SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Set on a hilltop, Fort Canning Park is a respite from the surrounding urban landscape. The iconic 18-hectare park is steeped in history: Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, built a bungalow on Fort Canning Hill, and it became the home of subsequent colonial governors. Fort Canning Hill was a major communication center, and key historic events took place here.

View of the arch of the Gate and full view of the metal gate

Fort Gate, the remnant of a 19th-century fortress, is also located in the park. Visitors will stumble upon these sites, as well as interesting flora and fauna on a self-guided 45-minute Colonial History Trail following storyboards and maps around the area. Visitors can also take a ticketed tour of the Battlebox, the British nerve center for operations during World War II.

Address: Bounded by Hill Street, Canning Rise, Clemenceau Avenue and River Valley Road
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens- parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature- reserves/fort-canning-park
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 24 hours
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut Station / Clarke Quay Station / Fort Canning Station

DESTINATION GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

Discover how Singapore survived the Japanese Occupation at the historic Former Ford Factory. Through three intertwining narratives on Japanese aggression, British defenses and how civilians in Singapore were caught up in the larger forces of imperial struggle and war, the exhibition showcases fresh perspectives on the fall of Singapore.

Visitors will have the unique experience of being able to walk into the boardroom where the surrender took place on 15 February 1942. Learn about acts of atrocity such as ‘Sook Ching’ where there was mass screening of Chinese men and those suspected of being anti-Japanese were mercilessly killed. Through the display of personal items of that time in history as well as oral interviews of eyewitnesses, visitors will understand the harrowing experiences people went through and how they dealt with severe challenges.

Join the walking tours led by experienced volunteer guides to discover more stories behind the rich collections on display. There are 20 places available daily (except for Public Holidays) for the walking tours. To further enhance the experience, visitors can download the Former Ford Factory mobile application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Tour schedules are subject to change, do check the website for the latest updates.

Address: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Website: www.nas.gov.sg/formerfordfactory
Email: enquiry@nlb.gov.sg
Cost: Free admission for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents; Foreigners S$3
Opening Hours: Tue–Sun & Public Holidays 9am–5.30pm; Closed on Mon & first day of Chinese New Year
Nearest MRT: Hillview Station / Beauty World Station

CIVIC DISTRICT GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

Located in the heart of the Civic District, National Gallery Singapore is a state- of-the-art facility that oversees the world’s largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present. Housed in two of the nation’s most historic monuments—the former Supreme Court and City Hall—the 64,000-sqm gallery is the biggest visual arts venue in the city. Visit the gallery for exhibitions that create dialogues between the art in Singapore, Southeast Asia, and the world with the goal of fostering a creative and inclusive society. The gallery is also ideal for visitors traveling with children.

Sneak peak inside Singapore National Library.

It was the first museum in Asia to receive the Children in Museums Award by the European Museum Academy and Hands On! International Association of Children in Museums in 2018. At the Keppel Centre for Art Education, the young are invited to embark on a journey of art exploration at a series of immersive spaces such as the Art Playscape and Project Gallery. Complimentary hour- long tours for the various exhibitions are held daily for up to 20 people, in English and Mandarin. There is a group deal of 25% off admission tickets.

Address: 1 St Andrew’s Road Tel: +65 6271 7000 / +65 6690 9443 (Trade Contact: Steven Lee)
Website: www.nationalgallery.sg
Email: info@nationalgallery.sg / stevenlee@nationalgallery.sg (Trade Contact: Steven Lee)
Cost: Adult $20, Child & Senior Citizen S$15
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu, Sat & Sun 10am–7pm; Fri 10am–9pm
Nearest MRT: City Hall Station

KAMPONG GLAM GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

The Malay Heritage Centre is a must-visit for visitors who are keen to learn about the rich heritage and culture of Singapore’s Malay community. Formerly the royal residence of Malay sultans in Singapore, the museum houses exhibitions and a diverse collection of artefacts from the National Collection and the Malay community. In 2015, the museum was gazetted as a National Monument.

Visitors to the Malay Heritage Centre can learn about the rich heritage, culture and contributions of Singapore’s Malay community, as well as the community’s connections to the wider Nusantara (Malay Archipelago) through artefacts and exhibitions.

An exhibit with display of sampans (boats)

The centre occupies the grounds of the original Istana Kampong Gelam—‘Istana’ in Malay stands for ‘palace’—which was built by Sultan Hussein Mohamed Shah (the then Sultan of Johor) and was home to Malay royalty for more than 50 years. The centre organises a variety of programmes for children and adults throughout the year. Purchase 20 or more adult tickets to receive 20% off the admission fee.

Address: 85 Sultan Gate Tel: +65 6391 0450
Website: www.malayheritage.org.sg
Email: nhb_mhc@nhb.gov.sg
Cost: Free admission for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, 1st caregiver of Persons with Disabilities and visitors aged six and below; Adult S$6, Child & Senior Citizen S$4
Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm (Last admission: 5.30pm; Closed on Mon)
Nearest MRT: Bugis Station / Nicoll Highway Station

LITTLE INDIA GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

The four-storey Indian Heritage Centre fuses traditional and modern architectural elements. Inspired by the stepwells in India, the unique glass façade is a large mirror by day and turns transparent at night to reveal a ‘glowing lantern’ of the façade’s colourful mural. The centre showcases Indian culture and history, and houses a permanent exhibition titled, ‘Indians in Singapore - Past & Present’. Through the displays and with the help of audio guides and augmented reality technology, visitors will discover connections between South Asia and Southeast Asia, and gain a better understanding of the Indian community in Singapore.

