Changi Point Ferry Terminal

Retreat to life in the 1960s as you journey by bumboat to Pulau Ubin, home to Singapore’s last (offshore) village. To get there, take an old-school style ferry from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Amid the lush greenery is an abundance of wildlife like wild boars, otters, birds and reptiles, which remained unchanged since its early days. Here, outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, or cycling await you. 

Get directions  to the Changi Point Ferry Terminal (for the ferry to Pulau Ubin)

People’s Park Food Centre

Feast on all-time favourites at the People’s Park Food Centre, which started off as a humble food shelter in 1923. Interestingly, the hawker centre turned into a part of Singapore’s biggest “shopping cum residential complex” in 1969. The food centre today has seen a few facelifts but still retained many local favourites.

A visit here gives you the chance to sample tasty dishes such as the Zhen Zhu Fang Roasted Delights, which sells Cantonese roast meats like roasted pork, duck, and chicken. The stall has been listed in a Michelin Guide with a Michelin Plate for several years. Other stalls of note include Yong Xiang Xing Dou Fu (Hakka Chinese cuisine consisting primarily of tofu filled with ground meat mixture or fish paste) and Toh Kee Roast Duck.

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Step foot into the oldest Chinese temple in the country—the Thian Hock Keng Temple. Built by the island’s Hokkien speaking population, the temple received an honourable mention in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 2001 Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The temple’s interior has not withered with time, but is continually restored and repainted. Its tiled roof has detailed carvings of soaring dragons, while its pillars feature intricate carvings depicting scenes from Chinese mythology. Look out for the regal lion and tiger statues guarding the grand entrance of the temple.

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The Majestic

Make a trip down to The Majestic—a historic building previously known as the Majestic Theatre when it laid claim to being Singapore’s most famous Cantonese opera house. The landmark was renovated into a three-storey shopping mall in the early 2000s, retaining the original building's structure, which combines Western and Chinese architectural styles. 

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Battle Box (Fort Canning)

Steeped in history, Fort Canning is a hill that holds many of our country’s war stories. And one of the Fort’s areas of significance during this period is the Battle Box. Constructed with tunnels that burrowed deep into the hill, the bomb-proof bunker originally served as Britain’s Headquarters for the Malaya Command operation. Today, it hosts visitors as a museum depicting the final days of the WWII Battle of Singapore, with displays of moving figures, wax figures and wartime artefacts.

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Mint Museum of Toys

Be swept by waves of nostalgia as you step into the Mint Museum of Toys, with its rows of vintage collectibles, toys and comics from yesteryears proudly displayed for all to see. Some may be familiar to the older generation, while others—especially those which hail from countries such as Germany—may be eye-opening. A treasure trove of tin, wooden and plastic old school toys, the museum boasts of more than 50,000 toys, with some dating back 120 years. 

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Fort Siloso

One of the three forts used to defend Singapore from sea invasion, Fort Siloso is the only preserved coast defence fort. A popular historical site for visitors to Sentosa, Fort Siloso is likely to be visited by older Singaporeans at least once in their childhood. Revisit the free attraction to look at Singapore’s World War II-era military cannons, tunnels and structures through adult eyes. 

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Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Admire the elaborate religious carvings and intricate architectural details on the facade of the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, located in the middle of Little India. The oldest Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali, the religious building is well over a century in age but remains well-maintained thanks to its regular worshippers. 

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Lau Pa Sat

Feast to your heart’s content at Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market. Originally built in the 19th century, the market has long been a Singapore landmark, thanks to its unusual octagonal shape and clock tower. Honoured as a national monument in 1973, the market has undergone several renovations. Thankfully, the original spirit of the popular eating place remains—it still serves local Singapore favourites such as satay (skewered meat) and chicken rice. 

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St Andrew’s Cathedral

Built in 1836, the majestic St Andrew’s Cathedral is Singapore’s oldest Anglican house of worship. Anybody who passes by the City Hall area of Singapore would have easily seen its captivating spires. Apparently, the original structure had a tower and spire which were destroyed by lightning. Thankfully, these were reconstructed and faithfully kept to their original architecture. Today, the cathedral’s Neo-gothic architecture, stained-glass windows and memorials draw both churchgoers and other visitors week after week.  

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Central Fire Station

Built in 1908. this striking white-red building along Hill Street, is the oldest active fire station in Singapore. It also houses the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery—an interpretative centre which narrates the history and development of Singapore’s Civil Defence Force. Pop inside the Central Fire Station to see a showcase of old fire-fighting equipment, uniforms, and stories of major fire incidents in Singapore. You can also gain hands-on experience of the latest firefighting technology currently deployed by Singapore’s firefighters.    

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CHIJMES

Made famous by the movie Crazy Rich Asians as the lavish wedding venue of the rich, CHIJMES is a hub of upmarket restaurants and pubs located right smack in the City Hall area. Popular as the backdrop for theatrical performances and weddings, CHIJMES Hall is an exquisitely restored early Gothic-style 19th Century chapel with intricate design and detail. CHIJMES dates back to the 1950s, where it began its life as a convent operated by French Catholic nuns. Declared a national monument in 1990, it is one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks.

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Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

Once upon a time, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall were the de facto places to catch arts and cultural performances. Up and running in 1909, the neoclassical venues were refurbished from 2010-2014 in a major exercise that thankfully preserved and enhanced its historic features. Catch a performance here to enjoy a trip to the past.

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Changi Village

Urbanisation has changed the landscape of much of Singapore’s neighbourhoods, but rustic charm still defines Changi Village. The laid-back neighbourhood is home to old-school hawker centres that serve up local comfort food, dotted with rare three-storey flats and a handful of old colonial houses. You can also spot bumboats near the jetty, ready to pick up passengers for a trip to Pulau Ubin or other islands. A trip here is like entering a time capsule where life slows to a crawl. 

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Civilian War Memorial

Marked by four pillars towering 65 metres high in a park, the Civilian War Memorial literally sticks out in the city hall area. Most locals would have visited it at least once during their school excursions. The memorial opened on February 15, 1967, and is lovingly nicknamed “The Chopsticks”. A visit here again would bring back school memories, as well as thoughts on Singapore’s wartime heritage. 

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Let the Pan Pacific Hotels Group which has both Serviced Suites and Hotels be your companion in your walk down memory lane. With establishments around central Singapore, your nostalgic staycation will be made all the sweeter. Book a room and rest each night in comfort as you reflect upon your day’s adventures.