Singapore Landmarks - Landmark in Singapore

Singapore River

Walk along Anderson Bridge over the Singapore River to Merlion Park. This is where the Merlion statue stood until its recent move to One Fullerton (in front of the Fullerton Hotel) in late April 2002. Officially installed at the mouth of the Singapore River on September 15, 1972, the Merlion statue has been a favorite among photographers and tourists. A much larger Merlion statue may also be found on the island of Sentosa.

Part-fish, part lion, the Merlion is a fitting icon of Singapore as legend has it that the Singa, or lion, which Indonesian Prince Sang Nila Utama first caught a glimpse of on the island was seen near this very spot. Integrating the lion head with the body of a fish was a way to pay tribute to Singapore's history as Temasek - the ancient sea town.

Merlion Park

Part-fish, part lion, the Merlion is a fitting icon of Singapore as legend has it that the Singa, or lion, which Indonesian Prince Sang Nila Utama first caught a glimpse of on the island was seen near this very spot. The Prince then decided to name the island "Singapura" which in Sanskrit means Lion (Singa) City (Pura).

Integrating the lion head with the body of a fish was a way to pay tribute to Singapore's history as Temasek - the ancient sea town.

Officially installed on 15 September 1972, the Merlion statue, situated at the mouth of the Singapore River, has been a favorite among photographers and tourists. It was since been moved to a new home adjacent to One Fullerton. The area comprises a promontory with terraced seating, and a viewing deck to hold up to 300 people. The viewing deck provides photographers with unrivalled vistas of the Merlion against the city skyline and the scenic Marina Bay, including landmarks such as The Fullerton Singapore and Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. The viewing deck doubles up as a venue for outdoor performances. The Merlion rests on a pedestal of glass sculptured waves, that is illuminated at night.

Raffles' Landing Site

With his back to the River, the polymarble statue of Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, marks the spot where Raffles is believed to have first stepped ashore. From here, enjoy a panoramic view of Boat Quay and the Raffles Place skyline behind and soak in the marvelous contrasts which are so uniquely Singapore. We also recommend that you take a half-hour river cruise on board a traditional bumboat and experience an intimate perspective of life along the Singapore River while enjoying a lively commentary on the history of the River. At the end of the cruise, request to disembark at Boat Quay (tide permitting) and carry on exploring.

Civilian War Memorial

The British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese onslaught on February 15th, 1942, a few months after Japan's pre-emptive strike on Pearl Harbor. Singapore was under Japanese occupation for about 3 years and this memorial is dedicated to civilians who died during that period. The memorial has four tapering white columns that reach 230 ft. into the sky, each representing a different ethnic group. This memorial is commonly referred to as the "four chopsticks memorial" by locals.

CHIJMES

CHIJMES (pronounced "chimes") started as a convent, girls' school and orphanage in 1854. The convent was closed in 1983 and declared a national heritage site. Today, CHIJMES is an attraction offering an exciting dining, shopping, leisure and entertainment experience. CHIJMES Hall, the restored chapel, provides a spectacular backdrop for musicals, recitals and other theatrical performances. One of the last few cloistered convents in the world, the fine gothic architecture offers you great photographic opportunities and is well worth a visit.

Raffles Hotel

Built in 1887, this grand Old Lady of the East is one the world's last great 19th century hotels. The hotel is a favorite retreat of writers and movie stars and home of the Singapore Sling, a celebrated cocktail. Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin were among its most illustrious guests.

An extensive SGD 160 million face-lift has rejuvenated the hotel back to its old, unique charm and majesty. This all-suite hotel is adjoined by a brand new arcade built in the same colonial style. It includes a museum featuring memorabilia from a bygone era, a Victorian-style playhouse named Jubilee Hall, 70 retail shops featuring famous brands like Tiffany's and Louis Vuitton as well as boutiques and specialty stores from the region.

Over the years, the Raffles has acquired a worldwide reputation for excellent service and food, with a charming blend of classical architecture and tropical gardens. Definitely a must-see during your visit to Singapore.

The Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton hotel, built in 1928, begins a new chapter in its illustrious history with its restoration into Singapore's landmark hotel - The Fullerton Singapore. The historic significance and classic architecture make the building eminently suited for a grand hotel.

With its distinguished Doric columns, the Fullerton Singapore represents the height of Palladian architecture in Singapore. The two other buildings in the city that share the same architectural grandeur are the City Hall and the Supreme Court.

