Singapore for history & culture buffs 🗺️🔎

Curated activities for those who prefer to immerse in the history and culture of a place when traveling. This is the perfect guide to learn more about Singapore's history, our experience of World War II, making peace with our colonial past, and celebrating our racial diversity. Not quite the history and culture buff? No problem! I will have other guides on Singapore released soon! Found this guide helpful? Feel free to leave a tip to encourage me to keep sharing travel content like this ✨

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Overview

I've grouped the activities into the following themes so you can jump straight to what you're interested in:

1) Tales of history (museums)

2) Racial & cultural diversity (religious sites)

3) Walk down memory lane (vintage shops, antiques)

Tales of History

Quick Note:

✏️Feel free to spread these visits out over a couple of days! My tip is to visit the museums in the afternoon, when the weather is HOT ☀️and you'll want to avoid the sun.

🔷Start with a visit to the National Museum for a 101 on the history of Singapore, including the era under British colonial rule, Japanese occupation during WWII, and how we developed our own music, fashion and culture over time.

National Museum of Singapore

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Before leaving, check out Cafe Brera (open from 9am-5pm) located within the museum, an artisan bakery which has set up this cafe as an inclusive space for seniors to hang out.

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🔷Then head over to the Peranakan Museum for a deep dive into Peranakan (or Nyonya) culture.

Peranakan Museum

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Pair this with a meal at True Blue Cuisine along the same stretch to enjoy some delicious Peranakan food.

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🔷If the weather is good, take a stroll around Fort Canning Park and visit Fort Canning Heritage Centre which offers some insight into the historic milestones that have taken place here, including the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942.

Fort Canning Park

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🔷If you happen to be in the Esplanade area, consider making a stop at the 'chopsticks' memorial (Civilian War Memorial) which commemorates the civilian victims of WWII.

Civilian War Memorial

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🔷 If you would like to go even further back in time, check out the Asian Civilisations Museum and pair that with a walk down the Singapore River.

Asian Civilisations Museum

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Singapore River

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This river used to be smelly and dirty before a major clean up between 1977-1987 transformed the place entirely. It's now the backdrop of a beautiful skyline, best enjoyed at dusk when you can quickly pop over to watering holes dotted along the river for some drinks with friends.

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🔷You can even consider taking a traditional bumboat cruise down Singapore River which offers audio commentary along the way.

Singapore River Cruise Tickets

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Racial & Cultural Diversity

🔷Take a walk down South Bridge Road to experience the racial and religious harmony of Singapore, with three functioning religious sites all along the same road.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

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This temple houses one of the few sacred Buddha Tooth relics around the world.

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Sri Mariamman Temple

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For a better view, cross the street to the other side to observe the intricate detailing on the facade of this temple.

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Jamae (Chulia) Mosque

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One of Singapore's oldest mosques, originally erected for the Chulia migrants.

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Walk down memory lane

🔷For vintage fashion:

Dustbunny Vintage

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Offers vintage bags, jewelry to shoes and dresses from all across the world. If you're staying in Singapore for long enough, you may even want to tailor a piece with them.

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🔷For the old school knick knacks:

By My Old School

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By appointment only.

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🔷For vintage and second hand furniture:

Hock Siong & Co. Pte Ltd

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🔷For 'fools' 😂:

Tong Mern Sern

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More resources for your trip to Singapore:

Samantha Ang

Foodie's guide to Singapore🍜 [Full version]

A local's guide on the best eats in the foodie's paradise called Singapore 🍴 chock full of authentic Singaporean dishes that locals love 💖, options that won't break the bank💲, and places that are actually worth the queue! This interactive map includes: 🍽️ More than 35 recommended dining establishments 🔗 Direct links to make reservations (where reservations are available) 🌟 My personal notes for each one (e.g. ways to beat the queue, how to place your order in perfect Singlish, the best dishes to try) What are you waiting for? Download this guide now 📲and head out to explore the delicious delights Singapore has in store for you. Not ready to purchase? No worries, download my free ✨ “Foodie’s guide to Singapore [Sample]” for a taste of what this guide has to offer.

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Map

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha Ang

A Singaporean passionate about what her little island city 🏝️ has to offer for travelers from all walks of life. I’ve spent three years living in Indonesia and have also made many trips to Southeast Asia and Europe over the years. Southeast Asia is beautiful but can be an overwhelming region to visit (especially for first timers!). I hope my guides can take away the stress of planning your travels and make your experience a little more special with you some local insights and hidden gems. I'll also be sharing well-researched itineraries from my holidays to other parts of the globe. Happy travels!

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