St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) has opened a new heritage gallery, in commemoration of Singapore's bicentennial year and the Tercentenary1 of the Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools – St. John Baptist de La Salle. Named Missio 1852, the gallery showcases 167 years of Josephian history and Lasallian heritage, tradition and community in Singapore. This project is supported by the National Heritage Board and the Singapore Bicentennial Office.
Founded by the De La Salle Brothers in 1852, St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) is an independent Catholic school, whose mission is to nurture students to learn how to learn and to learn how to live, so that they can be empowered to grow into men and women of integrity and men and women for others. For over 167 years, SJI has nurtured thousands of men and women who have served the society locally and globally. Missio 1852 celebrates the contributions and achievements of the school and of these alumni who have served the society in different ways throughout the century.
The highlights of Missio 1852 include:
Profiles of distinguished Josephians – Thousands of illustrious Josephians have graduated from the gates and halls of SJI since 1852. Amongst them include Former 7th President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, DPM Teo Chee Hean, Mr Philip Yeo, Prof Leo Tan Wee Hin, Prof Jeremy Monteiro, Justice Chan Seng Onn, whose profiles are featured in Missio 1852.
The Brothers’ Logbook – The La Salle Brothers meticulously kept annual logbooks such as these, detailing notable events like inter-school competitions, important visitors to the school, spiritual bouquets and civics group meetings. It was the practice for the Brother Director to keep a diary/logbook to record key events throughout the school year, to help him when he prepares the annual report to be sent to Rome.
The Founder’s Banner – As part of the school’s emphasis on rituals and symbolism, this Founder’s banner was frequently used in events like the celebration of the apparition ofour Lady of Fatimah in the 1950s. Out of the traditional three banners used, only this one remains. These banners were originally stored away in a camphor wood chest in the Brothers’ Quarters.
The Grandfather Clock that has survived the Japanese Occupation – This clock once stood on the verandah of the Brothers' House and called all therein to prayers and class. During WWII, shrapnel damaged the clock and the marks have been preserved in its restoration. Holes on both sides indicated where shrapnel entered the clock, hit the back of the pendulum and exited on the opposite side.
Missio 1852 is open to SJI students and staff members during school hours during term time. Visit www.sji.edu.sg for details.
The Singapore Sports Hub launched the first sports, art and heritage walking trail titled The Kallang Story: A Sports, Arts and Heritage Trail, with the unveiling of the Merdeka Lions by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and the Ministry of Transport. Mr Baey was joined by some 11 community groups for a guided tour of the trail, where they were taken on a journey of Kallang’s landmarks and the area’s vibrant history.
Mr Baey said: “There is a treasure trove of stories at Kallang. This was where many of our nation’s sporting memories were forged, and is also home to Singapore’s first civil international airport. I am heartened by this Kallang Story project, which documents some interesting elements of our heritage in the year of Singapore’s Bicentennial. I encourage everyone to come explore the area with familyand friends, relive old memories, and reflect on our Singapore Story.”
The new three-kilometre educational walking trail tells the story of Kallang through 18 heritage markers, artefacts, architecture, and new artworks sited around Singapore Sports Hub. These artworks are commissioned by Singapore Sports Hub to celebrate Kallang’s heritage and local talents. The artworks will be rolled out in phases. This walking trail is a community project supported by the National Heritage Board (NHB) in partnership with Sport Singapore and Republic Polytechnic. The launch is part of the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration 2019.
Members of the public can explore the 18 markers as one whole, or in three separate smaller walking trails - The Waterfront Trail, The Stadium Trail and The Park Trail. Each of the trails tells the Kallang story by highlighting prominent landmarks in the area, both past and present. The Waterfront Trailfaces the Kallang Basin, a body of water with a rich history going back at least 400 years and reveals the riverine communities who once called this area home, the traditional industries that contributed lasting place names, and the legacy of water sports. The Stadium Trail explores the grounds of the National Stadium and covers major architectural icons which played key roles in sports, politics, energy, aviation and entertainment in Singapore. The Park Trail ventures into the former grounds of Kallang Park, journeys through memories of the old Wonderland Amusement Park and ending in front of the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The Merdeka Lions now sited at Stadium Roar, facing the Kallang Basin, are replicas of the original artefacts that were initially commissioned by the Public Works Department (renamed ‘CPD Corporation’) as part of the Merdeka Bridge that was built in 1955. With the widening of NicollHighway, the sculptures were then moved to Kallang Park, before being shifted to The SAFTI Military Institute.
