SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Rich in history, the Rail Corridor is testimony to Singapore’s longstanding relationship with its neighbouring country, Malaysia. Trains used to shuttle cargo between both countries, via the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Today, this 24-kilometre route—which connects vast stretches of greenery in Singapore—is also known as the green corridor and is frequently visited by sports enthusiasts like runners and hikers. Two distinct truss bridges found at Upper Bukit Timah Road near The Rail Mall are a popular backdrop for photographs amongst visitors.

The mall has a number of dining and retail establishments and makes a great stopover for lunch or afternoon tea break. Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), which manages the Rail Corridor, has a detailed walking map on its website that visitors can consider.

Rail road hiking trail

Address: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/railcorridor/ rail-corridor
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 24 hours
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station / Marsiling Station

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Tucked away in a corner of Pulau Ubin— an island off mainland Singapore—is an approximately 100-hectare wetlands teeming with wildlife. Visitors will need to catch a ferry to get to this treasure trove of biodiversity. Once on the island, they can hire a van or rent a bicycle from the main village.

The more adventurous can hike to the wetlands in about 40 minutes. The one-kilometre boardwalk along the coast is a convenient way to view the rich plant and marine life, while a 20-meter-tall viewing tower also gives visitors a chance to observe birds like the Collared Kingfisher and Straw-headed Bulbul. Guided tours are available, while educational information about Chek Jawa can be found at the Visitor Centre and viewing jetty.

Address: Chek Jawa Trail, Pulau Ubin
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/pulau-ubin/ biodiversity/places-of-interest/chek-jawa- wetlands
Cost: One-way boat trip to or from Pulau Ubin S$3
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 8.30am–6pm

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Offering spaces for recreational cycling, rollerblading, fishing, skating, and dining, East Coast Park is themed ‘Recreation for All’ with leisure activities for every type of visitor. The 15-kilometer stretch of the beach is usually filled with people taking a stroll or jogging. At the Singapore Wake Park onlookers gather to watch cable-ski tricks, and the more adventurous can try knee-boarding, wakeboarding and wakeskating.

Stroll at the East Coast Park with Hello! Singapore Tours

Visitors can pack a picnic basket or eat at nearby dining establishments. Families with children will enjoy Marine Cove, a recreational zone that houses a 3,500-sqm playground with wheelchair-accessible equipment and an eight-meter-tall ‘lighthouse’ structure, as well as a few family-friendly restaurants.

Address: Along East Coast Parkway and East Coast Park Service Road
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens- parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature- reserves/east-coast-park
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 24 hours
Nearest MRT: Bedok Station

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Fort Siloso was built in the late 19th century to protect Singapore from sea invasions. Today, it stands as a historical site with a wealth of World War II memorabilia including coastal guns and the remains of fortified military structures and tunnels. At the surrender chambers, visitors can take part in an immersive show. Light, sound and video effects will be used to bring visitors on a journey from the start of the Japanese invasion to the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.

Exterior shot of a tram

Fort Siloso also has a newly built Fort Siloso Skywalk, an 11-story-tall and 181-meter-long treetop trail that visitors can stroll on to admire scenic views from. Visitors at the Mega Adventure Park – Singapore and Siloso Beach can easily access Fort Siloso from the Fort Siloso Skywalk to discover Singapore’s heritage.

Address: Siloso Point, along Siloso Road
Tel: +65 6736 8672
Website: www.sentosa.com.sg/explore/ attractions/fort-siloso
Email: guest_services@sentosa.com.sg
Cost: Free admission
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 10am–6pm (Last entry 5.30pm); (Fort Siloso Skywalk) Mon– Sun 9am–7pm
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront Station

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