The National Museum of Singapore

Review

The National Museum of Singapore was re-developed and opened again in 2006. When it re-opened, many of the exhibits were complemented with audio-visual presentations, making history come to life for both the young and the old. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Museum hosts travelling exhibitions and holds lectures and workshops, as well as screens films with historical, cultural content.

The Singapore Living Galleries displays modern Singapore and is linked to the Singapore History Gallery. In Singapore History Gallery, you will see and learn what life in Singapore was like during the colonial days. You'll also get an idea of what life was like during World War II and the Japanese Occupation. Filled with pictures, stories and artefacts, even the young children are intrigued.

Armed with an audio-visual device, you can wander through the galleries at your own pace without missing out on any commentary. You can even backtrack and repeat segments if you want to.

Look out also for travelling exhibits and events - they are quite interesting too. Past exhibits included the Greek Masterpieces from The Louvre - a first out of The Louvre in Paris. Regular events include screenings of works in the history of cinema under the World Cinema Series.

Tips

Take breaks at rest areas so that you can enjoy more of the rest of exhibits.

Things to Bring

Drinking water. Once within the galleries, it's difficult to find drinks until you've completed the gallery. A jacket may be useful as it can get a little chilly inside.

Opening Times

Opening times: Singapore History Gallery: 10 am to 6 pm (last admission is at 5:30 pm) Singapore Living Galleries: 10 am to 8 pm (last admission is at 7:30 pm) Best time to go: Anytime.

Admission Fees

Adult - $10 Student, Child (7 to 18 years old) Senior Citizen (tourist 60 years and over) - $5 Family (3 adults and 2 children) - $30 Free admission for child aged 6 years old and under. Free admission for senior citizen (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) 60 years and over. Free admission for students (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) & NSF (with valid 11B pass). Free admission to the Living Galleries from 6 pm to 8 pm every day. Travelling exhibits and other events may be free or have different fees.

How to Get There

By Taxi - All taxi drivers know the National Museum. This is the fastest and easiest way to get there. By MRT - Take the North-South Line or the North-East Line and alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. It is about 10 to 15 minutes' walk to the Museum. By Bus - Take any of the following bus numbers and alight at the bus-stop along Stamford Road, not far from the Museum: 7, 14, 14E, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 131, 147, 162, 166, 167, 171, 174, 174E, 190, 502, 700, 700A, 857, NR7.

The Old Ford Factory

Review

The first motor vehicle assembly in Southeast Asia, Ford Motor Factory was built in October 1941. Its significance was in its use as the venue for the formal surrender of Malaya (comprising what is currently Malaysia and Singapore) to Japan. It is now designated a national monument. Under the custody of the National Archives of Singapore, it has been converted into an exhibition gallery and a repository.

Our visit starts with the storyboards in the drive-way. They tell of the Malayan Campaign, what the British defense strategy for Singapore was. And how it went terribly wrong.

Before entering the main exhibition gallery, go round the back of the building to see the Syonan Garden (also known as War-time Garden). Crops and plants that were commonly grown during the war for food or medicinal purposes, are grown here. Don't miss the padi (rice) in the different stages of growth. Read about how coverted bananas or papayas, now common fruit, were back then.

The gallery is segmented by themes, beginning with a staged tunnel where you'll experience the sounds and sights of being in a battle. You also can't miss the prominent life-sized statutes of the British General Officer Commanding Malaya, Lt.-Gen. Arthur Ernest Percival and the Japanese Commander of the 25th Army, Gen. Yamashita Tomoyuki.

The original boardroom was kept intact and gives a pretty good idea of what took place in the formal surrender. Don't miss the short video footage of the negotiations and read about how Yomashita called his bluff... and won.

The gallery gives a snapshot of what life was like during the days of the Japanese Occupation, from 1942 to 1945. During that time, Singapore's name was changed to Syonan-to, which means "Light of the South" in Japanese. Stories, anecdotes, replicas of newspaper clippings, artefacts, posters and first-hand accounts and interviews are used throughout the exhibition, making it interesting and easy to understand, even for the younger visitors.

Be sure to listen to the audio recordings on the map of Singapore. Hear the interviewees talk about events that took place around the island during the years of the Japanese Occupation - it brings the reality of the effects of war closer to home. By the way, the windshield of one of the Ford models assembled in this very factory, a Ford Cortina MKII, is used as a protective shield of the map.

Several documentaries, each lasting between 7 min to 30 min long, are screened at the audio-visual theatre upstairs. They are certainly worth catching.

Tell Us what you think

Tips

Look out for simple quizzes to add to the young ones' interest in a piece of Singapore's history.

Things to Bring

An insect repellant for wandering around the external compound as the area is fairly wooded.

Opening Times

Opening times: Mondays to Saturdays, 9 am to 5:30 pm Sundays, 12 noon to 5:30 pm Best time to go: Any time though it is pleasant to walk round the grounds in the early morning or late afternoon. Most exhibits are indoors.

