What's our take?
Here's what our opinions about whether Singapore is doing enough in the areas of arts,culture and heritage.

In the area of arts, Singapore should try to improve further, besides having an Esplanade. There can be other bigger theatre which can accommodate more people. As such, more tourists can come to Singapore.
In our opinion, since Singapore is working towards a regional educational and health hub, Singapore can also integrate itself as a regional art hub.The ideas can be generated from the neighbouring countries and be applied in the aspects of architecture, fashion,interior designs,attractions etc.It would be great if the resources used are environmental friendly! Abstract arts can be used in public places like the shopping centres,void decks,public toilets or certain grafitti used for decorations along the streets.

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Different performances should be held more frequently, over a month. In addition, different variety of performances ranging from comedies show musical show, chinese arts performances etc,which are suitable for the young and the old can be put up at a reasonable price. More daring performances are highly recommended. Singapore can engage performers from other country and organize performances which Singapore seldom have. It would be more attractive if international festivals can be held here, together with more collaborations with the tour agencies and intermedaries.

In the area of cultures and heritage, we think that Singapore should try to emphasize it more to its people through organising more exhibitions. Exhibitions can be held in school, shopping centre or even at a museum whereby people need to pay to enter.This provides an alternative for people to gain knowledge of a town without the need to be physically exploring the heritage places such as Chinatown or Little India, which is very clinche.Large scale exhibitions can be held at tourist attraction areas too.The content of the exhibitions should include the history of the place, the cultures and beliefs that the people shared, the kind of festivals that they celebrated and more importantly, how they are able to live so harmoniously. Afterall, Singapore is often marketed as a cosmopolitan country.