Members of the public can look forward to spotting 14 uniquely designed repurposed benches made from the timber seats in the former National Stadium. The installation of the 14 benches has enlivened Sports Hub’s public spaces to build community interactions and create shared memories. This underscored the intent of this “Re:Bench” CommunityProject, a collaboration between Singapore Sports Hub and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Visitors can pick up self-guided tour maps of The Kallang Story: A Sports, Arts and Heritage Trail at the Sports Hub’s Visitors Centre at OCBC Square.
The officially-opened Wisma Geylang Serai (WGS) is the community civic and cultural centre in the heart of Geylang Serai precinct. It is a multi-agency development that celebrates the heritage of Geylang Serai communities and encourages social interactions and community bonding among different communities of all ages and races.
It houses the Geylang Serai Community Club, the South East Community Development Council, the Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery Family Service and Child Care Centre, Senior Care Centre, and cultural arts group and social/community-related facilities.
Within WGS, there are public spaces, community plaza and a comprehensive pedestrian network that will enhance accessibility and connectivity to other developments in the precinct, bringing the wide range of facilities and services in WGS to the community. This development is a collaboration between the People’s Association, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Ministry of Health, National Arts Council, National Heritage Board and Ministry of National Development.
Geylang Serai was the origin of the Malay Settlement back in pre-modern Singapore. The word ‘Wisma’ can be translated as a building, complex or house. Wisma Geylang Serai was hence named to reflect the nature and functions of the civic centre.
The development’s double-pitched roof is influenced by traditional Malay houses and complements the adjacent Geylang Serai Market. At the same time, the design demonstrates a contemporary feel in its spatial planning, drawing inspiration from the “serai” plant to “ketupat” and “serambi” on stilts. It weaves and integrates multi-functional spaces and facilities into a cohesive overall design. This winning design amplifies the distinctive identity of Geylang Serai and strengthen its urban character.
One of the few landmarks on Waterloo Street, the 148-year old Sri Krishnan Temple reopens after four years of restoration works costing nearly $4 million.
The shrines, ceilings, temple dome and pillars were all upgraded in the renovation. Intricate decorative works on the pillars required two sculptors working on them on-site over 3 years.
One of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, Sri Krishnan Temple's recent consecration ceremony called Maha Samprokshanam (done every 12 to 15 years) was attended by some 10,000 devotees.
From the first half of 2020, residents of Sembawang will have a uniquely designed Bukit Canberra – an integrated sport and community hub, that will inspire them to live better.
To be opened in phases, the 12-hectare hub will provide amenities such as a hawker centre, indoor and outdoor sport facilities, a polyclinic, a senior care centre, green spaces for community farming and lifestyle related amenities for the community within a lush and naturalistic environment.
Supported by National Heritage Board, Singapore, the museum was conceptualised in 2016 and completed in 2018.
Did you know that more than two-thirds of the current Bishan town was once occupied by a cemetery and a village? Since the 19th century, Bishan was a Chinese burial ground called Peck San Theng. The Cantonese community was in charge of Peck San Theng, with more than 50,000 graves spread across the region. Kampong San Theng was the main Chinese village then.
The new $700,000 heritage gallery tells the story of Kampong San Teng.
The 560 sqm gallery held its official opening on 3rd June.
Admission to the gallery is free. It is open from 9.30am to 4pm every day except on public holidays.
The renovated temple has a new facade, a multi-purpose hall and other upgraded facilities.
AVGMT is an amalgamation of three Hindu temples - the Arulmigu Velmurugan Temple, the Sri Krishna Bhagwan Durga Parameswari Devasthanam and the Sri Mariamman Muneeswarar Temple.
