Tour 1. The Ethnic Quarter of Singapore – Chinatown-Little India- Kampong Glam
Chinatown, the home of early immigrants to Singapore, each of different dialect groups, different traditions but believe in one goal. The walk about in Chinatown will bring students to the oldest Hokkien Temple in Singapore, introduces the different dialect groups, but also highlights the other inhabitants like Indian Muslims and Indian Hindus who lived side by side with the Chinese.
The diverse customs and traditions of the Indian minority will be brought alive in the streets of Little India. From various dresses to different types of food, the many religions of Singapore Indians will be highlighted as well. Who were the Indian pioneers and what are their contributions?
Kampong Glam - the seat of Singapore’s former Royalties will also introduce Malay Traditions, Customs and Practices as well as an insight into Islam. The origins, festivals and practices are reinforced by a visit to the Sultans Mosque.
Tour 2. Tour to the Asian Civilisation Museum and the Singapore River
Tracing and presenting the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans is the mission of the Asian Civilisation Museum. Given the multi-ethnic nature of Singapore's population and her geographical position, the main interest areas of the Museum encompass China, Southeast Asia, India and West Asia. The students will be led through the museum by our guides. The galleries that the students will be engaged in will be the Malay Archipelago, China and its Civilisation, Islamic and the Arab World, India and its Civilisation. The objectives are, to reinforce what is communicated in the History Books, to show how relevant the past is to Singapore’s present and future.
The coming of Raffles and the early immigrants working together on the Singapore River and the various trades that flourished around this area will be highlighted by taking a bumboat ride on the historical Singapore Riverthe students will be able to reflect on Singapore’s Past and Future Developments.
Tour 3. 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. Fort, 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 Gothic Gates and Spice Garden; 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.
A visit to the newly re-opened Singapore History Museum (National Museum of Singapore) will make the trip a well-balanced outing, showing original sites, archeological sites and exhibition sites- all telling the story of Singapore!
