Instead of burying your nose in a history book, why not discover Singapore's vibrant past through a thoughtfully curated programme line-up. From now until April 7, travel back in time through various trails, guided tours, open houses, live performances and multi-sensorial exhibitions that are guaranteed to inspire you with nostalgia. This year’s special Singapore Bicentennial edition takes you through four areas – Kampong Gelam, Bedok, Telok Blangah and Kranji. Not sure where to begin? We round up six highlights for you to get started.
RECOMMENDED: The best museums in Singapore and the best heritage trails in Singapore
March 23, 24, 30, 31 and April 6, 7
Forget a time machine. Kickstart your journey into Singapore's past onboard a bus at the National Museum of Singapore. Meet four other passengers from the 70s and hear them recall their experiences living in a Singapore where life was simpler, buses had no air-conditioners and every moment was cherished. Tickets are available at $10 via shf2019busesandroads.peatix.com.
March 22-24
If there's one thing Singaporeans truly love, it's food – even in musical form. Feast your eyes and ears on the tasty musical that shines its spotlight on the evolution of the hawker culture here, starting from the street in the 60s to the architecturally inspiring foodcourts of the present. Journey through time at Bedok Town Square with a diverse mix of characters including a dessert seller, a town cleansing superintendent, a fourth generation hawker and more, pledging (and singing) their love for hawker food.
March 29, 30, 31
Feed your curiosity for those iconic black-and-white colonial bungalows at 18 Tenggong. Step into the stunning heritage building on the side of Mount Faber and witness four stories from the past unfold before your very eyes. Let the characters tell tales that trace the humble beginnings of Telok Blangah, the true story behind Temenggong Road, the history of Mount Faber, and the origins of black-and-white bungalows. There are shuttle bus services running to and from Harbourfront Centre. Get your tickets at $15 via shf2019ablackandwhitevoyage.peatix.com.
April 6 and 7
Lace up your trainers for a food trail that covers at least 15 farms in and out of Kranji Countryside. It's the best way to understand food sources and farms heritage from the past to the present – off the books and off the beaten track. Start the multi-sensorial experience from the rustic charm of local heritage farms in Kranji Countryside to the high tech farm factories in Orchard Road.
March 29, 30 and 31
Take some time off for a tea-rrific day at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Explore the world of tea including its origins and development. While you're at it, check out the Wanderland Weekend Festival where you can indulge in some tea mixing and treating your tastebuds to a variety of gorgeous flavours. Understand the mechanics behind fortune-telling using tea. Plus, have a free cup of bubble tea on the house.
Until April 7
See the lesser-known stories of Singapore come to life through a series of seven light projections across the city center. Discover abandoned places, witness the darker moments in the past, and hear stories of the heroes that made a difference in our history. The light projections can be found at the National Library Building, Nagore Dargah, Smith Street, Sri Mariamman Temple, Shaw Tower, Fort Canning Park and Old Hill Street Police Station.
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