Full Name
Republic of Singapore
Area
683 sq km
264 sq miles
Population
4,500,000
Time Zone
GMT/UTC +8 (Standard Time)
Daylight Saving Start
not in use
Daylight Saving End
not in use
Languages
English (official)
English is widespread. Children are taught English at school but also learn their mother tongue to make sure they don't lose contact with their traditions. The only communication problem English-speakers are likely to have in Singapore is with older Singaporeans who did not learn English at school, though trying to understand the unique patois called Singlish - which uses a clipped form of English mixed with Malay and Hokkien words - can be taxing.
Malay (official)
Mostly restricted to the Malay community.
Chinese (official)
Chinese dialects, such as Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hainanese and Hakka, are still widely spoken. The government's long-standing campaign to promote Mandarin has been very successful and increasing numbers of Chinese now speak Mandarin at home.
Tamil (official)
Tamil is the main Indian language, though Malayalam and Hindi are also spoken.
Religion
42% Buddhist, 15% Muslim, 14% Christian, 9% Taoist, 4% Hindu
Currency
Singapore Dollar (S$)
Electricity
230V 50HzHz
Electric Plug Details
British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade
Country Dialing Code
65

Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom

Like an emergent butterfly, the delicate beauty of the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom promises to be breath-taking! Be dazzled by the riot of colours and thousands of tiny fluttering wings flutter as you stroll through the natural environment of these fragile specimens.

Come up close and personal with the kings of the Insect World • Rhino Beetles, Giant Spiders and scorpions • in a 70m-long cave, the first in the world. As you venture further into the dark, be guided only by glowing fireflies.

For a more hands-on experience, learn how to handle giant scorpions, beetles and other insects in the stage shows. Or try picking up a stick insect at the Stick Insect Safari • if you can spot them, that is!

Jurong BirdPark

If you are looking for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the Singapore urban lifestyle, visit the Jurong BirdPark where 9,000 colourful birds of 600 species will amaze you with their variety, shapes and sizes.

The newly revamped BirdPark offers a range of new and exciting exhibits and facilities which are truly breathtaking and worth your while. Make sure you pay a visit to the 2007 ASEANTA winner for Best ASEAN New Tourist Attraction - The African Wetlands. This African-themed exhibit with African huts and a body of water, houses endangered birds like the Shoebill, the African Crowned Crane, the Saddle-Billed Stork and more.

The newly revamped Birds n Buddies Show now includes bird-inspired characters as buddies to the largest collection of live birds in a show performance. Created by a Las Vegas Show producer, the costumes with intricate sequins and decorative beads plus the interactive birds and audience acts have made the show more endearing to its loyal flock of fans.

Whether you hop into a special tour, go behind-the scenes, feed Lories in the Lory Loft, catch the Birds of Prey Show, learn to Be-a-Falconer or get into the Panorail to catch a bird’s eye view of the whole park, there’s no doubt that the BirdPark is an enchanting paradise of birds and colours.

As the sun sets, a different world comes to life. At the Night Safari, you can look a rhinoceros in the eye, hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas or watch giraffes glide serenely across the plain in the still of the night.

This premier night zoo houses over 900 animals of 135 exotic species in eight zones re-created to simulate geographic zones like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle.

Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride - whichever you choose, Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed.

Singapore Zoo

Tired of having the usual breakfast? Then feast with an orang utan, the Oriental small-clawed otter, or even the reticulated python! These are just some of the many unusual escapades that await you at the acclaimed Singapore Zoo. Come up close and personal with the over 3,200 mammals, birds and reptiles and fishes at this 28-hectare “open” zoo.

Take a walk in the Fragile Forest and experience first-hand the rich lushness of a tropical rainforest with its thriving wildlife. You can also trek down the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia to meet over 50
hamadryas baboons, the black-backed jackal and the banded mongoose.

Here at the Singapore Zoo, you will come face to face with many special “babies” - threatened species successfully orn and bred in the zoo, such as the douc langur, white rhinoceros, proboscis monkey, manatee and of course, orang utan.

Underwater World

Situated on Sentosa, Underwater World Singapore is a dream haven that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of a whole different world beneath the seas. Visitors can expect a fun-filled experience through interactive activities and interesting exhibits, before they arrive at the highlight: A spectacular 83 metre-long tunnel that houses majestic rays, fearsome sharks and great shoals of other fishes.

