We'll Tell You - A&W Couple's Blog

ABBEY: At last Reflections at Bukit Chandu reopens after a three-year upgrade. If you’re into hike this is a good one. Bukit Chandu or Opium Hill was once a plant that packed and distributed opium. But this hill tells a rich story of heroism during Japanese invasion of Singapore.  The heroes? Malay Regiment who fought valiantly led by Lt. Adnan. It showcases how the regiment was formed and how little time the soldiers have for training when the war called them to service. They were against fearsome invaders backed up with more weapons (both air and land) but the Malay soldiers was not deterred and kept on fighting. And the rest is history.  The patriotism they showed is truly admirable. Reflections at Bukit Chandu - World War II Interpretative Centre Opium Packing Machine Reflections at Bukit Chandu - World War II Interpretative Centre Video Room Reflections at Bukit Chandu - World War II Interpretative Centre The Lounge  Reflections at Bukit Chandu - World War II Interp...

ABBEY: We’ve been in Marina Barrage Tour multiple times as we want our family to know how water is being valued here in Singapore. But it was only the two of us during our last visit to the Sustainable Singapore Gallery. Their dam simulation is already outside the gallery. Every visit is always a new learning. And we can see that Singapore keeps on improving and setting the bar higher. The guided tour will explain to you their problem with water and how they combat the hurdle. Sacrifice and discipline play a key role to make solution happen and to sustain it. Due to pandemic the interactive displays are off limits but our tour guide put a lot of effort to help us understand the programs towards water. Marina Barrage's Sustainable Singapore Gallery Marina Barrage's Sustainable Singapore Gallery WILL:  Forgot that Marina Barrage renovated their gallery few years back. And upon thinking what are the things we can do or visit in Singapore, Sustainable Gallery popped out of my mind...

ABBEY: After a hearty lunch at Orchard Central, we went to Istana Gallery. This is for guests who cannot visit Istana on the Open House. It showcases the gifts given by other foreign leaders as well as their signed cards when they came to Singapore.  You can buy souvenir items and the proceeds will go to the President Challenge which aims to help the less fortunate and building social entrepreneurship. Istana Heritage Gallery Istana Heritage Gallery - Emblems of Change Istana Heritage Gallery - President's Challenge Istana Heritage Gallery -- Istana WILL:  I admit it, it is tough sometime to get off my bed and explore Singapore. But when I think what I’ll be mssing, here I am checking what are the places I never visited in here in the beautiful country of Singapore.   Istana Gallery is just the opposite of Istana itself. It is free of charge and you can learn the history and functions of Istana, past emblems and the charity institutions the...

ABBEY: At last we set foot at National Gallery Singapore during their Open House last June. This is our sidetrack before we go to the Piano Festival at Victoria Concert Hall .  We were given a pair of tickets for the DBS Singapore gallery which showcases Art in Singapore since the 19th century. In UOB Southeast Asia Art Gallery, I'm very proud to see Pinoy masterpieces from the likes of Hidalgo and Amorsolo.  It was a joyous moment. I'm able to see the real thing not only in books. Supreme Court Holding Area  WILL:  National Gallery of Singapore open its door for free to awe its visitors.  Our jaw dropped when we saw the masterpieces of well-known artists of our lifetime. I am stunned to see the paintings from the Philippines. Abbey can easily pin-point what is made by Filipinos. I am glad to see some of the works by Juan Luna. One of Philippines' National Hero.  Bad thing is we are out time to check-out Pablo Picasso obra!...

ABBEY: As people of all ages and races celebrated Singapore's 50th birthday, we also had some plans to participate. Since MRT and buses offered free rides it is expected for jam-packed destinations. Sentosa for one was really a crowd favorite. The snake line for Sentosa Express is very long that some people opted for the boardwalk.  For me and my wife, we visited the recently opened Indian Heritage Centre at 5 Campbell Ln (nearest MRT is Little India). We were warmly welcomed by their staff. They told us to go up to fourth story after giving us the information pamphlet. The museum exhibits the part of Indians in building in Singapore. How they thrive, built business and live in this land. One of the busts that were given by Indian government to commemorate the museum inauguration is of Mahatma Gandhi.  The first National Servicemen enlistee is an Indian. It was Mr. Albel Singh which served Singapore Armed Forces for 32 years. Part of the museum shows their religion;...

ABBEY: Entrance is free for this museum but to make the experience better, rent their audio guide for 8SGD. It will narrate the events that happened during Japanese occupation on Singapore.  It was a dark period of Singapore's history. Food was rationed, security was scarce, justice is always given to the one in power. It also exhibits the part of a cell where 3-4 prisoners of war stayed. But even with their bad condition, the POWs still came up with their arts like paintings and other activities to keep their morale up. The narration also contains account of a comfort woman on that time. The heroes of war and all those people who helped for the liberation were listed and given honor at the museum. The last phase of the tour is the chapel. Despite of what people experience, they still look up to God. Just like what a prisoner prayed every night "to deliver us from present circumstances". WILL:  Are you brave enough to hear the stories of the survivors in Japane...

ABBEY:  Malay Heritage Centre is located at Sultan Gate near Arab St./Muscat St. where Masjid Sultan is a famous landmark. The centre exhibits the history, culture, and occupation of Malay Singaporeans. The facade has its name on it and a fountain.  The building has a touch of mostly yellow and brown. No footwear is allowed inside but you won't feel any dust as the place is clean. It displays artifacts like guns, gifts of sultan, knives as well as the tools used for fishing (boats and nets) and livelihood utensils. As Filipinos are of Malay decent, I can relate and see where did we come from and how we are evolving through the time. WILL:  Like Philippines, Malay race influenced Singapore big time. I am so pleased to checkout last 2014 th Chinese New Year the first Istana Kamping Gelam. When you get here, please take note to take-off your shoes before going in; maybe this is to preserve the natural beauty of the wooden floor. ...

ABBEY:  I'm checking my mail when this ad caught my attention from one of my subscriptions. They're offering Hearts' day special on their restaurant. One of the freebies is an entrance ticket to their museum which costs 15sgd for adults. The museum occupies the 5 storeys of the building. Collectibles like Beatles' figurines, superheroes (Batman, Superman, even Ultraman), cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop were displayed. Dolls from other countries like Japan, China, etc were also exhibited. Some toys are rare only 4 of them are left some only one and they are there in the museum. I enjoyed visiting their galleries especially the Match boxes. WILL:  Mint stands for Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys and Singapore have this kind of museum. It can be found at Seah St. Just alight at Esplanade MRT station and it is juts few steps away at the famous Raffles Hotel.        The Mint...