The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, a 164-year-old national monument and one of the oldest temples in Singapore, was recently re-sanctified in a consecration ceremony called the “Maha Samprokshanam” which is done once every 12 years.
Major redevelopment works at the temple, costing S$4.5 million, were recently completed.
The temple had to invite foreign experts to help in the restoration as certain specific skills were not available here. A team of 20 highly-skilled artisans, known as sthapathis, were flown in from India for the job.
In 1978, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple was declared a National Monument by the Preservation of Monuments Board. The temple also underwent major facelifts in year 1987, 1992 and 2005.
The history of Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple dates back to the late 1800s. Read more about its rich history here.
One of Singapore oldest mosques, Angullia Mosque, closes for redevelopment which will see it transform into a four-storey building that can accommodate 2,500 congregants.
Angullia Mosque has been an iconic landmark in the area of Serangoon Road and Little India for more than 120 years.
The Mosque was built on Wakaff land bequeathed by MSE Angullia. Still standing at its present site, the first blueprints of the Mosque was dated in 1890.
Since its initial construction somewhere in the late 1890s, several upgrading works have been undertaken to maintain its functionality and relevance to its immediate community.
Angullia Mosque serves a large community of Muslims within the Serangoon Road district and many of their congregants include both the local and foreign workforce within the Serangoon Road business district.
Over the years, the capacity and infrastructure of the mosque are not able to keep up with the numbers and demands of their daily congregants.
The main building of the former National Aerated Water Factory at 1177 Serangoon Road will be gazetted for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
Recognising the building’s heritage value, its role as a landmark in the area and the social memories it holds for the community, the building owner, Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB) is supportive of the conservation efforts and is working closely with URA to keep the building as part of our national history.
Completed in 1954, this Art Deco Style building is a well-known local landmark along Serangoon Road. It was the bottling factory that produced popular soft drinks such as Sinalco, Kickapoo Joy Juice and Royal Crown Cola. It is also one of the last few remaining structures along the stretch of Kallang River that reflect the area’s rich industrial past, and contribute to the heritage of the Kallang River.
The two-storey L-shaped main building facing Serangoon Road will be conserved. This includes the signage tower, a representative feature that many will be familiar with. Read more about this conservation effort.
A key element in enhancing "Sense of Place' at the new Changi Airport Terminal 4 is a first ever collaboration between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and National Heritage Board to create a Peranakan Gallery. It offers travellers the chance to learn about traditional Peranakan culture, with exhibits including a beautifully embroidered Sarong Kebaya, an antique wooden wedding bed and Peranakan porcelain ‘nyonyaware’.
The Peranakan Gallery opens to the public 24-7 and is free for all passengers who have cleared departure immigration.
Located in the Departure Transit area, the Peranakan Gallery is part of T4’s Heritage Zone.
Visitors will be greeted by a doll house model display of Peranakan shophouse architecture.
Historical portraits of pioneers many decades ago lined the walls of the 150sq m gallery.
From Sunday, 12 March 2017, some stretches of the existing Upper Aljunied Road will be permanently closed to traffic, as part of plans to transform it into Bidadari Heritage Walk. In tandem with the closure, a new realigned Upper Aljunied Road will open to traffic from the same day. With an additional lane in each direction, motorists can look forward to smoother traffic on the new road.
The realignment of Upper Aljunied Road paves the way for the pedestrianisation of the existing Upper Aljunied Road and the creation of a new Bidadari Heritage Walk that will preserve the rich heritage and memories of the estate. Lined with a canopy of mature trees, the 700-metre Heritage Walk will recount the history and stories of Bidadari’s rich heritage, including prominent personalities of the past.
The Istana Heritage Gallery, located at the Istana Park along Orchard Road and opposite the Istana, offers visitors the opportunity to understand the historical background of the Istana.
Gazetted in 1992 as a National Monument along with Sri Temasek, the Istana mirrored the development of Singapore in its nationhood through time. The exhibition in the Gallery captures the Istana’s transition from being the Colonial Governor’s House to its current role as the Official Residence of the President.