Make it a point to catch the two latest exhibits at Underwater World Singapore:

1. Ray of Fun is a stunning ray pool, where stingrays fly through the water and right up to one’s hand! Visitors get a close encounter with our extraordinary rays here, by touching and feeding them. This unforgettable experience promises to be delightful and exciting.

2. Jewels of the Reef showcases unique and small inhabitants of the reef ecosystem. Intriguing and beautiful creatures exhibited are simply captivating!

After Underwater World Singapore, visitors can move on to Dolphin Lagoon where they get to watch charming pink dolphins demonstrate their natural abilities such as spy-hopping, tail-walking and vocalization.

Fish Reflexology (located next to Underwater World Singapore)
Underwater World Singapore also offers a unique activity that enable visitors to unwind and have fun at the same time. At Fish Reflexology, participants get to enjoy a unique pedicure session done by spa fish, followed by a good massage by a qualified foot reflexologist.

Many marine species, such as the blacktip and whitetip sharks, eagle rays and big-belly seahorses, breed and thrive in the Underwater World. Underwater World plays an integral role in conservation efforts such as rescuing the endangered turtle species and spearheading a coral relocation project in the Southern Islands.

Little India

As you step into Little India, be prepared for an assault on the senses! You will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by the treasure trove of silverware, brassware, wood carvings and colourful silk saris, dazzling to behold. Pick up a walking guide and start your exploration of this colourful ethnic quarter.

The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers back in 1819. In the late 19th century, many more Indian immigrants arrived to find work, be it as labourers to build roads or to take up key positions in the civil service.

Today, Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian community. Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a cornucopia of ethnic jewellery, jasmine garlands and silk saris. From the large Tekka Centre and Little India Arcade to the small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover. During Deepavali (usually between Oct/Nov), the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers. Witness also the faith of devotees during the colourful and ritualistic Thaipusam in Jan/Feb each year.

Colourful temples co-exist side by side with churches and mosques, parrot fortune tellers stationed by the five-foot way and tantalizing scents of spices drifting out from restaurants. Don’t leave Little India without a temporary Henna tattoo or try “Teh Tarik”, a hand pulled cup of tea.

Chinatown

Singapore's Chinatown evolved around 1821 when the first Chinese junk arrived from Xiamen, Fujian province in China. The passengers, all men, set up home around the south of the Singapore River which is known today as Telok Ayer. Chinatown’s local name - Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water) arose from the fact each household at that time had to collect fresh water from the wells in Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street, using bullock-drawn carts.

Not all parts of Chinatown are Chinese though. The Al Abrar Mosque along Telok Ayer Street, and the Jamae Mosque and Sri Mariamman Temple along South Bridge Road lay witness to the harmonious racial and religious atmosphere in Singapore.

Chinatown can be divided into four main districts - Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh - each with its own distinctive flavour. The heart of activity is in the Trengganu/Smith Streets area.

Geylang Serai

Geylang Serai is the cultural heart of the Malay community in Singapore. At the Malay Village, go back in time and discover the traditional 'Kampung Days' lifestyle of Malays in the 1950s and 1960s! Or experience traditional Malay arts and crafts like batik painting, kite-making and kampung games such as top spinning.

The Cultural Museum features a fascinating collection of artifacts like weaving tools, musical instruments and an extensive display of a traditional Malay wedding complete with hand-sewn garments, accessories, and a Bridal Chamber. The Muslim Showcase, Hall of Fame and Geylang Serai Corner too offer insights into the lives of Malays in Singapore. Occasional cultural performances are held at the Floating Seafood Restaurant. Call 67484700 to find out the performance dates and times.

The Malays are the native inhabitants of Singapore. After the British dispersed the Malay floating village at the mouth of the Singapore River in the 1840s, the Malays, together with the large influx of Malaysians and Indonesians, congregated in Geylang.

In the early 1920s, Kampong Gelam's Malay population moved out en-mass to Geylang Serai as a consequence of the keen competition for land in Kampong Gelam. Malay influence is still strong in Geylang Serai as reflected in the restaurants and shops specialising in Malay cuisine and ethnic goods, arts and crafts.