Through this,not only can the younger generation of Singapore learn to appreciate the past, but also tourists will gain a different forms of experience. Again, tour agency can design the iterinaries that offers more of the hands-on experience for the tourists. Take more instance, tourists get a chance to learn the art of making tea, or even try eating the Indian foods using their left hand. Those tourists who visit Singapore in the month of May can get to learn how to make dumplings. We are sure these are apppealing and interesting activities that make tourists feel that their trip to this little country is worth their time and their money.
http://erschtejuli.com/images/old_Singapore_3.jpgWe would like to praise Singapore for its efforts integrate art in a heritage place like Fort Canning Park.The sculptures contributed by the ASEAN countries are very significant. Perharps, an even major artwork can be put on display in places like Clarke Quay which contains a lot of historical backgrounds.
Besides that, history of Singapore can be shown in esplanade or other theatre to let people know about how Singapore survive through World War 2 and becomes independent.People tends to be inclined towards visuals, hence it is advisable that Singapore can locally make flims or arts performances that depicts a story of this little red dot and the cultures and beliefs of our ancestors.
To conclude, indeed Singapore are trying hard to preserve the authenticity and promotes the arts, but it is not that effective to attract a lot of foreigners to come to Singapore. There is still rooms for improvements.=)
Fort Canning Park
On 10 December 2009, my groupmates and I went to the Fort canning park for our project. The trip wasn't as pleasant as we thought to be, instead it was quite horrible with all the insect bites and the warm weather too. Do bring along insect repellent and a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Just to share with you guys about a brief history of the site.
Fort canning park is 156 ft high, it is located at the junction of the canning rise and fort canning road. Many historical events had taken place there and till now people still remember them. One of the most significant one is the British decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese.Many interesting names were given to the site till 1 November 1981, it was then renamed Fort canning park after the commencement ceremony by our Senior Mentor Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.
It was really an eye opener for many of us, as some of my group members have not been to the place before.
The first site we visited was the ASEAN sculputure garden. In fact it took us quite a while to find the place as we are all lost.
The is a picture of the sculpture. It look interesting, isn't it? This sculpture actually carried a significance meaning to all the members of ASEAN. It was made in 1982 and it symbolises unity and alliance among all these ASEAN county. The members include Philippines,Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore. Brunei later added its contribution when it becomes an ASEAN member.
If you are looking for this sculpture, it is better for you to stay along the pathway which is directly outside Fort canning green.
Next up we went to visit the Battle Box. Due to time constraints, we are unable to go into the exhibit but only manage to take a photo of it through the entrance. It was okay, my group members and i have make a pact to visit the place together after our exam.
It must be really interesting as we are captivated by the history of the place.Be sure to be captivated by the history of Singapore after exploring the 9 metres deep underground exhibition.In addition, the new technology advancements, special video and audio effect brings every visitor back to the morning of 12 February 1942.
What are you waiting for? Come down and visit the Battle Box personally! It will definitely be a great experience.
Admission price
Adult S$8.00
Child (12 yeats and below) S$5.00
Local Senior Citizen and Group Fares Available Upon Application
Opening Hours
1000 hrs to 1800 hrs daily
Last admission at 1700 hrs.
I feel that the price of the admission ticket is quite cheap and it is affordable .A tour guide will bring you through the whole exhibition , telling you more about the history and you will not get lost!Therefore it is highly recommended for you to visit the place. Do take note of the last admission hour though.
Just for your information, The Battles Box is directly in front of Fort canning centre.
This is the Fort Gate, which you will be able to find if you take the stair down from the stretch of road from The battle box.
In order to build the Gate, a total of 400 coolies is needed. Within the fort, it includes a hospital, a military unit to store weapons and gunpowder. However due to the construction of a reservoir,what is left today is the adjoining wall and the Sally Port.
Do not be discouraged as you will still be able to enter the gate to have a first hand experience.
This is what we had found in within the gate. It shows and elaborate the history of the gate in different languages. I think it is very useful for the foreigners.
This is the Fort Canning Green and it was an old Christian Cemetery until 1865. This is the entrance of the cemetery and it was designed by Captain Charles Edward Faber, this gate is one of the earliest Gothic Revival work in Singapore.
However this cemetery does not exists anymore but the sense of sadness is still around as through those tomb, it reminds us about the many touching stories of the people who died for Singapore in the past. Beside that, the number of tomb is countless. You can see it everywhere inside the park.
One of the interesting thing in Fort canning park is the 9-pound cannon. It was designed to fired three times a day at 5am, 1pm and 9pm to tell people the time and hour of the day.
Have you thought of why was this cannon created ? Is it because people in the past do not have watches and clock ?
Well, this question set us to ponder for awhile.
The Spice Garden, we are truely amazed by the size of this garden and the variety of flowers they have. It took us a lot of efforts to locate this place as it was quite far from the entrance where we entered near the Fort Canning Centre.
DO YOU KNOW
In 1882, the superintendent of the Royal Gardens visited Singapore and he wrote a letter to Raffles to suggest that a botanical garden can be established in Singapore and in order to see if the garden will work out they experiment the garden in Fort canning park. Therefore this resulted in the birth of the spice garden today.

Pretty isn't it ? Therefore do not forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful green scenery while uncovering the different type of spices available there. Please note not to litter within the park or try to pluck any of the plants.

Next up we went to the Keramat Iskandar Syah, the name refers to " a holy place", it was believe that it is the resting place of a respectable leader who was the ruler of Singapore in the past.
Some instructions to note before entering the hall.
Do remember to take out your shoes before you enter the hall. This is a form of respect for the Malays.
This was the roof of the hall. Photos are allowed inside.
Do you know
The pillars around the structure was a unique design of the Javanese origin. Do remember to look out for it.
The Archaeological dig and exhibition, we almost miss this place as we thought that the place was a shelter instead of an exhibit. But thanks to Agnes who found this place as she suggested that we should get some rest after walking for more than 2 hours.
Here we are resting. Hahahaha. We are all so tired . We are quite grateful that there is a place like such an exhibit, to have benches around for us to rest.
If you are thirsty,fret not! At the exhibit,there is a vending machine for you to buy a drink to chill down. However I feel that more of such vending machine should be placed within the park because the weather is hot and this can prevent people from getting heat stroke.
Hahaha, look at this , this is what they have found through the research which was carried out at fort canning park since 1984. It was believed that the place was where glass and gold are being produced and manufactured in the olden times. It reveals the history that went back even further before the arrivals of British in 1819.Interesting, isn't it?
Can you imagine if you were the one who first discover all this rare items which are so expensive and pricely nowadays?
You will definitely become a millionaire .
Hahahaha.

