MALAY HERITAGE CENTRE - ISTANA KAMPONG GELAM

SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER 2017

Built 160 years ago by Sultan Ali, the son of Sultan Hussein Shah, Istana Kampong Gelam was once the royal seat of the Malay sultans in Singapore.

Today this place has been converted to a museum, which showcase the rich Malay heritage and culture in Singapore, with historical artefacts, interactive multimedia and colourful exhibits from Singapore's national collection as well as contributions from the community.

We can learn more about Kampong Gelam as a thriving port town before Sir Stamford Raffles' arrival in 1819, or, find out about other Malay cultures, such as the seafaring Bugis people, many of whom were traders from the Indonesian archipelago.

The first Istana Kampng Gelam was originally a timber structure built on stilts. Its upper level was known as the "panggung", or the main living and sleeping quarters of the house. At the ground level, the "kolong" was used as storage, work or services area, or even a children's play area.

The Centre honours the original layout, which you can make a tour of the permanent galleries starts from the upper floor and ends at the ground level.

Beautifully restored to its former glory, the Malay Heritage Centre sits within these well-preserved grounds and is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the history of Singapore's Malay community.

MASJID SULTAN - ARAB STREET

SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER 2017

Sultan mosque, also known as Masjid Sultan, is located along Arab Street inside Kampong Glam district. We can say that here is the traditional heart of Singaporean Muslim life. It is consider the oldest mosque in Singapore, which was built somewhere in the year 1826. This area is designate by the British for the Muslims when they took over in 1819.

It was first built as part of an agreement to leave Kampong Glam to Sultan Hussein of Johore and his family, in exchange of sovereign rights to Singapore. Almost after a century in 1928, the Muslim community donated money for the construction, which is the present mosque we see today.

The grand Sultan Mosque has the familiar onion dome and Moorish styling of the Arabic Muslim influence.

The street leading up to this impressive view is lined with sidewalk cafes, restaurants, fashionable boutiques and souvenir shops.

You can also visit other tourist site such as Malay Heritage and Kampong Glam nearby.

BUGIS STREET

SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER 2017

For those who don't know, Bugis Street Market is one of the biggest, cheapest and probably hottest places to come shopping in the whole of Singapore. It is consider the hub of shopping, fine dining, and trendy cafes and bars which stay open long into the night.

With over 800 shops, Bugis Street is a destination the whole family can enjoy, with stores ranging from high-end fashion to literature and music, and plenty of food in between. Most of the stalls open early, around 11:00am, staying open until the crowds leave, which is usually around 10:00pm to 11:00pm on the weekends.

This place is easily located as you can come here via the train and drop by at Bugis MRT Station. Look for the red-roofed entrance or just follow the crowds if you are not sure.

Spend some time here as I can say, you will easy spend here around couple of hours, depends on what you seeks. Have fun hunting and shopping !

GARDENS BY THE BAY - SUPERTREES

SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER 2017

One of the main feature in this Garden by the Bay is, the tree-like gigantic structures called, Supertrees. Quite a number of them ( 18 if I'm not mistaken ), all stands at a height of 25m to 50m tall.

Equipped with solar cells to power up the lights at night, these Supertrees are actually a vertical gardens to showcase a variety of bromeliads, fens and tropical climbers.

There is also an aerial walkway, 128m long OCBC Skyway, 28m high, which connect 2 Supertrees, offering a bird's eye view of the fantastic Marina Bay.

Visitors can watch the OCBC Light and Sound show for free between 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily.

Come and enjoy the view !

LION HEAD @ MERLION PARK - SINGAPORE

SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER 2017

One of Singapore's national symbol since 1986, a must see & visit place for tourist if coming to Singapore, is this Lion's Head, or, The Merlion. This half-fish, half-lion statue, which stands 8,700 metres tall, and has a fountain water spurting out, is a mythical symbol and easily the most popular attraction on the whole island.

Located in Merlion Park, we can get a full panoramic view of the bay including the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino.

This statue was created in 1972 by Kwan Sai Kheong and Lim Nah Send, and has since been moved further into Merlion Park to its current location facing Fullerton Hotel and Marina Bay.

Visitors can here by getting the MRT and drop at Raffles Place MRT Station, or, take a half-day bus tour, which stops off at all the other most popular attractions in Singapore.

Come early in the morning or, maybe tray late at night to avoid the crowds, and enjoy the spectacular view across the bay.

Enjoy !