Named after the Gelam tree which used to grow in the area, Kampong Glam was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore. Today, the former Istana Kampong Glam (Sultan’s palace) has been converted into a heritage museum, the Malay heritage Centre, to showcase the rich history and culture of Singapore’s Malay community. The building and architecture has been meticulously restored to retain its flavour and authenticity.

Next to the Istana is Tepak Sireh, a restaurant in a restored bungalow which offers halal food and cultural performances in a charming historical district. If you’re lucky, you may even dine with guests at a royal-style Malay wedding!

A key building in Kampong Glam is Sultan Mosque (or Masjid Sultan) at Bussorah Street, the largest mosque in Singapore with the capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 Muslims in congregational prayers. Built in 1928, the mosque features a massive golden dome and is one of Singapore’s most imposing religious institutions.

Fronting the mosque is Bussorah Mall, where the beautifully restored shophouses sell traditional clothes, artefacts, handicraft, furniture and jewelry. Or head on down to Kandahar Street to try some traditional Malay cuisine.

Arab Street is the centre of the Muslim community where it used to be the main selling place of Muslim men’s headgear (or songkok), the holy Quran, prayer mats and textiles. Today, Arab Street is a designer’s dream locale! Glittery and lavish fashion items abound, like the finest lace, sparkling semi-precious stones, ostrich feathers, iron-on diamantes, gold thread, and wholesale bales of silk, organza and lame which dazzle in rainbow hues and intensities.

Kusu Island

A giant sea turtle saves two shipwrecked sailors – a Malay and a Chinese. As an act of thanks, the two men build a Chinese temple, a Malay shrine and a huge turtle sculpture.

So goes the legend behind this island. Today, Taoists still make annual pilgrimages to the Tua Pekong Temple during the ninth lunar month while Muslims visit Kramat Kusu, the Malay shrine.

Stunning views of the mainland can be seen from Kusu’s beaches and its hilltop. The warm waters of the lagoon are ideal for swimming.

Pulau Ubin

This rustic village is a reflection of days gone by, when life was simpler. Try leisure walking or cycling to enjoy the natural vegetation and laidback kampong ambience of this quaint island.

Situated in the northeastern coast of Singapore, this offshore island is being developed into a nature park. Much of its natural environment is being preserved and visitors will still be able to experience the rural community atmosphere encompassing granite quarries, coconut and rubber plantations, mangrove swamps, fish and prawn farms, and traditional fishing “kelongs”.

While preserving its original heritage, upgrading will also be done and basic amenities will be provided, such as toilets and shelters, bicycle rental, trekking trails, camping sites and chalets.

Located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin is a natural beach called Chek Jawa, on which marine life such as the horseshoe crab and sand dollar, a disc-shaped member of the star-fish family, thrive. It also houses sea-grass meadows that habour carpet and peacock anemones, as well as coral rubble that is home to sponges of various hues. Visits to Chek Jawa are on a first-come-first-served basis and only when there are low tides. To book, call the National Parks Board at Tel: (65) 6542 4108. For more information on Chek Jawa, visit the Habitat News website.

Sentosa

A slice of paradise right in our doorstep, Sentosa offers a kaleidoscope of attractions and activities. Once you step afoot the island, be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the lush greenery peppered with exciting attractions that will certainly blow you away! It’s a themed attraction, tropical resort, nature park and heritage centre all rolled into one!

Sand and Sea
Stretching 3.2km long, soak up the sun along Sentosa’s sun-kissed beaches while engaging in various sports activities or simply chilling out at beachfront bars/pubs. Siloso Beach, dubbed Singapore’s Hippest Beach is the perfect spot for the young and restless.

Palawan Beach serves a platter of fun sports and activities for the whole family! With amenities easily within reach, it’s no wonder why it is called Singapore’s Happiest Family Beach! Take a stroll with your family to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia via the suspension bridge or bring the kids to the delightful Animal & Bird Encounters which is sure to entertain.

Diehard romantics will love Tanjong Beach for their unbeatable ambience and tranquility. Spend quality time with your special someone with a quiet stroll on Singapore’s Most Romantic Beach and bask in the magnificent sunset.

