Reflections at Bukit Chandu - World War II Interpretative Centre

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 Interpretative Centre
Front Building

WILL: This is one of the museums that I really wanted to visit. Unlike other museums that is located in CBD area, Bukit Chandu is located in what else, on a top of a hill (Bukit - Malay word for hill). 

You can trek up for 15mins or via car to reach the newly renovated museum. So what to expect? This is the not so famous stories of Malay soldiers who battled with Japanese troops to defend Singapore. 

First floor showcases how the battalion was formed and trained how they gave their lives with honor. Second floor have this machines and procedures for opium packing. If you are history buffs, you will surely enjoy spending an hour or more in this building. 

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Reflections at Bukit Chandu

(W) https://www.nhb.gov.sg/bukitchandu

(H) 930am - 5pm

(A) 31-K Pepys Rd, Singapore 118458

(E) RBC@nhb.gov.sg 

Marina Barrage's Sustainable Singapore Gallery

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.  The old gallery is not boring BUT the new Sustainable Singapore Gallery emphasised not the problems of global warming but the layout plans for the SOLUTIONS. 

Singapore has difficulty in acquiring a good quality water. Now, Singapore has a tap water suitable for drinking (based on WHO standards). Singapore is lacking of water supplies. Now it has 17 reservoirs! Maybe water source is not enough in the future? There are 2 working desalination (sea water to fresh water) plants and 5 NEWater (recycled water) facilities. 

Rubbish? Heat? Noise pollution? Everything was tackled in the gallery! Please visit them, it is FREE! A good way to learn more about the initiatives of Singapore Government of the country. 

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Sustainable Singapore Gallery

Book Here: https://www.pub.gov.sg/marinabarrage/ssg 

(H) Wednesday to Monday : 9am to 6pm 

(A) 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

Istana Heritage Gallery

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 President is helping. 

This will not take so much of your time. Visit and feed your mind with Singapore's History!

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Istana Heritage Gallery

(W) http://www.istana.gov.sg/the-istana/istana-heritage-gallery/gallery-highlights

(H)Daily from 10 am-6 pm, except Wednesdays 

(A) 35 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238902, Istana Park

(T) 69044289

National Gallery Singapore - Reframing Modernism

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! 

Thanks National Gallery for this opportunity! This is once in a lifetime experience. :)

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National Gallery Singapore

1 ST. ANDREW’S ROAD SINGA­PORE 178957

(H) SUN – THU, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 10AM TO 7PM

    FRI – SAT, EVE OF PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 10AM TO 10PM

(T) 6690 9400
(E) info@nationalgallery.sg

Singapore's Indian Heritage Centre

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; from the gods up to the intricatedley-designed great door of temple. It was good to learn the culture, life and religion of other races so your knowledge will also be enriched.

WILL: Indians are one of the races who build Singapore and this Heritage Centre is to accredit all their works and milestones for the Little Red Dot. 

The centre showcases well the Indian culture, their contribution and their beliefs. It also magnifies how they live, their professions and their people who got a position in the government. 

It is a great idea to put this up. Hope it will housed a lot more information about the Indian culture. :)

Changi Museum Singapore

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 Japanese occupation here in Singapore? Their grumbling voice? You can? Then check-out the one of the must-visit place of Singapore...The Changi Museum and Chapel. 

No photos and videos inside please. Pictures and memorabilia will make you feel how cruel that era is. 

You can rent an audio guide to maximize the experience and I will strongly recommend it to you. 

Simple and yet touching presentation guys. My tears are about to welled up. One of my favorite place here in SG.  

Malay Heritage Centre

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.

You will see in the gallery the maps, pieces of jewellery  their culture and my favorite part are the games. Gosh, when I saw that short film, it felt the urge to play those outdoor games again!

Hooray to National Heritage Board for the effort on preserving this house. If you are Singaporean and Singapore PR, you can enter this for free. 

Mint - Museum of Toys

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 Museum made me to realize how old I am. Haha. Some of the toys in there was the famous ones on my childhood days. :) 
$15 per head is the entrance fee but we got it free when we dine at Mr. Punch. Nice experience. About 1 hour and half you can see all the toys inside. :)