The Battle of Pasir Panjang (or Battle of Opium Hill) was one of the fiercest battles in our history. It was part of the final stage of the Empire of Japan's invasion of Singapore. Beyond history books, we can get acquainted with its past at Reflections at Bukit Chandu (RBC), an interpretative centre housed in a restored black and white bungalow close to the former battle site. It stands close to Point 226, a military position that was the site of the Malay Regiment’s last stand against the Imperial Japanese Army on February 14, 1942.
The centre reopens on September 9 following a major refurbishment. Managed by the National Museum of Singapore, under the National Heritage Board, RBC opens with an enhanced retelling of the story of the Malay Regiment in the Battle of Pasir Panjang, during which the heavily outnumbered soldiers from the regiment made a heroic last stand against a 13,000-strong Japanese force.
The revamped RBC takes visitors on an immersive journey to remember the brave soldiers of the Malay Regiment with an expanded narrative that includes the site-specific history of Pasir Panjang and Bukit Chandu. The museum has been enhanced with new artefacts and displays. The galleries on the first floor, for instance, have been revamped to chart the regiment's beginnings, and pay homage to their courage and sacrifice during the Battle of Pasir Panjang in the exhibition of Bukit Chandu: Battle Point 226.
The exhibition comprises three sections: The Malay Regiment; Into Battle; and Aftermath. The first section traces the origins of the Malay Regiment, from the equipment that they used to the specially designed uniform that they wore. Into Battle traces the regiment’s story during the defence of Malaya and Singapore against the Japanese invasion, culminating in the battle of Bukit Chandu. Lastly, Aftermath pays tribute to the men who embodied the regimental motto, Ta'at Setia ("faithful and true" in Malay), to the very end.
Beyond the Battle of Pasir Panjang, the revamp also puts a strong focus on the history of RBC's surroundings, which predates both the war and colonial era to provide a larger historical context beyond the World War Two period.
To celebrate the reopening of RBC, all visitors get to enjoy free admission from September 9 to 26. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents will continue to enjoy complimentary admission beyond this period.