Top Things to do in Singapore
Top Hotels in Singapore
- 1. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore
- 2. Pan Pacific Singapore
- 3. YOTEL Singapore
- 4. Shangri-La Singapore
- 5. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
- 6. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
- 7. Grand Copthorne Waterfront
- 8. The Clan Hotel by Far East Hospitality
- 9. JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La
- 10. JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La
10 History Museums in Singapore That You Shouldn't Miss
As Asia’s undisputed capital of cool, Singapore’s street food, luxury lifestyle options, and sci-fi–like architecture entrance visitors from the very beginning. Top attractions such as the futurist feel of Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands casino symbolize the nation’s state of affluence.
Restaurants in Singapore
1. Asian Civilisations Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,193 reviews
The Asian Civilisations Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Founded in 1993 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Singapore’s history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Special exhibitions bring magnificent objects from around the world to our Singapore audience. Programmes like the annual River Nights encourage visitors to connect more closely with culture and the arts.
Reviewed By CatLadyPride
I walked past this place on my way to Marina Bay and got curious. I was not disappointed! The shipwreck exhibition is fascinating, as is the one of ink paintings. I also enjoyed the history of religion in Singapore and the trade in Singapore. There was a free guided tour with a museum volunteer, who was just so delightfully, endearingly enthusiastic about everything. Really great visit, would wholeheartedly recommend.
2. The Changi Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,051 reviews
Temporarily closed This museum honors POWs who endured the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II. Their stories are told with an impressive collection of personal artifacts and news coverage. A British internee returned to the museum decades after the war to recreate the murals he’d painted on the walls of the original chapel – a moving insight into how those held prisoner found hope and comfort in any way possible.
Reviewed By amyinsydney - Sydney, Australia
The Changi Museum is well worth the visit, easily accessible via the MRT & Bus system. The little museum has a great collection of war history memorabilia, artifacts & audio recordings with an adjoining chapel where you can pay your respects. For a history buff, allow for 2-3hrs to go through the museum thoroughly to appreciate the collection.
3. Former Ford Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By BrisbaneTraveller2 - Brisbane, Australia
I found the Former Ford Factory Museum to be a place of historic significance, it was a very moving experience to walk in the footsteps of the four British Officers who surrendered Singapore to the Japanese Army on 15 February 1942. The Former Ford Factory is a beautifully restored Art Deco style building housing exhibits of enormous interest. It was quite incredible to be in the boardroom where the surrender documents were signed, the table is a replica of the original, which is currently in the Australian War Memorial. There is a film showing the events of that particular day, and the clock is stopped at just after 6pm, the time of the signing. I appreciated speaking with Frances, a staff member at the Museum. Frances is a self taught historian who is passionate and well informed about that part of Singapore's history and it was a privilege to discuss the events with her. There are many interesting things to see and we were there about three hours. We went by MRT to Hillview Station, and then about 5 minutes on a bus. Apparently it is also possible to go there directly by bus. Highly recommended, well worth it. We have decided to go back next time we are in Singapore as it is worth a second visit. Our visit cost $3 each and only credit cards are accepted.
4. Empress Place Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
View the exterior of the Empress Place Building with timber-louvered windows and a pitched clay tile roof. Inside, you’ll see stately rooms with high ceilings, handsome Doric columns and exquisite plaster mouldings and cornices.This historic 19th-century building is also home to the Asian Civilizations Museum.
5. Malay Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 171 reviews
Officially re-opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in September 2012, the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) showcases the history, culture and contributions of the Malay community within the context of Singapore's history and multi-cultural society. MHC's permanent galleries focus on the history of Kampong Gelam and showcase an interesting collecting of artefacts from the National Collection and the Malay community. Through its exhibitions and programmes, the centre aspires to be a vibrant destination of historical and cultural significance for both Singaporeans and international visitors. MHC is under the management of the National Heritage Board in partnership with The Malay Heritage Foundation.
Reviewed By MrsSiew - Singapore, Singapore
Interesting and educational place to spend with family, understanding the historical facts and cultural background. Our family, 2A, 2C, age 13 & 7 thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We also learnt more about Gems and other precious stones and especially the 77 Carats diamond! There is also has an interesting plot of small land with various plants and trees within the Malay Heritage Center. Also we found out that my husband lived in the same road as Mr Omar Ahmad! It was during the mid 60s to early 80s when he was living with his grandparents!! What a nice finding! I am quite sure his late grandparents might even know Mr Omar Ahmad! Highly recommended to family outings.