Admission Fees

Adult - $3 Student Pass Holder & Senior Citizen (55 to 59 years old) - $2.50 Foreign Visitors (60 years and over) - $1.25 Viewing of documentaries only - $1 Free admission for child aged 6 years old and under. Free admission for senior citizen (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) 60 years and over. Free admission for students & teachers (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) & NSF (with valid 11B pass). Free admission for NHB Museum Round Table Pass holder. It is also free admission on the following days: - Total Defence Day - International Museum Day - National Day - Hari Raya Puasa - Deepavali - Christmas - New Year's Day - Chinese New Year (2nd Day)

How to Get There

By Taxi - This is the fastest and easiest way to get there. Tell the taxi driver the "Old Ford Factory" along Upper Bukit Timah Road. By MRT - Take the East-West Line and alight at any of the following MRT Stations: Bukit Batok MRT - Board 173 at interchange and alight opposite Memories. You can ask the driver to let you know when to alight for the "Old Ford Factory". Choa Chu Kang MRT - Board 67 at interchange and alight opposite Memories. You can ask the driver to let you know when to alight for the "Old Ford Factory".

Changi Museum

Review

As you walk through the Museum, you can see a sizeable collection of letters, photographs, drawings and personal artefacts that give a vivid picture of what happened to the POWs and civilian internees; of what life was like during those years of war. It’s amazing to think that many of the items and much that were written were donated by POWs, war veterans and their families who were, until recently, or are still alive.

A floor map and exhibits of Changi Prison help you understand what prison life was like, especially during the Second World War. Another remarkable reminder of the wartime courage and strength that is of great inspiration and encouragement is the Changi Murals and wartime paintings and pictures by various wartime artists. The Changi Murals in the Museum are full-size replicas of the actual Murals located in an area that is closed off to general visitors (do note that you can actually view the originals upon official request). Read about Stanley Warren who completed painting the 5 Murals despite poor health, and how he had to be persuaded to return Singapore to restore the Murals.

The Changi Chapel is a replica located outside the Museum, in the Courtyard. It is a symbolic representation of the many chapels built by the POWs and civilian internees. Many visitors have left personal messages and dedications on the chapel notice board. Though only a replica, it is a peaceful place to be.

Don't miss the Changi Cell - the door to the Cell is a little obscure. It is located just outside the main entrance of the Museum (on the right-hand side when facing the main entrance). With the help of an audio recording, it is unlikely that you will forget the experience of being in a small, dark room with no window and only a small opening high above the wall.

Do also spend a little time browsing the collection of rare books about Singapore during the Second World War – you won’t find them anywhere else.

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Tips

Make this part of the historical trail in the eastern part of Singapore. Other nearby places of historical interest include: Johore Battery

Things to Bring

A solemn heart and an open mind.

Opening Times

Opening times: 9:30 am to 5 pm (last admission is 4:30 pm) Best time to go: Anytime - most of it is indoors.

Admission Fees

Free. In-house tour (45-minute guided tour in English) or Audio tour - $8 per adult and $4 per child.

How to Get There

By Taxi - Tell the taxi driver that the Changi Museum is located close to the Changi Women's Prison. This is the fastest and easiest way to get there. By MRT - Alight at Tanah Merah MRT Station on the East-West line. Take SBS bus 2 towards Changi Village. Ask the driver to let you know when to alight. Alternatively, alight at Tampines MRT Station on the East-West line. Go to Tampines Interchange and take SBS bus 29 towards Changi Village. Ask the driver to let you know when to alight.

Other Attractions Around Changi

	Changi Beach		Changi Museum
	Changi Village and Boardwalk		Johore Battery
	Pulau Ubin		Singapore Airshow

Asian Civilisations Museum

Review

Many of Singapore's people are descendants of immigrants from countries within Asia. The Asian Civilisations Museum shows the beauty and intricacies of the culture and history of these countries as well as of the surrounding Asian countries. The Museum is appropriately located along the Singapore River, the landing and living site for these early immigrants.

Organised according to themes, the Museum has several galleries. Our journey begins with the Singapore River Gallery, where the story of migrants who have come to Singapore to make a living began, and moves on to galleries displaying artefacts from the different parts of Asia: China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia.

We enjoyed walking through the various galleries - there are stories, pictures and artefacts that gave us a glimpse of what life was like in Singapore in the early years. The beautiful, elaborate jewellery, garments, instruments, etc., with stories of the different ethnic groups and their lifestyles also gave glimpses into life during the past Asian civilisations.

Tips

If you can, join the guided tours for a more interactive visit and a deeper appreciation of the exhibits. If you have kids, do bring them along as they have their own special corners within the galleries where they can explore the Asian culture and history through touch and play!

