Joanna James
While Singapore is most famously known for its modern skyline and exciting entertainment, it also has a rich history preserved through various sites around the city. From colonial forts and traditional neighbourhoods to World War II relics, these famous historical places in Singapore offer a captivating journey into the past.
Situated on a small hill in the heart of the city, Fort Canning Park is an iconic historical landmark of Singapore. With a history dating back to the 14th century, Fort Canning has witnessed the island’s evolution through many eras, from ancient Malay royalty to British colonial rule. The park is decorated with a collection of relics, including old military barracks, the Fort Gate, and the Battlebox (an underground command centre used during World War II). Visitors can explore these sites while enjoying sprawling greenery and scenic pathways. Beyond the stories of a bygone era, Fort Canning is also a peaceful retreat that holds annual events, making it a popular cultural destination.
Almost a century old, the Sultan Mosque of Kampong Glam is a national landmark, and the heart of this historic neighbourhood. Originally commissioned in 1819, the original structure has since been replaced, with a glistening golden dome overlooking the historic Muslim quarter. Today, the mosque has opened its doors to visitors, adding to the cultural charm of the old 19th-century shophouses in Kampong Glam. For guests staying at a neighbourhood hotel or a hotel in Lavender Singapore, the mosque is just a short drive away, around the corner from stays like Hotel 81 Elegance.
For a glimpse at the lives of the Straits Chinese community, the NUS Baba House is a beautifully restored Peranakan heritage home located in the historic district of Blair Plain. Owned by the National University of Singapore, this 19th-century townhouse offers a unique insight into Peranakan culture, which is a blend of Chinese and Malay influences. The house is furnished with authentic Peranakan artefacts, from porcelain ware to intricate wood carvings, allowing visitors to experience the traditional Peranakan lifestyle. Guided tours provide detailed narratives about the Peranakan heritage, architecture, and customs.
The Former Ford Factory is a significant World War II site in Singapore, where the British officially surrendered to Japanese forces on February 15, 1942. This former car assembly plant has been transformed into a museum, housing exhibits that detail Singapore’s experiences during the Japanese Occupation. The museum’s displays include photographs, historical documents, and personal stories that provide a hauntingly vivid look into the wartime struggles. The preserved boardroom where the surrender took place is a powerful reminder of this pivotal event in Singapore’s history, housed within Ford's first motorcar factory in Southeast Asia.
Haw Par Villa, built in 1937 by the creators of Tiger Balm, is one of Singapore’s quirkiest historical attractions. This open-air theme park features over 1,000 sculptures and dioramas that depict Chinese mythology, folklore, and Confucian teachings. The famous "Ten Courts of Hell" is both intriguing and eerie, illustrating moral lessons through vivid depictions of punishment and virtue. Haw Par Villa offers a unique experience unlike any other in Singapore, blending traditional Chinese beliefs with a surreal, artistic landscape. This unusual attraction is a cultural landmark that showcases a fascinating side of Singapore’s heritage.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok is Singapore’s last surviving village, offering a rare look into what life was like before rapid urbanisation. Built in the 1950s, the kampong has preserved its traditional, single-storey wooden houses, tropical foliage, and communal way of life, allowing visitors to step back into a simpler, more peaceful time. Residents still live here, keeping alive the spirit of community and rural life amidst the bustling city. A walk through Kampong Lorong Buangkok provides a charming contrast to Singapore’s modern urban landscape and offers a glimpse into the city-state’s cultural roots.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
