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Saturday 31 August 2013

From the Sunny Island - Singapore National Museum

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" - St. Augustine

It may be true that travelling to foreign lands allows you to learn more about other cultures and practices. But how many of you actually knows every single bit of your own country? We always want to travel outwards, but who knows you might find treasures in your country as well! Being in Singapore, we are lucky enough since we are small, and travelling has never been a problem even if you don't own a car. It doesn't cost too much, and you don't have to get time off from work to travel locally. This is when the thought of "Discover Singapore as Singaporean" begins! In this story, I shall record and share my experiences travelling around Singapore, with the use of public transport as much as possible!

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This beautiful skyline of Singapore is familiar to many Singaporeans, and even most tourists. But how many of you remember that all these does not come easy?

When was the last time you read about Singapore's history? As a Singaporean, I have to say that after my social studies lessons during my Secondary school days (that was like 11 years ago?), I had not touched a single bit of history since!

The very brief history of Singapore:

13th Century:
Singapore started off as a small fishing village named Temasek, which was discovered by Sang Nila Utama in the 13th Century.

1819:
Singapore started her prosperity and was known to the world stage in 1819, when Sir Stanford Raffles step foot on Singapore's soil, together with British East India Company. Singapore then became the most important and strategic trading post for the Spice Trade. Together with Penang and Malacca, Singapore was included in the Straits Settlement, and under the British Colony.

1942:
We went through the 3 years 8 months of disastrous Japanese Occupation, from 1942 - 1945.

1963-1965:
We merged with Federation of Malaya in 1963, which was the start of many racial disharmony. Due to the disagreement between the two parties, PAP (racial equality) & UMNO (for the good of the Malay community), and also to prevent further bloodsheds, Singapore was expelled from Malaya, and gained independence in 1965.

1965:
Since then, we become the independent Republic of Singapore.



It has really been a long while since I last went to the National Museum of Singapore!

National Museum of Singapore
Address: 93 Stamford Road Singapore 178897
Tel: +65 6332 3659/5642
Opening Hours & Tickets: Pls click HERE

The National Museum of Singapore consist of permanent galleries and special exhibitions. Permanent galleries include the Singapore History Gallery and Singapore Living Gallery. These 2 galleries are free for all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents of Singapore.

We took the chance to visit the museum as we wanted to check out the exhibition of the Princely Treasures, but more of it later!

To get to the National Museum, we alighted at Bras Basah station. It was a station on the Circle Line (yellow line). It's around 5 min walk from the station. You can also alight at Dobhy Ghaut Station, or City Hall station!





We wanted to get the tickets for the Princely Treasures first, but was advised that due to the special Singapore Night Festival 2013, we get to enter all exhibitions for free after 7pm. So, we decided to head for the Singapore History Museum first and come back later after dinner!

Oh, did I also say that the best part of this visit was to be able to take photos even inside the gallery or exhibition hall! However, do note that flash photographies and videos are not allowed.




It is recommended to get a digital guide as you walk through the gallery as most parts of the gallery requires the explanation from the guide! We didn't get one and we can't really make out the meaning and purpose of the exhibits most of the time!

You can also join one of the guided tours in the museum, details HERE.




The Singapore Stone -- First writing found in Singapore. It was known to be old Javanese writings.



History drawings collection by William Farquhar - an employee of the British East India Company, and first resident of Singapore.







The Japanese Occupation



Banana money and food rationing.


Merger of Singapore and Malaya.


The pledge of Singapore, as an independent nation!

As we were approaching dinner time, we decided to head somewhere for dinner before returning for the Princely Treasures exhibitions. There are F&B outlets in the museum itself, but we headed out anyway as the Fiancé have some place to recommend!

Head towards the entrance and turn to your right, walk straight down and you will see a long escalator upwards towards the Fort Canning Park direction! More of the restaurant later! 







Singapore is having the Singapore Night Festival. This weekend (30/Aug & 31/Aug) will be the last weekend for this Night Fest! There will be light ups at the museums, concerts, discounts at participating F&B outlets! For more information, you might want to hop on HERE.

This is an annual event. So even if you missed this year, you can always try again next year!

With this event, we got the chance to get into the Princely Treasures exhibition for free after 7pm!









Photography is allowed in the exhibition without the use of flash! This exhibition showcased the treasure and art pieces collected by the Prince of Liechtenstein. Though attracted to the pretty name, but we can't really relate and appreciate the arts behind it. But I can say, the paintings are really pretty!

Absolut Vodka also showcased their collection of special rare bottles on the first level of the museum!

Absolut Canvas
From 23 August - 02 September 
10am - 6pm daily

During Singapore Night Festival
23, 24, 30, 31 August
7pm - 2am
*Free admission to Bar area too*











This is really pretty!


We want this display at our future home too!





I seriously think I can appreciate these pretty bottles more than those art pieces. I should feel ashamed of myself! This exhibition is ending real soon so go have fun!

This trip to the National Museum of Singapore was indeed a surprisingly fun trip. I was thinking I might get really bored at the end, but I wasn't even a little bored! If I have the time, I will surely return again!

Have you been to the National Museum of Singapore lately? For Singaporeans, if you have not visited since your primary school excursion, it's time you pay a visit! It looks totally different from the past (or so I remembered)!

Do let me know if you enjoyed your trip! :)

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