History Attractions in Singapore

Singapore may be known as a modern vibrant city, but much of its architecture dates back from its colonial era, as seen through much of the Colonial District. Other heritage architecture can be enjoyed throughout Chinatown, Little India and the Arab Quarter where the traditional 'shophouses' add much colour and character to these ethnic areas.

The most famous Colonial landmark is Raffles Hotel - renowned throughout the world as a symbol of luxury, its reputation dates back from the days when it counted Charlie Chaplin and Noel Cowards as its guests. A walk around its palm-filled courtyards and breezy verandas whisks you back to this forgotten era.

Other historical buildings representing Singapore's colonial era include the impressive neo-palladian Empress Building, formerly government offices and now home to the Asian Civilisations Museum; the elegant National Museum of Singapore, originally built as the Raffles Library and Museum in 1887; the Singapore Art Museum, formerly a Catholic all-boys mission school, and the Fullerton Building, built in 1928 and named after Robert Fullerton, the first Governor of the Straits Settlements. It used to house the General Post Office but today is home to the Fullerton Hotel, with its enviable location right on the river.

While the shophouses provide the real character to Singapore's ethnic areas, it is the variety of places of worship that really represent Singapore's multi-cultural make-up. Among the most impressive is the Thian Hock Keng temple, the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore erected in 1821 by Chinese immigrants and arguably the most beautiful in the city. Also in Chiantown you will find the Sri Mariamman temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple dating back to 1827, while across town the Masjid Sultan, Singapore's largest Mosque presides over the Arab Quarter. It was built in 1824 with a $3,000 grant form the East India Company as part of the handover treaty.

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