6. Fort Siloso
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 694 reviews
This historic fort was part of Singapore's defenses for decades.
Reviewed By maryyeo - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Fort Siloso was where we had to do compulsory history trips when we were younger. It wasn't much back then, but they had totally revamped the place and I'm genuinely impressed with the newly curated museum spread out throughout this coastal fort. Key highlights: - It's absolutely free for this amazing attraction! And not many people here because there's quite a bit of walking. The true history buffs will love this place. - Sky walk is a new way to enter Fort Siloso, kinda cool walking above the lush greenery facing the Habourfront bay and also over a part of Shangri La hotel. - The museums ain't just contained in one building, but rather in several buildings throughout the hilly fort. Every building is like a mini, air-conditioned museum. - Love the interactive features such as Scott the AR tour guide (Augmented Reality App) you can download on your phone, and have 3D maps and soldiers pop up and reenact a historical scene, right there on your phone's screen! - The bunkers are now fitted with motion-activated sound system. Once you enter the bunker opposite Fort Siloso Square, the siren immediately goes off and sounds of machine guns and urgent voices came onto the PA system. We found that pretty cool but our young kiddos were super scared. - The exhibits were all gold, but some of my favourites were the video interviews with real citizens who went through the war, the sketches drawn by the POW (Prisoners of War) depicting the scenes during the war, and the stories of the heroes of the war and their self-sacrificial efforts. The clear historical explanations on the boards at every significant point of the way helped lots too. Warning: LOTS of walking under the hot sun. The respites were when we entered each air-conditioned building/museum to cool down. There are several routes on this hilly coastal fort, some are harder than others. Good to have a good look at the 3D model at the beginning to decide which route is most suitable for you.
7. The Maritime Experiential Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 305 reviews
Come explore the seas. Go explore the world. Relive the glorious conquest of the seas, as you return to the Maritime Silk Route of eras past. Be transported through time in 15 thematic galleries, journey in the tailwinds of renowned seafarers, and even flee pirate invaders aboard a burning ship.
Reviewed By Excursion31974983236 - Danapur, India
Its a place co-located with SEA aquarium; offers great insight in our history and evolvement of the trade routes alongside giving a brief on maritime activities! Get clicked in costumes of the golden era sailors!
8. Singapore Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Hear the past, touch the present and see the future at Singapore Discovery Centre. Be inspired! Through our fun and interactive galleries and attractions, visitors enjoy a multi-sensory learning experience while gaining insights into Singapore’s dreams, aspirations and challenges.
Reviewed By shetj
SDC was recently revamped and as a first time visitor with my sister's family with 3 kids, I was pleasantly surprised at the wealth of stories, interactive exhibits and games available to the public. Although it is a distance, it is really worth the visit! touring within is free for Singaporeans and PRs but We booked a tour $4 per pax given by SDC Ambassador Cheng Ji who was excellent and passionate in her service and kept us engaged throughout as we learnt about the less known facts of Singapore's history. We also played the research facility escape room, the easiest of the 4 available plots. The debrief at the end given by SDC Ambassador Yong Wei was very helpful and essential in our understanding of the whole story. I think without it we would have been rather lost. Hope to be back for another game and try out other games available like the paintball and laser tag in the future. lastly the mind cafe serves really good food at great prices with board games free for rent! Overall we had a great time celebrating my mum's birthday there with novel experiences for the whole family.
9. Eurasian Heritage Gallery
10. Indian Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By NigelG407 - Singapore, Singapore
Visited this museum this afternoon. Wonderful collection which documents the arrival of the first Indians under the HEC deployed to Singapore about the time of Raffles. The museum looks at the history of migrations and the settlers. Those Indians who have raised to prominence in Singapore - S R Nathan, Rajarstnam, etc spring to mind. It looks at culture and practice, including many items of gold jewellery. Handicrafts and textiles. Religion and prominent Indians in India and their influence on Singapore. The ground floor had seven paintings on display by Kumuda Krovvidi, a contemporary artist from Mumbai now living in Singapore, and the other is Shivali Mathur - beautiful contemporary Indian folk art painters. Don’t forget to check out the three sculpture display outside the museum, depicting Masala and showing a chilli, cloves and nutmeg with mace. Allow about 1 to 2 hours to visit. $8 standard admission for adults. In the heart of Little India. Lift to all levels. Good air conditioning and excellent WiFi.