The Istana Heritage Gallery will provide visitors with a glimpse into the Istana’s rich history through a specially curated range of heritage displays including state artefacts, artworks and collection of state gifts received from foreign dignitaries by our past and present Presidents and Prime Ministers. The Gallery will complement the guided tour programmes at the Istana Open House in providing the public greater access to Istana’s rich heritage. It will also showcase the President’s constitutional, ceremonial and community roles and the Istana’s special place in these aspects of the Singapore story.
The Warehouse Hotel is a 37-room hotel housed in a conservation building on the bank of the Singapore River in the vibrant neighbourhood of Robertson Quay.
The Warehouse Hotel was built in 1895 along the Singapore River as part of the Straits of Malacca trade route. At that time, the area was a hotbed of secret societies, underground activity, and liquor distilleries.
Today, while much of that history has disappeared, one building is being meticulously restored as a modern 37-room boutique hotel, focusing on heritage and local culture. The Warehouse Hotel will deliver thoughtful hospitality with historically-detailed rooms, classic local dishes and craft cocktails in the vibrant neighborhood of Robertson Quay.
222 Queen Street and 51 Waterloo Street are two sites that have played an important role at the heart of the Bras Basah community and it was once the home of the prestigious Catholic High School, an all-boys educational establishment.
The sites were left vacant from the 1990s when the school relocated to its current premises in Bishan. The buildings were given a new lease of life in 2009 and were transformed into an arts centre by Daniel Teo, a philanthropist and alumnus of the Catholic High School. Current tenants at 222+51 include art and cultural institutes, performing art centres, fitness and wellness studios, catering services, and a gem museum.
Located on the ground floor of 51 Waterloo Street, the building adjoining 222 Queen Street, the mural is a site-specific commission by local artists, Yip Yew Chong and Yuen Kum Cheong. The murals are a series of six door panels inspired by the colourful history of the Bras Basah area. The artists have depicted scenes of daily life in the 1960s and community landmarks such as the old National Library, Odeon Cinema and National Theatre, which have been lost due to redevelopment.
222 Queen Street + 51 Waterloo Street is an arts centre located in the heart of Bras Basah.Bugis Precinct, a thriving cultural district in Singapore’s civic centre. 222 Queen Street + 51 Waterloo Street is a place where creatives meet to seek unique experiences and the centre offers an eclectic mix of lifestyle spaces including art, music, dance, and fitness.
This remarkable colonial building was once the home of the prestigious Catholic High School, an all- boys educational establishment, and holds many fond memories for its alumni. 222 Queen Street + 51 Waterloo Street is a symbol of Singapore’s diverse culture: fusing its rich history with new lease of life through contemporary culture.
Better known as the Hamptons, the Long Island towns of Southampton and East Hampton in New York are the playgrounds of America’s rich and famous. Palatial summer homes are the order of the day in a region where you’ll find some of the country’s most expensive zip codes. It's basically the opposite of everything you’d associate with Bedok. According to a new heritage trail, however, the humble corner of eastern Singapore bore an uncanny resemblance to the Hamptons in the early 20th century.
Launched by the National Heritage Board (NHB) as part of the ongoing Singapore HeritageFest, the Bedok Heritage Trail will transport you back in time to the era before the development of the East Coast area; a time when the colony’s wealthiest inhabitants resided in waterfront bungalows alongside fishing villages. With 10 markers spread along a 15km route, you’ll discover Bedok’s long history, from its kampung beginning to its key role in the East Coast Reclamation Scheme.
From pirates to beach parties, fishing villages to coconut plantations, the story of the eastern coast of Singapore shares many common threads with coastal settlements across the world. At the same time, the intertwined histories of Bedok, Siglap, Tanah Merah and the East Coast are unique in many ways.
From the ancient days when Orang Laut fleets looked upon the red cliffs of Tanah Merah as a navigational guide, through the era of colonisation, all the way to Singapore's independence and present day, the area’s transformative journey is told through the branching stories of Bedok and the East Coast in this Bedok Heritage Trail.
