1. Fort Canning and the Singapore History Museum
Fort Canning- in the busy downtown area of Singapore is not just another ‘Park in the City’- but it is one of the most historical places in Singapore! The place where the first ancient rulers had their palace, the first Government House as well as the first Botanical Garden was here.
Forts, Underground Bunker, Water Reservoir, Light House, Christian Cemetery all appeared for the first time in Singapore here on Fort Canning Hill! Find the traces and see what is left, like the 9-pounder guns, Gothic Gates and Spice Gardens; ever wondered what a Kramat looks like? Well you’ll find one here as well.
The Archaeological Excavation Site gives students an insight view of the place where ‘proof for history’ is found, and how much of meticulous work is involved. Conclude the outing with a visit to the newly renovated and revamped Singapore History Museum where students will see how past and present work together.
2. The Early Pioneers of Singapore
Along the Singapore River determined and daring immigrants started a new chapter of their lives; coming from different corners of the world they made our island their home. The river and its surroundings witnessed early town planning, traditional trades that changed with the times and where ordinary people made their marks.
A visit to the Singapore River lets the early history of Singapore come alive; the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles standing at the River is not only an icon but also a narrative of Singapore’s founding and its mark on the physical landscape to this date. Chinese and Indian pioneers, Malay royalties, they all can be ‘experienced’ around this place.
The ride in a traditional bumboat gives the students a very different view of modern Singapore.
