Who says you can only learn about history in textbooks and museums? Our shared history can be found everywhere – from National Monuments to our neighbourhood everyday spaces. Put together by the National Heritage Board's, these heritage trails in Singapore tell our untold story behind the neighbourhoods and streets where we live, work and play. Right now there are a total of 22 trails, and here are five that we find most interesting!
1. Queenstown Heritage Trail
As the first satellite town in Singapore, Queenstown sure has a character. This heritage trail recounts the story of Queenstown and the evolution of public housing in Singapore through iconic landmarks which have defined the Queenstown skyline for the past six decades, and personal stories of older residents. Split into five mini trails, the entire trail can take up to eight hours so we highly recommend splitting them up over different days.
2. World War 2 Heritage Trail
The Second World War came to Malaya and Singapore on 8 December 1941. After the Fall of Singapore, it spent the next 3 years and 7 months under the Japanese Occupation. This World War 2 Heritage Trail identifies war sites all over our island. Each site marks either a battle area, such as the invasion sites at Sarimbun beach, or commemorates a significant event during the Occupation, such as the Sook Ching massacre sites.
3. Bedok Trail
From pirates to beach parties, fishing villages and coconut plantations, the story of Singapore’s eastern coast shares many similarities as other coastal settlements across the world. At the same time, the history of Bedok, Siglap, Tanah Merah and East Coast are unique in many ways. From the olden days when the Orang Laut would use the red cliffs of Tanah Merah as a navigational guide, to colonisation, Singapore's independence and present day, the area’s transformative journey is told through this heritage trail.
4. Sentosa Heritage Trail
Since the 1970s, Sentosa has been a go-to leisure destination for its beaches and amusement joy-rides, parties, and concerts, as well as theme parks, and attractions. However, before its modern incarnation as an island of fun, it was actually known as Pulau Blakang Mati – literally “Death from the Back Island” in Malay. Even before the British constructed Fort Siloso, Sentosa was coveted for its strategic location. This Sentosa heritage trail will reveal more about its fascinating story!
5. Balestier Heritage Trail
Balestier is named after Joseph Balestier, the first American Consul to Singapore, who owned a sugarcane plantation here. This heritage trail uncovers the rich history of the area as it transformed from a plantation into a precinct filled with shophouses and buildings with diverse architectural styles. It also explores the communities, clubs, schools, healthcare institutions and religious landmarks that collectively make up Balestier’s unique cultural landscape!