The Republic now has an “Avenue of Heritage Trees” — trees that have been silent witnesses to several milestones in Singapore’s growth as a city-state, including the declaration of independence and the first National Day Parade in 1966.
Connaught Drive in the civic district was christened as such after 22 of its rain trees were earmarked as heritage trees — the largest number recognised under the National Parks Board (NParks) Heritage Tree Scheme in a single avenue.
That is half of the total number of rain trees lining the road, which flanks the Esplanade Park. And the Avenue of Heritage Trees will soon form part of a new three-kilometre Civic District Tree Trail.
From May 1, guided walks will be held monthly along the trail, which starts at the Istana and goes past various landmarks such as the National Museum, St Andrew’s Cathedral and Waterboat House, before concluding at the Raffles Landing.
The trail is also being designed to showcase its natural history, including the trees along Connaught Drive, which are up to 150 years old. A trail guide will be available on NParks’ website.
Last year, five Angsana trees were transplanted to the Esplanade Park to recreate a spot frequented by couples between the 1960s and 1980s, better known by its Hokkien name “Gor Zhang Chiu Kar” (or “under the shade of five trees”).
The original trees were removed when they were hit by the Angsana Wilt, a disease that destroyed many mature Angsana trees in Singapore in the early 1990s.
Visitors to the centre can catch a glimpse of what it was like to live in an overcrowded shophouse in the 1950s, aided by ambient soundscapes and audio conversations.
The centre is now also home to a replica of a tailor shop from the olden days. STB said visitors can learn about what being a tailor was like in that era, as well as what his interactions with his apprentices and family were like.
A gallery depicting Chinatown in the 1960s shows mock-ups of a street market, heritage shops and activities on the street, which aim to present stories of a grittier Chinatown during that time. And scents of traditional Chinese medicine at a physician's cubicle offer a whiff of old Chinatown.
A new gallery on the physical transformation of post-1960s Chinatown has also been introduced. The gallery will trace the physical transformation of the area and stories from those that make up Chinatown in the present day.
A space has also been set aside to hold temporary exhibits and community events, allowing the centre to be a venue for community engagement.
Visitors to the Heritage Centre will also have the opportunity to take part in immersive tours. For instance, guides will will take visitors through the exhibits whilst adopting the character of a samsui woman or trishaw rider.
Hotel Yan has opened in the upcoming Jalan Besar area.
Decked out in rustic iron and wood, the hotel reflects the area’s heritage as a warehouse and industrial district, remnants of which can still be seen today. Be greeted by casual elegance from the moment you step into the hotel lobby where high ceilings, washed concrete walls and exposed steel pipes epitomize the fuss-free design. Subtle accents add a touch of vibrancy while wide, open spaces seek to create a community of like-minded people in a place away from home.
Hotel Yan’s simplistic form and utilitarian appeal promises a refreshing and calming environment for urban dwellers and suburbanites alike.
Kent & Curwen was established in 1926 by Eric Kent and Dorothy Curwen. The company first began as a manufacturer of military, club, and college repp ties that helped define 20th century British style. In the 1930s, Kent & Curwen introduced the iconic cricket sweater and went on to be the supplier to major sporting events and clubs even finding its way across the Atlantic to outfit the Hollywood Cricket Club and Palm Springs Racquet Club.
It wasn't long before such royals as the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Kent were seen sporting Kent & Curwen. More than fifty years after the brand's creation, the Three Lions Herald became Kent & Curwen's registered trademark.
An undeniable symbol of excellence used by King Richard, the logo made clear that the brand was as regal and distinguished as ever.
From a cool-looking Raleigh bicycle to an exquisite Wedgewood tea service set, some vintage artifacts will set you back to the early days of Singapore’s shopping culture at Robinsons The Heeren’s newly opened Heritage Shop, located at the department store’s fifth level.
These objects are part of an exhibition featuring some of the merchandise sold at Robinsons for the past 50 years, which were contributed by loyal customers between June and July. The Raleigh bicycle, for instance, was synonymous to Robinsons, where people would buy them.
The Heritage Shop will be selling other items, such as porcelain and accessories inspired by Robinsons’ first flagship store at Raffles Place, which is significant because it was the first building that Robinsons owned.
