Singapore Spot a Spot / 点出景点
Somebody in this garden
Who is the somebody?
Oh! It is the Madras Thorn ( Pithecellobium duice). A 26 meter tall man sitting in the garden of Armenian Church Of St. Gregory The Illuminator, Singapore.
This unique National Heritage tree, girth 7.4m, crown is bushy and widely spread, dull green in color.
A native of tropical America, it was introduced to the region in the olden day by the Portugese and the Spanish.
Leaves are very special with a pair of leaflet on both sides of the leaf stalk. That’s why a Chinese name “金龟子” was given, literally means a “flying Goliathus”.
Pulp is edible, fruits are coiled pods which ripen a tinge of rose-red in color.
Madras Thorn, was once a common trees planted along roadsides of Singapore. During the 70s, the species was attacked by caterpillars throughout the Singapore. Result in phased out from housing estate and roadsides subsequently.
Next time, if you happen to pass by Hill St, not to forget pay a visit to this lovely tree or even have a glimpse at the bus stop.
IHC – Indian Heritage Centre
If you love Indian History and Culture to be your spiritual nutrition, spare a hour or two to visit IHC at 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924.
Believe me, it might cure your thirst over the dry spell.
It is free admission for all visitors from 8th till 31th of May.
Operating hours – Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10am to 7pm
Fridays to Saturdays, 10am to 8pm
Sundays and Public Holidays, 10am to 4pm
Mondays, closed
Mask of the Face of Glory (Kirtimukha)
19th Century, Bronze, South India
The Yali or the mythical lion is an auspicious motif known in Southeast Asia as a Kala head.
It represents Kirtimukha or the “Face of glory” widely used in Indian temple Architectural.
Standing Shiva and Parvati
12th – 13th Century Chola Period, Bronze, Tamil Nadu India
These bronze figures of the divine couple, Shiva and Parvati, embodies grace and classicism reminiscent of Indian classical dance.
Such images were produced using the cire perdue or lost-wax process, in the district of Thanjavur, the capital of Chola Kings who ruled over parts of south Indian 10th – 13th centuries.
In Singapore, during major South Indian temple festivals, such bronze deities are carried in chariot processions along the main streets.
Chariot Finial with Garuda
12th century, Angkor Wat period, Copper Alloy, Cambodia
This decorative element would have been used on a Khmer Chariot as a symbol of power and strength, perhaps designed for a royal palanquin or chariot.
It depicts a fierce-looking garuda (mythical bird), raising his powerful chest in a stance meant to intimidate, atop a multi- headed naga (serpent ) who looks poised to attack.
A Chettinad Doorway
Late 19th century, Mahua Wood, Chettinad, Tamial Nadu, South India
This doorway plays a important role in Indian domestic architectural and serves to separate the sacred personal world from the outside world.
The elaborate carvings of mythic motifs also invoke the power of the divine and offer protection for the owner and his/her family.
This intricately carved entrance doorway, with its jambs and lintel panels consisting of about 5000 minute carvings, it is a example of south Indian domestic architectural during the late 19th – early 20th centuries.It represents the bespoke architectural and woodcraving traditions of Chettinad, home to the Nattukotti Nagarthar Chettiar community of financiers and traders.
Hindu deity, Aravan
Early 20th century
Polychrome paint, Wood
Collection of the National Museum of Singapore
Nandi, Processional Vehicle
19th – 20th century
Polychrome, Wood, Semi-precious stones
Collection of the Asian Civilisations Museum
And many more…
Say hello to all Ladies and Gentlemen before entering washroom.
By wrapping-up the trip, say a big THANKS to those Indian workers who contributed so much to our society.
“Thank you!”
War Memorial Park
This Civilian War Memorial is located in War Memorial Park, the open space between City Hall MRT and One Raffles Link.
The Memorial is dedicated to all those who perished during 2nd World War, Japanese Occupation of Singapore from 1942 to 1945.
The four vertical of 70 meters high pillars, symbolic the share experience of the Chinese, Malays, Indians and other races.
The remains of unknown victims are interred beneath the monument.
Today is the National Day of Singapore, we shall let this Memorial to act as a reminder, to cherish and treasure every blossom in this peaceful century.
