Singapore’s Landmarks & Memorials

Chijmes

A beautiful five-building gothic-style complex, Chijmes (pronounced 'chimes') is one of the most popular dining, shopping and lifestyle venues in Singapore. Located on the grounds of a former convent school, Chijmes reopened in 1997 after years of restoration. Nowadays the main chapel (aka Chijmes Hall) is used for musical and art performances as well as for wedding ceremonies.

Chijmes is a modern hotspot and fun nightlife venue but many still like to stroll around these charming colonial buildings in the daytime to shop at the boutiques and to admire its beautiful design and architecture. Such items include beautiful stained-glass panels inside the Chijimes Hall and Caldwell House, (the oldest free-standing house in Singapore, now an art gallery) and the Gate of Hope (a small gate of the old convent where many unwanted babies were left to be cared for by the nuns).

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

Know by the locals as the Durian because of its spiky roofing, Esplanade is another premiere performing arts venue in Singapore. Esplanade features a 2,000-seat theatre, a 1,600-seat concert hall, two smaller studios, a mall as well as two outdoor theatres and is situated along the promenade. The two spiky looking domes are the large theatre and concert hall and have more than 7,000 pieces of aluminium roofing (resulting in the spiky effect which is supposed to look like microphones). Shows performed here include live music, dance and theatre.

The 8,000sqm Esplanade Mall is a mixture of retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment facilities housed over three levels. Esplanade is also used for lifestyle and arts-related events too. Another part to visit is the library@esplanade, on its third floor – Singapore's first performing arts public library. Library hours are from 11:00 – 21:00 daily) Located just by Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore River, it's a well-known meeting point for locals and offers lovely central-city views of the harbour. Also on many occasions live music is played between the Esplanade exit and the river.

Istana

Formerly known as Government House, Istana is where the Singaporean President's office is located. It was built from 1867 – 1869 by Sir Harry St George Ord, Singapore's first governor. Constructed in the neo-Palladian Anglo-Indian style, it has beautiful surroundings and landscaping including a 105mm Japanese cannon, a six-foot high statue of Queen Victoria hewn from Sicilian marble, four ponds and an old well. The Istana grounds are open to the public annually in celebration of the following occasions: Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day.

Lau Pa Sat (aka Telok Ayer Market)

Built in 1894, Lau Pa Sat, once a wet market, is now a popular hawker centre. This historic building was built with Victorian filigree cast-iron and is located in the heart of Singapore's business area.

At lunchtime it is full with office workers. At night, the street is closed and there are many food stalls serving plenty of local favourites such as charcoal-grilled satay (grilled beef, chicken or duck meat serve with peanut sauce), nasi goreng, roti prata, chicken wings and seafood barbecue. Vendors also circulate offering soft drinks, freshly-crushed sugar cane juice, homemade soya and beers. All in all Lau Pa Sat is really the largest supper venue in town.

Merlion Park

The Merlion is the mythical symbol of Singapore, situated at the Merlion Park at Marina Bay. The statue is a creature that is a cross between a fish and a lion, spouting water out from the mouth into the river. This famous imaginary beast attracts over a million visitors per year.

The park itself has a nice setting with terraced seating offering great views of Singapore’s city skyline and landmarks as well as scenic waterfront. Nearby there are lots of shops selling souvenirs, especially of Merlion icons such as refrigerator magnets, T-shirts, key chains and photo frames.

Old Parliament House

This well-run art house and heritage centre was built in 1827 and used as the Parliament House from 1965 to 1999. The famous former prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew had his office inside. Nowadays it houses many art exhibitions, dances, films and concerts.

One of the most recognizable statues in Singapore is the bronze elephant located at the front of the building, a gift from King Rama V of Siam (or Thailand nowadays) to show his appreciation after a visit in 1871. Also featured inside the compound, are a few dining experiences including a Thai restaurant and a wine bar.

Raffles Hotel

This luxurious colonial-style hotel has a long history dating back to 1887 and has become one of the most important Singapore landmarks. Among famous guests are Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The Raffles Hotel features 103 suites and 18 distinctive restaurants and bars as well as an arcade with over 40 boutiques and stores (think Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.) A must-stop when visiting the Raffles is its museum presenting the hotel’s rich history, located on the arcade’s third floor. The famous Singapore Sling cocktail is a product of the Raffles’ popular Long Bar. Read More...

Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles

The city-state has two statues of Sir Stamford Raffles, recognised as Singapore’s founder. Sir Raffles' dark bronze statue stands tall in front of Victoria Theatre. Its replica, made in pure white poly-marble, stands at North Boat Quay to mark the spot where he first landed on the island in 1819. Both areas are popular with locals, especially on cool evenings.