Attractions in Central (Singapore)

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Dr Sun Yat Sen, the man many consider to be the founder of modern China, lived in this villa during his stay in Singapore. The building once served as the regional headquarters for the Nationalist Party of China. Formerly called the Sun Yat Sen Villa, it was re-opened after renovations that cost almost SGD8 million. The galleries house items like old photographs, personal effects and wax figures. There is also a painting called "Overseas Chinese, Mother Of The Revolution". Measuring six meters by three meters, it is believed to be the largest oil painting done here. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall hosts various art exhibitions as well. Check website for more details.

Time Capsule

In 1990, on the 25th anniversary of Singapore's independence, a time capsule was sealed and kept in a small modernistic pyramid along the Singapore River. Standing in stark contrast to the colonial architecture and the solemn memorials in the area, this 'pyramid power' time capsule contains a collection of momentous items that trace the years of the Republic's sovereignty. The capsule is scheduled to be opened in the year 2015.

Hajjah Fatimah Mosque

This quaint mosque owes its existence to Hajjah Fatimah, a Malaccan-born Malay. After her husband, a wealthy Bugis merchant, passed away, she successfully took over his shipping business. After her home was burgled twice, she decided to donate the land and funds for the construction of this mosque in 1846. Today, she lies buried in the grounds of the mosque. The architecture of the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque exhibits some British influences, as is evident from the European Doric pilasters in the minaret. Interestingly, it is regarded as the Leaning Tower of Singapore, due to its gothic-styled spire that tilts at six degrees.

Al-Abrar Mosque

Built in 1827, this mosque is known by several other names, one of them is Kuchu Palli. When translated from Tamil, the name means 'hut mosque', which gives us an idea of how the original building must have appeared to the devotees. On the other hand, the Chulias (Indian Muslims from south India) know it as Masjid Chulia. The existing building of brick and plaster was erected in 1850 to 1855. It was gazetted as a national monument in 1974.

Queen Elizabeth Walk

The Esplanade Park, also known as Queen Elizabeth Walk, is home to three of Singapore's monuments, the Cenotaph (a World War I memorial), and two others built in honor of a philanthropist, Tan Kim Seng, and a war martyr, Lim Bo Seng. Created from a series of reclamation projects, the small park is a pleasant venue for a leisurely stroll, commanding an excellent view of the colonial district. At the southwestern end of the park, the city's tourism icon--the Merlion can be seen guarding the mouth of the Singapore River.

Cenotaph

Standing tall at 10 metres in Esplanade Park is the Cenotaph. Made from smooth granite with the words "Our Glorious Dead" prominently engraved on its surface, the Cenotaph was erected in memory of 124 Singaporean men who gave up their lives during World War I. The names of these martyrs were cast on a metal plate placed before the foundation stone, which was laid by Sir Lawrence Guillemard, Governor of the Straits Settlements, on 15 November 1920. After the Japanese Occupation, the Cenotaph also became a World War II memorial, with more inscriptions on the reverse side of the stone.

Chesed-El Synagogue

1905 saw the construction of Singapore's second synagogue for the growing Jewish community. It had been commissioned by Sir Reuben Manasseh Meyer, who was a Jewish businessman and Singapore's Municipal Commissioner from 1893 to 1900. The design of the temple owed much to the creative juices of Swan and MacLaren, under the directorship of Alfred Bidwell. The grandeur of the building is evident from the rusticated stones and impressive plasterwork of the exterior. During World War II, the synagogue became a place where the Jewish community could catch up on news.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Established in 1883, the 81-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is one of only two tropical rain forests worldwide within city boundaries. Begin your expedition at the Visitor Centre, which displays specimens and photographs of the wildlife found here. Then explore the virgin forest itself, huge tropical trees, palms, rattan, lianas and dense carpets of ferns. Look out for mammals like the long-tailed macaques, lesser mouse deer, pangolin and flying lemurs. At the end of the trail at 162.5 meters is the summit of Bukit Timah Hill, the highest point in Singapore, offering a panoramic view of reservoirs in the central catchment district.

Chinese & Japanese Gardens

Representing two cultures of contrasting architectures, Chinese & Japanese Gardens are set on adjacent islands in Jurong Lake linked by the Bridge of Double Beauty. The Chinese Garden is fashioned according to imperial Sung dynasty architecture with twin pagodas, pavilions, rockeries, a tea gallery and arched bridges. The Japanese Garden is laid out in contrasting simplicity, embracing classical Japanese motifs such as Zen rock gardens, traditional summer houses, stone lanterns and gilded arched bridges. Plain and serene, it is a conducive place for meditation, poetic inspiration or just a quiet picnic.

Central Sikh Temple

Completed in 1986, the Central Sikh Temple commemorates the 518th anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. Today, it serves as the main place of worship for Singapore's Sikh population. Built at a cost of SGD6.5 million, modern and traditional elements are clearly evident in its architecture. The 13-metre wide dome that caps the prayer hall is covered with white, grey and gold mosaic tiles. There are no columns, and devotees pray in a fully carpeted, air-conditioned environment. The Granth Sahib (holy book) is enshrined within the prayer hall. Many regard this temple as the most impressive Sikh temple outside Punjab.

Temple Of 1000 Lights (Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple)

Also known as the Sakya Muni Gaya Temple, this temple owes its existence to a monk named Vuttisasara. The main feature of this temple is the 15-meter Buddha statue that almost fills the temple's interior. Weighing 300 tonnes, it is draped in gold, green and red cloth. The figure is surrounded by a halo of electric lights that is normally lit in the evenings. Murals highlight milestones in the Buddha's life.

Bishan New Town

A trip to Bishan New Town gives one a good idea of what life in modern Singapore is like. As with most town centers, there is a subway station and a bus depot making accessibility to the rest of the island quick and easy. A mammoth shopping complex such as Junction 8 is a common sight here, as in other newer estates including Tampines and Pasir Ris. Families flock to the complex, in the evenings particularly, for one-stop dining, shopping and entertainment. A distance away are clusters of residential blocks, some with their own shops and food centers.