Here we are looking at the map of Fort canning park which was found at The Archaeological dig and exhibition. We feel that more maps should be placed inside the park so that people will not get lost so easily and they can locate the destination which they want to go.
This was also the last destination we went to in the park. After that we head off for our lunch at the nearby shopping centre.
We hope that the information about Fort canning Park is sufficient for you guys and you all will be interested in visiting the site. It is encouraged that you should wear something light and is comfortable and do remenber to bring a water bottle because it required a lot of walking in the park.A recommended time for exploring the park is about 2-3 hours. Hope you will have fun in visiting The Fort Canning Park!
Here are some informations about how to reach Fort Canning Park:
Getting There
The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut Station. Take a short walk to Fort Canning Park, it is near the Park Mall Underpass, behind Park Mall.
Stamford Road Buses: - 7, 14, 16, 36, 111, 124, 131, 147, 162, 166, 174, 175, 502, 77, 106, 167, 171, 190, 700, 857.
Hill Street Buses: - 124, 145, 147, 166, 174, 190, 851.
River Valley Buses: - 32, 54, 195, NR2, NR3, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, 7N, 8N.
Car park available at Percival Road , The Legends Fort Canning Park and Registry of Marriages.
Admission to the Fort Canning park
Free
Opening hours
Daily
The Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles!
Ever wonder who first found this little red dot, Singapore? It's the nobel man, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles!(: ( 6 July 1781-5 July 1826)
As you can see that Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles Statue shows him standing tall with a folded-arm(: It was situated here as people believed that this was the place where he first stepped ashore.
Anyway, let me share with you more about Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. If you were to visit Singapore, this is one of the must-go sites!
Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was a British statesman. He first landed in Singapore on 29 January 1819 and he believed that Singapore was a great place for the British to start a trading settlement.
He started working as a clerk in 1795 in London. He studied, worked hard and was sent to Penang as Assistant-Secretary to the Governor of Penang in 1805. Hence, he mastered Malay there and became a Malay translator to the Government of India.
He became the Governor of Bencoolen too(now Sumatra). As time passed, his career became more glorious.
Have you ever wonder how smart Sir Thomas Raffles was? Can you imagine if you were a friend of his? What is the first question would you want to ask him then?
Do you know
After Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles founded Singapore, he divided Singapore into different ethnic functional sub-divisions allowing different races to live together harmoniously.
Can you imagine that, without him how will Singapore be like in the past ? Conflicts will happen among races. All thanks to him for his great idea in making races to accept and love one another.
And in 1823, he became the founder of The Singapore Institution (now known as Raffles Institution).
Hey! That is one of the schools in which many boys in Singapore want to go to. Do study hard if you want to get into Raffles Institution.
Beside that, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles is a lover of biology. During his years in Sumatra, he collected specimens to study about the animals and plants of the region.
He also named animals such as the Sun Bear and Cream-coloured Giant Squirrel. Plants named after him also includes Rafflesia, a genus of plants parasitic on palm trees.