The centre also provides venues ideal for conducting events, seminars and workshops. Grab a Little India Heritage Trail booklet from its Visitor Services Counter and embark on three specially curated thematic routes around the Little India neighbourhood that features over 40 heritage sites. The trail is available till 8 July 2020

Address: 5 Campbell Lane Tel: +65 6291 1601
Website: www.indianheritage.org.sg
Email: nhb_ihc@nhb.gov.sg / IHC_GroupBooking@nhb.gov.sg
Cost: Adult S$6, Senior Citizen & Student S$4; Free admission for children under six
Opening Hours: Tue–Thu 10am–7pm; Fri–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun & Public Holidays 10am–4pm; Closed on Mon
Nearest MRT: Little India Station / Rochor Station

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO THE BEST HAWKER CENTRE

Opened in 1977 along East Coast Beach Park, East Coast Lagoon Food Village is a popular hawker centre among beach-goers and families in the Bedok neighbourhood. With tables built close to the beach, visitors can sample a variety of local favourites while enjoying the sea breeze and a view of the calm sea waters. Dig into a plate of fragrant char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles in dark soya sauce) from Choon Hiang (#01-46), whose owner has been cooking since the age of 12. For a complete seaside experience, visitors can order seafood such as sambal (chilli paste) stingray from Stingray Forever BBQ Seafood (#01-43).

Night shot of people dining

Address: 1220 East Coast Parkway
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 11am–midnight
Nearest MRT: Bedok Station

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE LOCAL FOOD

This spicy dish is made of vermicelli noodles flavoured with coconut milk and dried shrimp, and topped with prawns, cockles, eggs, fishcake and freshly julienned aromatic laksa leaf. Hawkers across the island whip up different renditions of this dish. Visitors should try the Katong laksa, which has short noodles swimming in the spicy coconut broth. Other versions include the curry- like Sarawak laksa and the tamarind- infused Penang laksa. Regardless of which version, the result will be the same—one of pure satisfaction. From S$3 per serving.

Enjoy a bowl of Laksa with Hello! Singapore Tours

328 Katong Laksa
Address: 51 East Coast Road
Nearest MRT: Dakota Station

Sungei Road Laksa
Address: Jin Shui Kopitiam, Block 27 Jalan Berseh #01-100
Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar Station

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO THE BEST HAWKER CENTRE

This famous hawker centre located near Orchard Road remains a favourite of locals and visitors. With numerous barbecue seafood stalls to choose from, visitors should compare prices from different vendors before ordering. Iconic hawkers serving non- seafood local fare include Kwee Heng (#01-13), known for dry duck noodles with a distinct star anise and vinegar sauce; Bee Heng Popiah (#01-12), which makes Hokkien-style popiah (fresh spring roll with vegetables and assorted filling); and Hup Kee Oyster Omelette (#01-73), which uses plump and fragrant oysters. For dessert, try the cheng tng (a light, sweet soup with longan, barley and white fungus) from 88 San Ren Cold and Hot Dessert (#01-05).

Newton Food centre, a must add to your Singapore Activities list

Address: 500 Clemenceau Avenue North
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun noon–2am
Nearest MRT: Newton Station

DESTINATION GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

Built in 1937, named after the brothers behind the famous Tiger Balm, Haw Par Villa is a unique Asian cultural park, the last of its kind in the world. On display are colourful statues and tableaux that include animals and scenes from Chinese classics like Journey to the West and Eight Immortals. Haw Par Villa is also famous for its vivid depictions of the Ten Courts of Hell from Chinese folklore. Guided tours are available and visitors can visit www.hawparvilla.sg for more information. Admission to the park is free.

Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road
Tel: +65 6773 0103 Fax: +65 6224 0136
Website: www.hawparvilla.sg
Email: HPV@journeys.com.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 9am–10pm (Last Admission: 9.30pm)
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa Station

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE RESTAURANT

Singapore’s oldest Peranakan (Straits- born people of Chinese and Malay/ Indonesian heritage) restaurant, Guan Hoe Soon has been serving authentic Peranakan cuisine in Joo Chiat since 1953. Their extensive menu features iconic Peranakan dishes such as babi asam goreng (fried tamarind pork), otah (spicy fish paste grilled in banana leaf) and ayam buah keluak (chicken braised in a thick spicy tamarind gravy with black nuts indigenous to Southeast Asia). Main courses from S$10.80++.

Address: 38 & 40 Joo Chiat Place
Tel: +65 6344 2761 Fax: +65 6440 5650
Website: www.guanhoesoon.com
Email: sales@guanhoesoon.com
Cost: Mains from S$10.80++ Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 11am–3pm, 6–9pm
Nearest MRT: Eunos Station