Among the items are the Collection De La Maison fine china bone collection, as well as umbrellas, tote bags and more, all of which bear the image of the iconic building. More merchandise will be introduced in the coming months.
The newly refurbished The Club is poised to reopen its doors after undergoing a nine-month extensive refurbishment. The Club’s newly defined spaces are set to be the latest luxury boutique setting encapsulating luxurious rooms and five exciting food & beverage – all under one roof.
Upon reopening, the fresh new look will bring travellers and locals alike under one interconnected mix of rooms, restaurants, bars and rooftop venues. Planned as an ideal destination getaway to Ann Siang Hill, the once traditional home of exclusive social clubs will be a prime hotspot to revive the spectacular landscape of the venue’s rich diversity and historical roots. Encompassing a total guest experience from the first encounter until the last, The Club invites guests to mingle and stay throughout with its multitude of offerings from day to night.
The Club resides in a heritage building which features 20 well-appointed rooms including two suitesand five unique restaurants and bars. The tastefully decorated rooms and suites are lavish in style and comfort to capture the essence of pure luxury.
Housing five restaurants and bars under its roof, The Club consists of several new wine and dine concepts. Soon to join the highly acclaimed B28 underground whisky bar, guests can expect to see an impressive lounge café & bar, a graceful champagne yard, a second restaurant by The Disgruntled Chef, and the first Peruvian themed rooftop bar in Singapore. The Club’s new interconnected culture easily bridges the way to experience these unique offerings personally, capturing the energy and essence of each venue.
It takes a special kind of conviction and an even more extraordinary mettle to pioneer a cuisine with such remarkable antiquity attached to it. But Putien set out with the same values of the Putian people at heart – to deliver only the most unadulterated tastes, the most heartwarming, sincere service and a gastronomical experience so enjoyable that it will always hold a place in your heart.
And at the heart of it all: Lip-smacking good food made with an unyielding enthusiasm that you can feel in every mouthful.
Putien first focused on doing a few things well. The savoury satisfaction of white hot, luscious Putien Lor Mee broth. Or the sweet-savoury delightful crunch of every piece of Stir-fried Yam. Or how the prawns, scallops and fishes used in our creations still taste as sweet as the sea intended.
Their delicacies will always carry the essence of their coastal city heritage – fresh, light, invigorating.
Established in 1995, Eagle’s Eye Art Gallery represents many regional artists of international reputations.They promote art that espouses the enduring values of humanity and their heritage. They have a collection from local artists who are deeply entrenched in their Asian heritage and yet cosmopolitan in outlook. They are passionate about art with social narratives, which illustrate the joys and struggles of humanity.
Eagle’s Eye Art Gallery is art consultant and supplier of fine art to Governments, Statutory boards, Royalties, Diplomats and MNCs. Heralding a new beginning, they have a brand new look. They will continue the same friendly services Corporate Art Consultancy, Art Restoration and Framing, Art Valuation, Art Print Services and Gift Wrapping.
They art pieces are marked with the seal of professionalism by Koeh Sia Yong, Chua Mia Tee, Tay Bak Koi, Goh Beng Kwan, Lee Boon Wang, Tan Choh Tee, Choo Keng Kwang, Thang Kiang How, Tung Yue Nang, Lai Kui Fang, Michael Tan, Wan Soon kam, Choy Moo Kheong, Alex Leong, Lui Cheng Thak, Patrick Teo, Andrew Yeo, Lye Yau Fatt, Ching Kek How, Christine Mak and other artistic geniuses from Singapore and Asia. A fusion of eastern sensibilities and western aesthetics are seen in these oil, mixed media and watercolour paintings.
The latest dining addition to Tiong Bahru is House of Peranakan Petit, a modern and intimate Peranakan setting along Eng Hoon Street - a former Peranakan enclave. Established by the House of Peranakan Group of restaurants, this third branch is borne from a desire to offer top notch Peranakan heritage food in an area that has forgotten its Peranakan roots and inundated with hipster cafes.