Nature 101
Nature beckons everywhere on Sentosa – keep a lookout for friendly peacocks, monkeys and squirrels. Take a walk at the Nature Walk/Dragon Trail through a secondary rainforest and stop by the vantage point on the summit of Mount Imbiah for a scenic view of the neighbouring islands.

For an up close encounter with Mother Nature’s creations, head down to Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon to meet the friendly pink dolphins and other exciting ocean life. Or admire over 2,500 butterflies from over 50 species and unusual insects like the man-face bugs, stick insects, giant millipedes, scorpions and rhino beetles at the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom.

Singapore Past and Present
Built in the 1880s, Fort Siloso served as the last bastion of the British forces during the Japanese invasion of Singapore. Explore the other historical enclave on top Mt Imbiah where the remains of a former battery lie.

CHIJMES

Having undergone a spectacular facelift as a national heritage site, CHIJMES (pronounced “chimes”) is now a popular dining, shopping and entertainment site. CHIJMES Hall, the restored chapel, provides a breath-taking backdrop for musicals, recitals, theatrical performances and weddings.

Formerly one of the last few cloistered convents in the world, the fine gothic architecture is a favourite theme among photographers.

Dalhousie Obelisk

In harmony with the historic Singapore River area at Empress Place, this stately monument was built to commemorate the visit to Singapore in 1850 by Marquis Dalhousie, Governor-General of India.

Theatres On The Bay

Istana

Care to meet the President in his home? If you’re lucky, you just might! The Istana (or “palace” in Malay) is the official residence of the President of Singapore and just five times a year, its gates are open to members of the public.

Built on an old nutmeg plantation, the Istana was the former official residence of the representative of the British Crown. Classical in style, the Istana is a magnificent building with multiple design influences, from the ornate Victorian Renaissance to the Roman Classical, with Gothic, Chinese and Malay touches. The sprawling grounds and manicured gardens contain rare plants lovingly cared for by superintendents of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Lau Pa Sat

Built in 1894, Lau Pa Sat is the largest remaining Victorian filigree cast-iron structure in Southeast Asia. Located in the heart of Singapore's business district, the former wet market has been restored and is now a favourite food centre of the locals, offering a wide and affordable variety of local food.

Merlion Park

The Merlion was first designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964 – the lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves quickly became Singapore’s icon to the rest of the world.

Originally located at the Merlion Park by the Esplanade Bridge, the Merlion and the Cub became a popular tourist attraction for visitors. The installation ceremony took place on 15 September 1972, officiated by the then Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Old Parliament House and the Elephant Statue

What do government and art have in common? The Old Parliament House, for one. Designed and built by George Coleman as a colonial mansion in 1827, Singapore's oldest government building has been renamed and re-launched as The Arts House.

Formerly the home of Singapore's democratically-elected Parliament, the building now offers a charming and intimate venue for cutting edge contemporary visual arts, music, dance, film, comedy and theatre by Singaporean and international artists. Walk down the Corridors of Time, an exhibition reliving the life and times of the House and its many famous personalities. Not to be missed, gracing the exterior of the stately building, is a bronze elephant statue, a gift from King Chulalongkorn of Siam in 1871.

Guided Tours are conducted from Mondays to Fridays at 11.00 am and 3.00 pm and groups of minimum 20 people by appointment at other times. Each tour lasts 45 minutes and includes a short film screening and a drink.

Tours at $8 per person, no admission charges. Visit www.theartshouse.com.sg for more information.

Singapore's Parliament has shifted to new premises at 1 Parliament Place, just a short walk away.

Parliament House

Fancy entering Parliament for a day? All Parliament sittings are open to the public at Parliament House. During sittings, simultaneous interpretations of the debates (in English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil) are provided.

Raffles Hotel

Meet Singapore’s most famous Grande Dame – born in 1887 and never looking better! Raffles Hotel is one of the world’s last great 19th century hotels, having been the retreat and source of inspiration for many writers and movie stars, including Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin.

Having been given a SGD 160 million facelift, the hotel exudes its unique charm and grandeur. Relive the old days at the museum featuring memorabilia from a bygone era or watch a play in the Victorian-style Jubilee Hall. Shop at the 70 retail shops including top brand names like Tiffany’s and Louis Vuitton, or just relax and take a sip of the Singapore Sling right where it was created.

Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles

Sir Stamford Raffles – Singapore’s founder – stands tall and proud in the form of a dark bronze status in front of Victoria Theatre. Its replica, made of pure white polymarble, stands at North Boat Quay, an area commonly known as the Raffles Landing Site. This is the spot where Raffles was believed to have first stepped ashore.

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Chinese heroism and nationalism are recurring themes at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Formerly the headquarters of the Chinese Revolutionary Alliance in Southeast Asia known as Wan Qing Yuan (meaning “a haven of peace in the twilight years”), this national monument remembers the revolutionary efforts that toppled the Qing dynastic rule and heralded the start of modern China.

The garden of this elegant colonial-style villa features a number of sculptures, such as the stone stele measuring 3.5 metres tall and weighing 16,000 kilograms, the bronze statue of Dr Sun Yat Sen, and a 25-metre long bronze mural.

Two levels of galleries include:

• Hall of Peace
• Passage of History
• Gallery of Endeavour
• Hall of Wisdom
• Passage Through the Eras
• The Singapore Gallery
• The Nanyang Gallery
• The Testament Gallery

Supreme Court and City Hall

Built in 1939, the Supreme Court’s Corinthian columns, classic design, and spacious interiors featuring murals by Italian artist, Cavalieri Rodolfo Nolli, make it one of the finest buildings ever built during the British Rule of Singapore.

Beside the Supreme Court stands City Hall, built in 1929 and the site of the Japanese surrender to Lord Mountbatten in 1945 during World War II.

Visitors are welcome to tour the premises and attend all open court hearings unless otherwise ordered. Appropriate attire is required (no shorts, singlets or slippers). Photographic and video equipment are not allowed on the premises and other electronic equipment such as mobile phones and pagers must be turned off or switched to silent mode.

Permanent exhibits on the history of the Courts grace the ground floor of the Supreme Court. A multi-media gallery with corporate video screenings and interactive electronic information kiosks also provide insights into the workings of the Courts. Don't forget to pick up a copy of the "Guide to Supreme Court, Singapore".

Asian Civilisations Museum

As its name suggests, the Asian Civilisations Museum focuses on the heritage of Asian cultures. The first wing (ACM I), located at Armenian Street, is a meticulously restored neo-classical building dating back to 1910. ACM I houses exhibits dedicated to Chinese civilisation and culture, as well as the highly acclaimed permanent exhibition, the Peranakan Legacy, which showcases the rich material heritage of the Peranakans from the Straits Settlements and the Indonesian Archipelago. Among the highlights are a display of the museum's renowned batik, embroidery and beadwork collections and a chance to view exquisite silver and porcelain pieces.

Please note: ACM I is closed for renovation until further notice.

The second wing of the Museum (ACM II) was opened at Empress Place in February 2003 after extension renovation. Spread over three levels, a series of thematic galleries give insights into the cultural heritage of India, China, Southeast Asia and the Islamic World. State-of-the-art display and interactive technologies with educational elements are carefully integrated into the galleries, along with a centre specially dedicated to younger visitors. A special exhibition gallery is also provided to house blockbuster exhibitions. These exhibits are enhanced by exciting fringe events to bring ancient traditions, practices and art forms to life.

Beauty in Asia Conference
The universal concept of beauty is one that has been debated for centuries. In spite of this, the varied interpretation and evolving notion of what is beautiful has made defining beauty not just a daunting task but also one that may never be achieved. Man thus finds solace in the phrase ‘Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’ as it helps in defining the concept of beauty as one which is subjective.

With this in mind, Beauty in Asia: 200 BCE to Today celebrates all that is beautiful, across Asian cultures, time and space. Key themes include Ideal Beauty, Quest for Beauty, Celebration of Beauty and Inner / Spiritual Beauty. Over 300 objects illustrating these themes will include glittering jewellery, delicate miniature paintings, sculptures of voluptuous nature spirits and more. Under Quest for Beauty, discover how men and women from the past and present have pursued perfection - through foot binding and black magic in the past, and plastic surgery and body art today! Finally, move away from superficial definitions of beauty and go deep in the last section on Inner / Spiritual Inner Beauty.