Cream-Coloured Giant Squirrel
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However, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles died of a fall at his home, in July 1826 at the age of 45 years old (possibly brought on by a brain tumour). Moreover, its was his birthday-eve on that day. Isn't that sad?
Currently there are two statues of him in Singapore. On eis found by the Singapore River, a Polymarble statue, near Asian Civilisation Museum and the other is bronze statue by Thomas Woolner found in front of Vitctoria Theatre.
Have you ever wonder why there is two statues of him in Singapore ?
A interesting fact for you to know is, the Polymarble statue of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was a copy of the bronze's as marking what is believed to be Raffles' landing site.
The Bronze statue was originally placed at Padang on Jubilee Day, 27 June 1887, facing the sea. However, it was found to be strucked frequently by flying footballs or used as seats for a vantage view of a field game at the Padang. Hence, the authorities felt that the statue should be placed in a more respectable venue.
Frankly speaking, I laughed when I read about him being strucked by the flying football.haha.No offence(: But I am glad that the authorities had moved this nobel and respectable statue to a better place.
The statue was moved on 6 February 1919, in front of the Victoria Memorial Hall. During World War II, the statue was moved to Raffles Museum. Some later suggested the Japanese had intentions to melt the statue as a part of war effort. However, the statue remained unmolested and was reinstalled at the Empress Place in 1946.
With all these information, I hope you understand why this statue is one of the must-go sites for tourist!(: Although it's nothing much, it's just a statue afterall, but it represents the came about of the little red dot country. Hence, taking a photo with it would really show that you have visited Singapore(:
Getting there: MRT (Raffles Place Station)
The Historical Hotel
Hi people! I'm gonna share about The Fullerton Singapore for this entry(: Do you know what's that? If you don't know much about it, let me share with you(:
Alright, The Fullerton Singapore is a building which currently The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a five-star boutique hotel located at the town area of Singapore. However, it is not an ordinary hotel where you could find in other countries- Why? Personally, I love this hotel among other hotels in Singapore. This boutique hotel provides both a heritage and luxurious experience for the tourists!(:
This building, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (was known as The Fullerton Singapore), was once the Fort Fullerton which was built in 1829 by the first governor of the Straits Settlement of Singapore, Sir Robert Fullerton. The building was used to defend the settlement against any naval attacks.
Unfortunately, the Fort was demolished in 11 June 1873 as the land occupied was too valuable for military use.
Hence in 1876, The first General Post Office was built. Beside it, it was the Exchange Building and Tan Kim Seng fountain. However, these buildings and fountain were demolished again during 1923 to 1924.
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From the year 1927 to 1928, the construction of The Fullerton Singapore began. And in 1928, The Fullerton Singapore was completed at a cost of $4,098,808!
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It was a London architect, Major PH Keys, who designed the building with the concepts of Greek Classical architecture of The Fullerton Building. Only classical architecture, with the use of columns, decorations and portico could convey the power and splendour of the Empire.
This is perhaps why I like The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. I like the solemn ambience within the hotel and its fresh and contemporary decorations that make one feels one warm and welcome. Comparing to other hotels in Singapore, of course, there are also high-end hotels which provide a luxurious experience where you could really pamper yourself by staying in a world-class design guest room, having breakfast at the restaurant in the hotel which provides good food, having services which makes you feel as if you are the king/queen. However, only The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is able to give you both the authenthic heritage and luxurious experience.
High-tea at the lobby of The Fullerton Hotel(:
My experience at The Fullerton Hotel for High-tea was pretty good. The service providers over there are really professional and bring a smile with them whenever they serve you. It's good though. The pastries were nice. I like their cheesecake, scones, egg-mayo sandwiches and cucumber sandwiches(: Moreover, everything is free-flow! The tea, the cakes, the bread(: A person is about S$35? yeah, its from 2.30pm to 5.30. Can have it a try(:
I'm not promoting The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, but I'm sharing my views with you(: As you can see the structure of the building, it is unique. Other hotels are plainly buildings with glass panels and concrete.
In the early 1900s, The Fullerton Building was the most ambitious and largest structure ever built in Singapore. It symbolised new wealth and power of Singapore(:
The General Post Office returned as the tenants and occupied the two lower floors of The Fullerton Building with postal halls, offices and sorting rooms. Whereas, The Singapore Club rented premises on the upper floors of the building to provide for their members' need and comfort.Interestingly, the last days before Britain's surrender to Japan in 1942, the building was used as a hospital with operation rooms for wounded British soldiers.
Towards the 20th century, The Fullerton underwent another transformation and was reborn as The Fullerton Hotel Singapore! As the Fullerton was a historical landmark, it was placed under conservation. However, the interior was being renovated and it became a 400-room luxury hotel.That's why The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is the only hotel which brings out the old luxury feel together!
The lobby of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore(:

Hence, if you are visiting Singapore, don't forget to visit this historical place.
Getting there: MRT (Raffles Place Station)
For more information about fullerton hotel, visit the website of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore: www.fullertonhotel.com
"Durian-like" Esplanade

Esplanade - theatres on the bay which is officially opened on the 12th October 2002. It has now been one of the world’s busiest art centre.
This mega art piece on its own caught my attention with its unique and intriguing structure. It has thorn like pieces which resembles the durian, a local favourite fruit. It is not called a art centre for nothing. When I first stepped into the place, already there was a magnificent art piece on display.