The MacDonald House
The MacDonald House was built in 1949 by the architectural firm Palmer and Turner. It is now the only one building left with red- brick exterior in Orchard road. In 1965, two Indonesia saboteurs placed a bomb on the mezzanine floor, three persons was killed and 33 injured.
The impact of the bomb shattered all windows within 300 feets and damages car outside the building. It was due to Indonesia Confrontation, in support of President Sukamo, opposition to the merger of Singapore, Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak. The 2 Indonesia terrorists were convicted to murder and hanged eventually.
The building was built for The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. It was the first large office building of the post-war period and has gazetted as a National Monument on 10 February 2003.
The building is designed in Neo-Georgian style. Built in reinforced concrete and clad in red brickwork with rigid language. The white painted frame casement windows allow it to stand out from the modern cityscape of the Orchard road. 
The 1st floor was lay by creamy natural marble stones, the size of the tiles and refine details made the building more conspicuous.
Obviously, this buiding is different from fast restaurant Mcdonald, this is The Macdo
nald House.
Sculptures outside Peranakan Museum
There are two lovely sculptures located outside Peranakan Museum. Peranakan Museum is the first of its kind museum specialize in Peranakan culture. You will see a cat sculpture lying on the front court yard floor, before stepping in the building.
A grandfather and granddaughter’s sculpture located outside the main building.
Granddaughter was happily pointing something in the sky that made her cheering up.
Sculpture “The River Merchants”
This sculpture signifies a Scotsman- Alexandra Laurie Johnston who was a prominent merchant, former ship’s owner/captain, Businessman, Magistrate, Justice of Peace in early years of Singapore.
The sculpture shows he was mediating between Chinese trader and Malay chief while Indian and Chinese coolies load sacks onto a bullock cart.
This is a common sight around the river in those days.
The sculpture locates between Singapore River and Maybank Towers where the heart of the river flow day and night.
Please drop by listen to their conversation, at the same time enjoy the breeze of the riverbank.
Unique sculpture “Unielephant”
The sculpture “Unielephant” was done by Artist, Philip Treacy; a world-renowned British milliner who made hat to stars and royalty.
This is one of the art exhibition programme initiated by “Art in The City” under The Fullerton Heritage. The objective of the programme is to promote local art and culture as well as refusing art within the city.
The art piece act as a reminder for the dwindling elephant population of Asia, as to raise fund for the conservation and well being of the region’s neglected jumbos.
The sculpture adopted by The Fullerton Heritage, under “Art in The City” programme. A unique elephant is waiting for you there.
Road to Percival.
Percival road was named after Lieutenant-General Arthur Ernest Percival.
During the Second World War, Percival was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Malaya; he marched down from this road by surrender himself, as representing British Empire to the Imperial Japanese Amy.
Hence, Singapore occupied by Japanese soldiers for 3 years and 8 months.
Not many people knew there was a sad story hidden behind this road.
There is no road sign bring you to Percival road. You can Google it, it bring you where to go but just an ordinary road behind National Museum of Singapore, Fort Canning Park.
Where cicada is calling, where shadow of the forest lying on your shoulder silently.
The Asean sculpture symposium
ASEAN Sculpture Symposium, with the aim of promoting a sense of community among sculptors of member countries whose works of art will be visible symbols of regional cooperation. A collection of sculptures held at Fort Canning Park, this is first sculpture symposium in Singapore, but not the last.
“Augury” by Malaysia sculptor Mr. Anthony Lau.
“Balance” by Mr. Ng Eng Teng
“Concentration” by Mr. Vichai Sithiratn
“Unity” by Indonesia sculptor Mr. But Muchtar
“Fredesvinda” by Philippines sculptor Mr. Napoleon Veloso Abueva
“Together” by Brunei sculptor Mr. Osman Bin Mohammad
The Art and Arcs in National Museum of Singapore
An interior look-up shot of a dome in National Museum of Singapore. Hear a sound of echoes from heavenly art.
A collection of arcs and art perfectly match the stillness atmosphere.
Get a glimpse of Neo-Palladian and Renaissance style architectural.
An excellent collaborations of new and old constructions method, can’t find a better ground for this art building elsewhere.
The exterior of dome under a bright blue sky.
AddGrainOnEarth 