While incredible shopping opportunities, the terrific dining scene and the modern-day architectural marvels are Singapore’s major crowd pullers, the city’s historical sites too have their own set of suitors. Read on and find out about some of the most impressive historical attractions in Singapore.
Image Credits: Nick-D,Terence Ong
Kranji War Memorial
About 22 kms from the City Centre is Kranji War Memorial, a hillside cemetery that honours men and women from the UK, Australia, Sri Lanka, India, Canada, Malaya, New Zealand and the Netherlands who died during World War II. The place has over 4,400 white gravestones and a mass grave of 69 Chinese soldiers who were killed during Japanese Occupation of Singapore. Every year on 11th November, the Remembrance Day is celebrated here with many visiting the memorial to pay their tribute to the fallen soldiers.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Built in 1881, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore and is considered among the most popular religious/historical sites in the city-state. During the Japanese air raids in World War II, many people found refuge at the temple. Dedicated to the goddess Sri Veeramakaliamman or Kali, it captures the attention of pilgrims and visitors from over the world. After major restoration works that includes a construction of new building with various facilities, the temple had a consecration ceremony in 2014.
National Museum of Singapore
The oldest museum of Singapore with a progressive display of the city’s history and heritage, the National Museum of Singapore remains a must visit for the history lovers. With the help of an exciting range of artefacts and exhibits, the museum takes you through the colourful past of the city-state. Also, there are video montages, art performances, movie screenings, live galleries and fun sessions that add to the experience of the visitors. Besides, the neo-classic museum building, with modern structural designs, impresses architecture aficionados.
Sultan Mosque
Named after Sultan Hussain Shah, the first Sultan of Singapore, Sultan Mosque is the focal point for the Muslim community of Singapore. This spectacular mosque is one of the most impressive religious buildings of the country and appeals with its massive golden domes and huge prayer hall. Visitors can be part of the mosque’s informative guided tours to make the most of their visit to the place. If you happen to visit the mosque during Ramadan, the night market, with many food stalls, is a wonderful thing to explore here.
The Battle Box
The Battlebox is one of the major tourist attractions in Singapore. It is a huge bunker, located around 9 meters below ground in Fort Canning Park and was one of the most significant military sites of World War II. Currently a museum and tourist attraction, it impresses visitors with its rich history; this is where the British decided to surrender Singapore to the invading Japanese on February 15, 1942. Here, 26 underground rooms with a number of wax statues and moving figures are used to depict various stages of the battle.
