research that has been put in behind the tour. The research done behind the tour has been well integrated into layman terms, and presented in a digestable form to the participants during the tour. I couldn't imagine how many hours and days I would have to spend in the library doing research just to know the history of places such as the Labrador Park, the Johor Battery. And thank goodness, the tour guide and the people who have made the tour possible have done me a great favour by sharing their knowledge from their research in such digestable forms. I just feel that I have gained much knowledge, in the fun way, without too much time and effort.
It's well worth it, I must say, for the about 3 hours spent and the affordable amount spent for the tour fees. In return, one gains insights to Singapore's heritage and past. Then, what used to be meaningless walls and bricks suddenly become meaningful structures from the past. I think this is essentially something that matters, for our present is often linked to our past. Understanding our past helps us gain a deeper perspective of our present, and our future.
Most likely, the next few tours that I would go for are the tours: On Forbidden Ground and By the Belly of the Carp. Did my account make you interested to join one of the tours?
If you are interested, this is the website to get more information of the The Original Singapore Walks� tours: http://www.singaporewalks.com
Tel No: (065) 6 325 1631
For those of you who are interested in World War II History in this part of the world, you may like to check out the Changi Museum.
The Changi Museum is dedicated to all those who lived and died in Singapore, in particular the Changi area, during the dark years of World War II. Through documentation of significant events of the Japanese Occupation, the Museum also serves as an important educational institution and resource centre. As for the Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and their families, it is a site that allows for closure of the many emotional scars inflicted by the war years.
Admission into the museum is free. To make your trip there more enriched, I strongly recommend that you request to join the museum's guided tour. There's a small fee for the guided tour, but trust me, it will be well-worth your time and money, especially if you are going to the museum to learn more about the Japanese Occupation.
Location: 1000, Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707.
Operation hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm daily (Including Sundays and Public Holidays)
Tel No: (65) 6 214 2451
Yes, it's still for those interested in our past. But it's also for those who wants to spend their time slightly differently from the convention.
The Chinatown Heritage Centre takes you to different times in the history of Chinatown and allows you to trace the lives of these early settlers. Learn about the rich cultural history of old Chinatown and end your journey with a first-hand experience of living in the dark and cramped quarters of a typical Chinatown shophouse.
Location: Chinatown Heritage Centre, 48 Pagoda Street, Singapore 059207.
Operating Hours: 10am to 7pm (including public holidays)
Tel No: (65) 6 325 2878
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
One of my favourite places to be. Check out its website for the latest programmes and arts activities.
Website: http://www.esplanade.com
Location: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Tel No: (65) 6828 8222