Things to Bring

Drinking water. Once within the galleries, it's difficult to find drinks until you've completed the galleries. A jacket may be useful as it can get a little chilly inside.

Opening Times

Opening times: Monday - 1 pm to 7 pm Tuesday to Sunday - 9 am to 7 pm (Friday is till 9 pm) Guided tours (Available throughout the year except during volunteer guides' annual break in end Dec/early Jan and public holidays): English Monday - 2 pm Tuesday to Friday - 11 am, 2 pm Saturday & Sunday - 11 am Mandarin Saturday & Sunday -  11:30 am Japanese Tuesday to Friday -  10:30 am Every second Saturday of the month - 1:30pm Lunchtime Gallery Tours Tuesday to Friday - 12 noon [Tuesday: Southeast Asia Gallery Wednesday: West Asia Gallery Thursday: China Gallery Friday: South Asia Gallery] Best time to go: Anytime.

Admission Fees

Admission charges may vary during special exhibitions. Adult - $8 Student, Child (7 to 18 years old) and Senior Citizen (tourist 60 years old and over) - $4 There's a package for admission to both Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum: Adult - $11 Student, Child (7 to 18 years old) and Senior Citizen (tourist over 60 years old) - $5.50 Ticket must be used within 7 days of purchase. Discounted admission on Friday, 7 pm to 9 pm: Adult - $4 Student, Child (7 to 18 years old) and Senior Citizen (tourist over 60 years old) - $2 Family Admission (Up to 5 adult visitors, only available during special exhibitions) - $20 Free admission for child aged 6 years old and under. Free admission for senior citizen (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) 60 years and over. Free admission for students & teachers (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) & NSF (with valid 11B pass).

How to Get There

By Taxi - This is the fastest and easiest way to get there. By MRT - Take the North-South Line or the East-West Line and alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Cross the Singapore River and you'll see the Museum. It is about 5 minutes' walk to the Museum.

Peranakan Museum

Review
The Peranakan refers to communities in Malacca, Penang and Singapore from the old colonial days - their culture is a fusion of cultures from their countries of origin and the local Malay culture. The main groups of Peranakans are the Peranakan Chinese, Peranakan Indians or Chitty Melaka (Indian Hindu Peranakans) and the Jawi Pekans (Indian Muslim Peranakans).
The Museum has several galleries, each focusing on a different aspect of the Peranakan culture. It is quite a delight to see a set-up of the kitchen, the living room, etc. There's even one of the wedding day. We particularly enjoyed looking at the beautiful dresses, jewellery as well as their colourful porcelain.
The kids are not left out in this Museum either. There are motifs that they could trace out and collect from around the Museum. Some of the artefacts have also been made available for the children to touch and feel. There's even a section where we could eavesdrop on their telephone conversations for a better understanding of their culture.

Tips
If you do have children (of any age), do ask at the reception for paper to trace out the motifs.

Things to Bring
Drinking water. Once within the galleries, it's difficult to find drinks until you've completed the tour round.

A jacket may be useful as it can get a little chilly inside.

Opening Times
Opening times:
Monday - 1 pm to 7 pm
Tuesday to Sunday - 9 am to 7 pm (Friday is till 9 pm)

Guided tours (Available throughout the year except during volunteer guides' annual break in end Dec/early Jan and public holidays):
English
Monday - 2 pm
Tuesday to Friday - 11 am, 2 pm
Saturday & Sunday - 11 am, 2 pm, 3 pm

Mandarin
Saturday - 2:30 pm
Sunday -  11:30 am, 2:30 pm

Japanese
Tuesday to Friday (except public holiday) -  10:30 am

Sarong Kebaya Guided Tours (English only)
Tuesday to Friday - 12:30 pm

Best time to go: Anytime.

Admission Fees
Admission charges may vary during special exhibitions.

Adult - $6
Student, Child (7 to 18 years old) and
Senior Citizen (tourist 60 years old and over) - $3

There's a package for admission to both Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum:
Adult - $10
Student, Child (7 to 18 years old) and
Senior Citizen (tourist over 60 years old) - $5
Ticket must be used within 7 days of purchase.

Discounted admission on Friday, 7 pm to 9 pm:
Adult - $3
Student, Child (7 to 18 years old) and
Senior Citizen (tourist over 60 years old) - $1.50

Family Admission (Up to 5 adult visitors,
only available during special exhibitions) - $20

Free admission for child aged 6 years old and under.
Free admission for senior citizen (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) 60 years and over.
Free admission for students & teachers (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) & NSF (with valid 11B pass).

How to Get There
By Taxi - This is the fastest and easiest way to get there.

By MRT - Take the North-South Line or the East-West Line and alight at City Hall MRT Station. Head down Stamford Road (in the direction of the traffic) and turn left into Armenian Street - the Museum is on your right. It is about 10 minutes' walk to the Museum.