In its heyday, this historic landmark enjoyed a strategic location at the mouth of the bustling Singapore River, making it the focal point of commercial activities. The site on which the Fullerton now stands was previously occupied by Fort Fullerton. Named after Sir Robert Fullerton, the first governor of the Straits Settlement of Singapore, it was built in 1829 to defend the town at the mouth of the Singapore River.

The Fullerton Building housed a number of notable occupants, such as the General Post Office, the Exchange, The Chamber of Commerce and The Singapore Club, all of which played important economic roles in ensuring that Singapore remained the trading hub in Southeast Asia at the time.

The Fullerton Singapore's prime location in the heart of the Civic District is in tandem with its rich history. Lying at the forefront of Raffles Place, Singapore's financial and business district, it also enjoys close proximity to the cultural venues of Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, The Esplanade - Theatres On The Bay and the Asian Civilization Museum.

Esplanade: Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is Singapore’s latest performing arts center for everyone. Officially opened in October 2002, it comprises a 1600-seat concert hall (with 200 additional seats in the choir stalls), a 2000-seat theater, three studios, outdoor performing spaces and the three-level Esplanade Mall.

Esplanade's location is rich in historical significance. Since the 1800s, Esplanade has been synonymous with relaxation and leisure and today, it evokes feelings of nostalgia and romance. This new arts center stands as a worthy successor of the original Esplanade as the leisure and cultural focus of Singapore in the 21st Century.

Sri Mariamman Temple

The oldest and most magnificent Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman Temple has a pagoda-like entrance topped by one of the most ornate gopurams (pyramidal gateway towers) you are ever likely to see. Hundreds of brightly colored statues of deities and mythical animals line the tiers of this towering porch; glazed cement cows sit, seemingly in great contentment, atop the surrounding walls.

At the door (remember to remove your shoes here), devotees ask God to grant their requests by ringing the bells before entering. They also purify themselves by washing their hands and feet, and sprinkling water on their heads. Near the door, look for the aluminum enclosure into which devotees break coconuts as a symbol of breaking their egos to reveal their pure and kind inner-selves.

Within the temple compound, remember to walk in a clockwise direction and only circle the temple hall an odd number of times as a sign of good luck. Look out for the offerings of bananas (symbol of abundance), mangoes and even sari for the goddesses at the shrine.

Notice the use of the lotus, a symbol of human life to the Hindus, as a decorative motif. The lotus bud stretches towards the sun despite its roots being embedded in mud; likewise, humans strive for the spiritual despite being rooted deeply in nature.

The annual fire-walking festival, Thimithi, is celebrated here. The temple is also a preferred venue for most Hindu weddings.

Sultan Mosque

With its massive golden dome and huge prayer hall, the Sultan Mosque is one of Singapore's most imposing religious buildings and the focal point of Muslims in Singapore. The mosque was built in 1928 and reveals an interesting mix of Middle Eastern and Moorish influences. The impressive gold dome and minarets present a great photographic opportunity from the outside. You are most welcome to visit the interior during non-prayer times although modest attire (no shorts) is required.

St. Andrew's Cathedral

This is the second building to be erected on this site. The original was built by G.D. Coleman and consecrated in 1838. However, the church was demolished in 1852 following two lightning strikes. The present cathedral was designed by Colonel Ronald MacPherson in 1856. The Visitors Centre at the South Transept has a showcase of artifacts, pictures and a video of the cathedral's history. Guided tours around the premises are also available.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Thian Hock Keng is the oldest and most important Hokkien temple in Singapore. Known as the temple of the goddess of the sea and protector of all sailors, the temple contains relics brought from China which are said to be hundreds of years old.

Most of the early Chinese immigrants in Singapore came from provinces in China. Once they were settled here, they built temples as places of worship which also served to foster a sense of belonging among members of their own dialect groups.

One of the first duties of a newly arrived immigrant was to go to a "joss house" to give thanks from a perilous journey across the China Sea. In 1821, the Hokkiens had established such a "joss house" on the side of the present temple. The grateful immigrants who later became successful businessmen enabled the Hokkien leaders to plan a more ambitious building made of materials imported from China, which combined the functions of both a temple and community center.

Architecturally, Thian Hock Keng temple is a fantasy in stone, tiles and wooden, with its curved roof, stylized dragons, carved screens and imposing columns. Interestingly, the entire structure was assembled without nails. The building is supported only on wood poles. Of the two pagodas at either sides of the temple, one is used to contain ancestral tablets.

(c) Provided by Tourism Authority of Singapore