Also the hallways displayed many artworks by different artists, one which caught my eye was the gummy bears. Being a huge fan of gummy bears myself I was excited to see so many gummy bears of various colors and sizes. Some other exhibitions by the same artist also includes small little figures of various shapes and sizes made out of old children storybooks. One of them which stood out was this extremely large teddy bear made entirely out of the old storybook pages. the purpose of it was to reminisce the old childhood time that we had hence explains the children-like feeling and the old storybooks.

The theatres in Esplanade gives you a feeling of lullaby. It has many levels with the stall seats, circle seats for you to choose from. There are ushers ushering you to your seat if you are lost when performance is about to start.. When I watched a performance there, I did not have any uncomfortable-ness of any sort as the seats are so comfortable that you feel right at home. Also, the lighting was just right. The distance between the stage and the furthest seat was also acceptable not too far away to the extent that the audience have to strain their eyes when watching the performance. To prevent any interuption in the mid of performance, entry is only allowed during an interval. So, don't be late to catch the exciting performance.
Esplanade not only offers you visual entertainment but also entertainment of many sort. There are many shops around in which you could visit during your trip there.The shops offer products that range from gifts to music and art with caring staff to take care of you needs.For example, My humble house is a place whereby you can indulge in sensory gourmet food by Tung Lok group. My Humble House had been honoured with a 94th placing in The World’s 100 Best Restaurants List, published by the UK’s prestigious Restaurant magazine. Opening hours are from 12 – 3pm and 6.30 – 11pm daily. However please be reminded that as this is a fine dining restaurant, smart casual code is required.

If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind,The Cookie Museum is the right choice.Opening hours are from 12 - 10 pm daily and on 10.30pm on Saturday. The Cookie Musuem is voted as the best cookie musuem of Singapore. There are many comfortable sofas in the cafe. Furnished with baroque furniture with a victorian style decor, it is specially brought over by the owner in Italy. It would be a delight to be able to relax on thickly cushioned gold plated chairs enjoying cookies and tea.

Interestingly, library@esplanade may look new but it is in fact the first performing arts library to be opened in Singapore! Calling out to those who loves arts, music ,dance or films resources, Esplanade library should be the place that you not missed!It is very convenient as Library@esplanade is only located at the third floor of the Esplanade.Therefore, after a show in the theatre of Esplanade , you can head up to borrow the related materials that you find interest in! Guess what, there is even a library blog that blog about music,arts, theatre and film which is available at http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/epcl/.
Whilst browsing through the performing arts collection, I can easily lounge onto the comfortable cushions available.At night, you can head up to the Esplanade rooftop to enjoy the beautiful night scenery of the city, accompanied with cool night breeze. Before heading up, you may want to purchase chicken wings at Makansutra to enjoy! Esplanade rooftop is a popular choice among teenagers and adults to relax and enjoy quiet time with your loved ones at night. Many couples also frequent the place as it is dim and the atmosphere is just right.
Nearing festivals like Christmas or New Year, many shops will be holding attractive promotions and offers. Perharps that is the best time for you to grab some of the sovenirs like the Japanese arts for your relatives, friends at a satisfactory price!
Currently esplanade is having many events during the month of December. Tickets are now on sale at all Sistic agent or www.sistic.com. Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets at Esplanade Box office 1 hour prior to show commencement. However if you are looking for something cheap, there are free shows at the concourse and various locations of Esplanade .
Here is a photos of us visiting the Esplanade that day. We have enjoyed ourselves while exploring the spacious theatre. Sometimes, you can even hear the laughter of students when you visit the Esplanade as they may be involved in a maths trail. The Esplanade is definitely an ideal where learning take place.
For more information: http://www.esplanade.com/index.jsp
Getting thereNearest MRT: Cityhall
Contact:
The Esplanade Co Ltd
1 Esplanade Drive
Singapore 038981
Tel : 68288 377