Take in the sights of Beauty in Asia: 200 BCE to Today from 3 May to 23 September 2007 to determine what is truly beautiful to you!

Changi Chapel & Museum

A beacon of hope for the hopeless. The Changi Chapel, housed within the open-air courtyard of the Museum, is a symbolic replica of the many chapels built during the Japanese Occupation. Built by Changi Prison inmates, it stands as a monument to those who maintained their faith and dignity during those dark years.

Letters, photographs, drawings and personal effects in the Museum relate the agony of the Japanese Occupation (1942-45) and imprisonment for more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi. One of the museum's main highlights is the replica of The Changi Murals, a series of magnificent wall paintings recreated from the originals painted by bombardier Stanley Warren.

Screenings of videos such as 'Changi Through The Eyes of Haxworth' and 'Elizabeth Choy' are held regularly.

An open-air café provides refreshments for visitors in a rustic setting. The garden surrounding the cafe features a collection of local garden plants that Singapore homes typically planted during the Japanese Occupation to supplement their daily diets.

Sunday services are conducted by various church groups at the Changi Chapel every Sunday at 9.00am. Visitors are welcome to join these services.

Chinatown Heritage Centre

Life of the ethnic Chinese in early Singapore was simple and almost everyone lived in rented cubicles of shophouses, which were often overcrowded and disease-stricken. It is fitting therefore, that the Chinatown Heritage Centre occupies three shophouses at the ethnic quarters of Chinatown, newly restored to house memories and untold stories of Singapore’s early forefathers.

Each level of the Centre takes you to a different time in the history of Chinatown and allows you to trace the lives of its early occupants. The hard life of the migrants resulted in many of them seeking solace in the four evils: opium smoking, prostitution, gambling and secret societies. But the celebration of life too was present, and Chinatown was always abuzz with activity and festivity.

The Centre was re-created based on the recollections of former residents, as are the exhibits and displays, giving visitors an authentic and personal account of life in Chinatown. Guided tours of the Gallery are conducted on the hour. Meanwhile, have a cuppa at the Centre’s Kopi Tiam or select a memento at the retail shop from a range of unique traditional souvenirs such as hand-sewn Chinese quilted blankets, traditional miniature sewing machines and clogs.

Chinese Heritage Centre

The Chinese Heritage Centre (CHC) was founded in 1995 to advance knowledge and understanding of the Chinese Overseas communities in different parts of the world. It is housed in the historic Administration Block of the former Nanyang University, a landmark establishment as the first and only Chinese university outside China, founded by the Chinese overseas.

Visitors will find it pleasant to simply admire the unique architecture of this 1950s building, now a National Monument, or take a stroll in the Yunnan Garden or by the Nantah Lake, right beside the Centre.

The Chinese outside China are heterogeneous. The Exhibition: Chinese More or Less at the Chinese Heritage Centre addresses this diversity and poses the question of whether “Chinese-ness” can be quantified.

Through the exhibits in seven different galleries which illustrate Chinese in different parts of the world and across generations, the Exhibition explores what it has meant, at different times, to be defined as Chinese – by oneself, by other Chinese, and by people other than Chinese – and how the defining of “Chinese” has moved beyond simple categorization.

Hua Song Museum

Hua Song, meaning "In praise of the Chinese Community", is a museum that brings to life the rich heritage that overseas Chinese around the world share.

It showcases the dreams, sacrifices, successes and achievements of the Chinese who faced adversity in their search of fortune overseas, enabling overseas Chinese today to embrace their cultural roots and origins.

Friends of other ethnicities and nationalities will receive a glimpse into the struggles of the overseas Chinese who have assimilated and contributed to the modern society, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding. Their stories are of international, cross-cultural relevance and appeal today.

Only by paying tribute to our shared past, can we surge forward into the future confidently. Hua Song Museum marks another milestone in our efforts to commemorate our cultural heritage.

Images of Singapore

Step back into 14th century Singapore with a little help from the 21st century! At this museum, life-size figures, rare artefacts and state-of-the-art technology bring the sights, sounds and smells of bygone Singapore to life.

You can recount Singapore’s maritime history through the eyes of a Chinese merchant, come face-to-face with charismatic personalities like Sir Stamford Raffles, relive Singapore darkest hours at the Surrender Chambers, or simply celebrate with us as we recreate the rituals, festivals and cultural practices of the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Peranakans in their full glory.

