Most foreigners and tourists only know Singapore as “garden city”, “lion city” or “food haven”. Many people only know about Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa and Orchard Road, but Singapore has much more to offer than just sightseeing.
Singapore is one of the few countries in the world that is truly multi-cultural. Singapore is mainly made up of four races – Chinese, Indians, Malays and Eurasians.
In this and subsequent posts, let me show you places where you can learn more about the colorful multi-racial culture of Singapore.
We have already learnt about Singapore’s history at National Museum of Singapore. We have also taken a closer look at how early Chinese and Indians immigrants arrived and survived in Singapore at Chinatown Heritage Centre and Indian Heritage Centre respectively. Today we are going to take a look at our Malay pioneers at Malay Heritage Centre.
I was surprised to see that the Malay Heritage Centre compound was pretty big. The main 8000-square-meters building is flanked by the Visitor Services Centre and another building. There are lots of open spaces in front of the buildings for functions.
You will have to get your ticket from the Visitor Services Centre before entering the gallery building. You can also get souvenirs from Visitor Services Centre.
Singapore citizens, permanent residents and children under 6 years old have free admission. Present your NRIC for verification.
Foreign adults pay S$6, full-time students and seniors over 60 years old pay S$4, those armed with SIA boarding pass enjoy concession rate of S$5.40. There is also a family package for S$18, not exceeding three adults per family.
Malay Heritage Centre is a two-storey building was once the residence of Malay royalty in Singapore, it was known as “Istana Kampong Gelam”. There are six permanent galleries spread over the two levels of the Malay Heritage Centre. “Who are the ‘Malays’”, “Over Water”, “Coffeeshop Talk” and “On Land” are a few of the galleries.
There was a special exhibition called ‘Seekor Singa, Seorang Putera & Sebingkai Cermin’ going on when I visited. This gallery discusses Singapore’s maritime and cultural significance prior to British and Dutch occupation in the Malay Archipelago.
Malay Heritage Centre
Address: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Telephone: 63910450
Website: https://www.malayheritage.org.sg/en
Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm (last admission at 5.30pm)
Tickets:
Singapore citizens, permanent residents and children under 6 years old have free admission. Present your NRIC for verification.
Foreign adults pay S$6, full-time students and seniors over 60 years old pay S$4, those armed with SIA boarding pass enjoy concession rate of S$5.40. There is also a family package for S$18, not exceeding three adults per family.”