Established in Katong in the 1980s, the House of Peranakan Group of restaurant is a pioneer in Nonya cuisine, managed by a pure Peranakan family for more than 30 years. Inspired by his mother’s culinary skills, Bob Seah wanted to share his family’s culinary culture with others. He established Peranakan Inn in the 1980s, one of the earliest Nonya restaurants in Singapore housed in a charming pre-war Peranakan shophouse built in 1937, which is still serving piping hot Nonya cuisine in claypots today.
Over the years, the restaurants have received accolades from the Asian Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. It has hosted distinguished guests from past Presidents to overseas dignitaries. The most recent VIP was Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Chef and owner, Bob Seah, is 75 years and a serial restaurateur. He is still cooking and establishing new restaurants at this age, and he makes it a point to go to the market every morning to get the freshest ingredients for the restaurants. This is the true meaning of active ageing!
A pioneer in the Peranakan food community, Bob has created many Peranakan-inspired dishes such as Selar Sambal Fish stuffed with Rempah, Nonya Crayfish, Assam Prawns and Long Beans Sambal. He also introduced the concept of serving home-cooked Nonya food in claypots 30 years ago!
Proudly conceptualised by Chef and Owner, Bob Seah - a fourth generation Baba who had watched his Nonya mother cook, and his daughter Bee Leng, – the menu at House of Peranakan Petit includes traditional Nonya dishes such as Ayam Buah Keluak, Nonya Chap Chye, Garam Assam Fish and Itek Sioh. In addition to that, Bob has created several Peranakan-inspired dishes such as Scallop Lemak, Crayfish Nonya Mee, Bob’s Pork Bun and Curry Crayfish.
Are you a fan of the reality TV show MasterChef? Well, the inaugural winner of New Zealand MasterChef, Brett McGregor, came all the way to House of Peranakan Cuisine to learn from Bob how to cook the Babi Assam. They are probably the only Nonya restaurant in Singapore that serves this rare and unique dish of belly pork flavoured with belimbing (sour fruit), beanpaste and traditional spices.
There is a juxtaposition of traditional and modern touches to the restaurant. Peranakan furniture and antiques are set amidst Peranakan hues of turquoise and white. To showcase and support Peranakan art, the owners are collaborating with young Peranakan artist, Carolyn Law, to display her Peranakan-inspired art in the restaurant.
Not too many people know or would remember that Jurong was once a spy training ground during the Japanese Occupation in the 1940s, and also home to Singapore’s first hawker centre and only drive-in theatre.
These little-known aspects of Jurong’s history have been documented in the new self-guided Jurong Heritage Trail for the area by the National Heritage Board (NHB). The trail, which will be officially launched on Saturday, is the NHB’s 13th and latest.
The trail features 35 Jurong sites and spaces, including 12 heritage markers around the area. The markers include one at Jurong Hill, the highest point in Jurong at about 60m high, which hosts a Garden of Fame, where heads of states and dignitaries, such as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, planted trees to commemorate their visits.
Tanjong Balai, now part of Jurong Port, used to be the site of a spy and guerrilla training camp, where the Japanese military also attempted to build a submarine base during World War II.
Other markers include the former Jurong Drive-In Cinema, Singapore’s first and only drive-in theatre, which opened in 1971. Run by Cathay Organisation, the cinema could accommodate about 900 cars and 300 people. Movies were screened at 7pm and 9.30pm each day, and tickets cost S$2 for adults and S$1 for children.
Besides the Jurong Heritage Trail, members of the public can also go on 12 other trails around Singapore, such as those in Tiong Bahru, Toa Payoh and Kampong Glam.
Housed in a row of 17 two-storey conserved shophouses, the premise is furnished with well-appointed rooms and suites, complemented by thoughtful touches and impeccable service. The hotel is equipped with a total of 88 rooms and suites with six different categories on offer, all of which feature interiors of rich wood and intricately handpicked finishings and plush beds.
Nestled in the vibrant Bugis enclave, known for its colourful past and equally colourful present, you will find much charm in this heritage building. As a serene urban sanctuary, it exudes a sense of relaxed elegance and is an ideal retreat to unwind, recharge and explore in one of the city’s most sought-after and culturally-rich areas.