Malay Heritage Centre

Discover the role of Kampong Gelam as the centre of Islamic learning and literacy in the late 19th century, where Muslim immigrants form the Malay Archipelago stopped to buy supplies before embarking on their journey to Mecca. Walk through a kampong setting to relive the old living conditions of the Malay community and its transformation to modern Singapore today. Take a glimpse at the Malay film-making industry and view the unique 3-D model of an early Malay settlement in 1819. Guided tours of the museum are available through prior booking.

Another anchor point at the two-acre Istana grounds is the Gedung Kuning (meaning “yellow mansion”), built around 1860 and believed to have been commissioned for Tengku Mahmoud, one of Sultan Hussein's grandsons. The yellow color seems to support the claim of a connection between the building and the royal family. In 1907, Gedung Kuning was sold to a wealthy Malay merchant, Haji Yusuf Haji Mohd Noor, and was transformed into a beautiful home for his family. Today, the Gedung Kuning operates as a fine-dining restaurant known as Restoran Tepak Sireh which serves traditional Malay fare, such as nasi padang (rice served with a choice of dishes such as fish, chicken, eggs and vegetables).

Experience the grace and artistry of Malay customs, festivals and performing arts at the Centre’s daily cultural programme. Be enchanted by traditional dance, martial arts (silat) and even participate in the music-making by playing Malay instruments such as the angklung.

Art is also an integral part of Malay culture. Pottery programmes are conducted at the Centre led by Singapore’s most renowned potter, Iskandar Jalil. Or try your hand at batik (a form of fabric art) – you’ll go home with a beautiful reminder of your trip in Singapore!

MINT Museum of Toys

MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys), the world's first purpose-built museum for toys, opened in Singapore in May 2006. The museum showcases an extensive collection of vintage toys, including rare and unique one-of-a-kind toys, covering a period from mid-nineteenth Century to mid-twentieth Century.

The museum collection, numbering more than 50,000 toys and valued at over S$5 million, includes rare vintage Disneyana toys and memorabilia; Character toys such as Astroboy, Batman, Bonzo, Dan Dare, Popeye, etc; Pre-war Japanese toys; China-made toys, including a rare 'Door of Hope' doll collection, dating from turn-of-the-century; exclusive Teddy Bear Collection and a unique collection of Chinese comic covers dating from 1920's; Golden Age Comics; Tintin collectables; others.

The collection is housed within a five-storey contemporary building, designed by widely acclaimed Singapore architectural firm SCDA Architects, which have won several international awards, including the Royal Institute of British Architects Worldwide Awards.

The Café/Restaurant/Wine bar in the basement offers a relaxed, yet sophisticated ambience for casual or formal dining. A comprehensive menu, based on an international cuisine, is available to suit all palates..

The museum is also able to cater for private functions, for example, Corporate Events, Product Launches, Birthday Celebrations, Wedding Anniversaries, etc, including complimentary entry to the Museum. For special holidays, such as Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and special occasions, all four floors of the Museum will be opened for dining among the toys.

National Museum of Singapore

At 119 years old, the National Museum of Singapore is Singapore's biggest and oldest museum with the youngest and most innovative soul. Designed to be the people's museum, the Museum prides itself on introducing cutting edge and varied ways of presenting history to redefine conventional museum experience.

More than just a space for exhibitions and artefacts, the Museum will also distinguish itself through its challenging and vibrant festivals and events that will unleash new creative possibilities in culture and heritage. This programming will be supported by a wide range of facilities and services including Food & Beverage, retail, Resource Centre, Gallery Theatre and the Public Sculpture Garden, among others.

With a rich history dating back to 1887, the National Museum of Singapore has been closed since April 2003 for redevelopment and will officially open in December 2006. From now till then, a series of Preview Season events have been lined up to entice visitors to take a peek of this prestigious cultural and heritage centre in Singapore.

Nei Xue Tang

Buddhism is one of the religious pillars of the East. Nei Xue Tang’s priceless collection of Buddhist art works pays tribute to devotees, with Buddhist artifacts, relics, antiquities and art pieces gathered from Japan and Gandhara to China and Indonesia. One of Singapore’s few private museums, Nei Xue Tang has carefully amassed these pieces over 35 years.

