A Landscape History of Singapore

A Landscape History of Singapore from Fort Canning Hill

Arts and heritage in a truly beautiful setting.

Learn about some of Singapore's most significant historical moments through key landscape prints and paintings revealing its transformation from the 19th to the 20th century. This interactive experience features a diorama, "Staging Singapore", which re-imagines the city's history in an exciting new format.

Come and experience this enriching showcase of some of Singapore's most historic moments.

This exhibition of landscape prints and paintings reflecting the evolution of Fort Canning Hill from the early 19th to the 20th century, takes place, appropriately, at the foot of the hill itself! Now a cultural hotspot, the hill is a delightfully green setting right in the heart of the city.

Among the key artworks on show is "Staging Singapore", featuring a fascinating diorama that gives viewers a unique perspective on Singapore's history.

In conjunction with this art exhibition, complimentary “Raffles and Fort Canning Hill” guided walks will also be conducted on selected dates—September 29, October 6 and 20, November 3 and December 15, from 10-11am at the new recreational space, The Foothills Fort Canning Park. Children can also learn how to paint the iconic Sir Stamford Raffles' portrait in various painting workshops ($10) held on November 3 and December 15 at Raffles House.

~News courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board~

Deepavali Light-Up 2012

Deepavali Light-Up 2012

A mesmerising cultural event celebrating light over darkness.

Witness an exciting time in Singapore as the local Indian community celebrates good over evil and gives thanks to the Hindu gods. There will be a magnificent street-light up surrounded by cultural performances, a heritage exhibition, symbolic processions, as well as a food and drink festival like no other.

During this period, the Indian community in Singapore, including expatriates, migrants and visitors, will come together to celebrate Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Deepavali is a time for rejoicing and renewal as Hindus all over the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil or light over darkness. During Deepavali celebrations, many homes will light up oil lamps with rangolis drawn on the floor to usher in light and good fortune.

To mark the celebration of Deepavali, Little India on Serangoon Road is transformed into a fairyland with an explosion of vibrant, colourful lights and elaborate street decorations and arches. This truly mesmerising cultural event will include the month-long street light-up which kicks off with a switch-on ceremony on 13 October at the Kinta Road carpark. A host of other events like a heritage exhibition, festive village, countdown concert, Deepavali play and UTSAV street parade will take place during the festive period.

The UTSAV street parade is not to be missed—it is one of the most amazing events held at Singapore's attraction Little India and is a splendid collage of songs and dances. Deepavali also provides an opportunity for you to witness the Silver Chariot Procession, as well as other symbolic happenings such as the fire walking festival—a visual spectacle that has been known to astound.

~News courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board~

Kai Kai and Jia Jia move into new home

Kai Kai and Jia Jia move into new home

ROOM TO ROAM: Jia Jia explores her climate- controlled habitat, the Giant Panda Forest, at the River Safari. (PHOTO: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE)

Singapore's resident pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, have moved into their lush 1,500 sq m pad - costing $8.6 million - at the River Safari.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) announced yesterday that the giant pandas are being eased into their climate-controlled habitat, the Giant Panda Forest, after completing their one- month quarantine last Saturday.

A WRS spokesman said: "Keepers will be placing the bears' favourite food, bamboo, at various locations in the exhibit to encourage them to explore their new surroundings.

"The bears' stay in the new exhibit will be extended progressively to give them ample time to familiarise themselves and be comfortable."

After the pandas flew into Singapore on Sept 6 from Chengdu, in China's Sichuan province, they were placed under observation in their dens at the River Safari.

Four-year-old Jia Jia and five-year-old Kai Kai were given a clean bill of health after a thorough medical examination last month.

The pair are on a 10-year loan from the Chinese government to mark close ties between China and Singapore.

The public can see the pandas when the exhibit opens in December.

～News courtesy of Omy～

Raffles Place - Financial district