The hotel’s shophouse exterior draws inspiration from the rich heritage of South East Asia, providing the perfect foil for the hotel’s historic design. The interior consists of matching tones and blends rich, dark brown colour palettes together with warm lighting, contributing to the rustic feel of the hotel. The design is a subtle mix of the serious, fun and quirky. The overall feel is then completed with the contemporary design accentuated with tasteful and historic touches.
The lobby is furnished with textured wooden tables and ottomans, with, nature-inspired design featured in different areas and corners. Be enthralled as you enter the hotel and be greeted with quirky animal-shaped chairs (think Rooster and duck), framed-up seashells and photos of birds - pointing, it almost seems, to the building’s past life as a seafront property.
Steeped in the mantra of "Simplicity in Luxury" are Hotel Clover 33 Jalan Sultan’s unique Loft Suites (17 units). The 30 – 38 sqm loft suite boasts a private living area on the ground level and an indulgent bedroom with a pair of Siamese daybeds on the mezzanine level. These cleverly-designed loft suites are ideal for not just leisure but also corporate travellers, providing comfortable abodes with leisure-enabling convenience.
For the ultimate indulgence, prepare to be enchanted by the uniqueness and authenticity of Hotel Clover 33 Jalan Sultan’s Garden Suites (3 units). Each unit has a different South East Asian touch with different décor and ornaments to complement the overall feel. Of the three suites, each featuring an elegantly-appointed bedroom and a private garden, there are two Garden King Suites – one is Indonesian-inspired while the other takes on a Peranakan feel. The third Garden Suite, a Garden Lavish Suite, channels a beautiful Thai quality and boasts a built-in hydro bath.
As an urban sanctuary with a rhythm all its own, a great highlight of the hotel is 19 of its uniquely-designed Garden Rooms, featuring an airy patios decked with wood and lush vertical gardens. Enjoy relaxing under the sun at such patios in the comfort of your own rooms. Alternatively, hit the gymnasium for a morning workout or spend an hour or two at their cosy lounge on the ground floor if you are looking for a little space of your own.
Park 22 Hotel is a new contemporary 56-room boutique hotel in the heart of vibrant Chinatown.
The hotel is the perfect hotel for affordable comfortable stays in central Singapore. Minutes from Outram MRT station, the hotel is excellently positioned where the charms of history meet the excitement and comforts of modernity.
Enjoy a unique experience of dwelling in a pre-war heritage shophouse – complete with beautiful full-length shuttered windows and quaint private balconies. Four different room types are available to suit your group-size, itinerary and budget.
The Singapura Club is a heritage-style vintage bistro, taproom and an all day communal leisure dining concept serving with the heritage-style decor meets a menu that fuses local and western items, with club signature dishes including Kampung Fried Rice.
In the lead up to Singapore’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015, the National Museum will be undergoing another timely revamp so as to better share the Singapore Story and to celebrate the multiple voices in the nation’s historical narrative and the many facets of the multicultural “everyday heritage”.
The refreshed National Museum aims to be a museum for the people – a civic space where guests will enjoy visiting, allowing for reflection on what Singapore has achieved in the past and inspiring confidence in the future. It therefore aims to connect well with you through greater interactive and participatory experiences as well as enhanced coherence and integration of its narratives and displays.
The revamp will present a more comprehensive overview of Singapore’s history and development as a country in its galleries and spaces, which includes developing the nation’s post-1965 chapters that many Singaporeans can personally relate to. The galleries will be expected to re-open in the second half of 2015.
The existing office space on Level 3 of National Museum will be converted into a new Wing, called PLAY@NMS, which stands for “National Museum Singapore”. It will be a multi-sensory environment dedicated to children, with interactive exhibitions that encourage learning through play. Programmes thoughtfully curated based on the collections in the National Museum’s permanent galleries will be made available, to stimulate the young visitors’ natural curiosity and creativity. PLAY@NMS will be a multi-purpose space for interactive exhibitions, workshops as well as educationalplay.
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