The collection is particularly strong in Chinese and Southeast Asian works, especially from Thailand and Cambodia – two primarily Buddhist countries. On display are rare bronze and stone statues, amulets, talismans and relics, made from varying media such as gold, silver, bronze, stone, horns, jade and crystal. Part of the collection includes renowned and award-winning Singaporean artist - Mr Tan Swie Hian's Buddhist works of art in calligraphy, oil and Chinese ink on rice paper.

NUS Museums

At the Western end of Singapore lies a jewel of artworks and cultural artifacts. The NUS Museums at the National University of Singapore house a treasure trove of Asian art pieces. Watch China’s 7,000 years of rich culture unfold before your eyes as a spectacular collection of ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, jade and bronzes tells the story behind one of the world's greatest civilisations. Admire the beautiful display of South and Southeast Asian artworks, including the most comprehensive collection of works by Singapore's foremost sculptor, Ng Eng Teng.

Next to the NUS Museums is the University Cultural Centre, a performing arts hall. Why not plan an evening at Kent Ridge and immerse yourself in a total arts experience?

red dot design museum

The 2nd red dot design museum was established in Singapore in November 2005. The museum is the anchor tenant and key attraction at the red dot Traffic, a creative hub located at Maxwell Road, the former Singapore Traffic Police Headquarters.

The red dot design museum in Singapore is the physical embodiment of the red dot design awards, an exclusive exhibition venue for red dot design award winners. It is here that products and brands communicate their design excellence and differentiate themselves from the mediocre. It also provides important orientation to businesses, design professionals consumers on what or who has the best design.

Situated at the centre of a growing design scene in Asia, the museum is also home for the red dot award: design concept. This award takes its cue from the future, seeking to discover the next great idea and trend of tomorrow. Launched in 2005, the third award of the international red dot design awards is the first to be held out of Germany. With entries received from over 40 countries, it is one of the most prestigious award for design concepts.

Exhibitions, Projects, Events
The museum engages, excites and inspires its visitors with interactive installations and interesting exhibitions on design. It is the focal point of design and creative activities such as design conferences, exhibitions and parties.

The red dot design museum is also the most fascinating event venue in Singapore. In addition to its excellent location and intriguing heritage architecture, it has event spaces in an atmosphere of creativity, amidst the best contemporary design from the best designers and companies.

This hotbed of design and creativity is also the prestigious venue for the annual red dot design award celebrations, the most important event in the design almanac. At the annual red dot awarding ceremony, international guests from the fields of design, politics, business and culture converged at this design house to celebrate the winners.

MAAD
The red dot design museum sponsors MAAD, a market for original creative works in the field of fashion, art, craft and design.

MAAD is the only weekend market for original creative works in Singapore. Each stall at the market is curated by a committee made up of established artists, product designers and fashion designers in Singapore, so as to ensure that only original and interesting creative works are presented. In addition to exciting stalls by emerging Singapore designers, MAAD also features performances, live street art and other interesting activities.

Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum

For military and aviation buffs, the Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum is a must-see. Spread over 10,600 square metres of land, the museum comprises an outdoor gallery and two levels of indoor galleries. Besides tracing the development of the Republic of Singapore Air Force from its early days as the Royal Air Force in 1927, the museum also provides information on the history of aviation and showcases aviation-related artifacts such as colonial cap badges and Bloodhound missiles, even planes like the Hunter Hawker, the SF260 Marchetti and the A4-S Skyhawk.

Republic of Singapore Navy Museum

Military and marine enthusiasts will be captivated by the exhibits at the Republic of Singapore Navy Museum - antique marine equipment, historic photographs, even details of sophisticated, high technology missile corvette vessels.

Royal Selangor Pewter Museum

Pewter, an alloy combining tin, copper and antimony, is a speciality of Southeast Asia – commonly made into decorative and functional objects, with a fine attention to detail. At the Royal Selangor Pewter Museum, you will be treated to a private collection of 75 items ranging from tobacco boxes, oil lamps, intricate Chinese lanterns with lotus motifs to century-old pewter-making tools. The museum also features daily demonstrations of traditional pewter processes.