SINGAPORE – Learn about the history of the railway corridor, meet a local collector of Singapore Airlines memorabilia, or try to overcome your fear of bees.
These are just a few examples of a series of interesting experiences at the Singapore Heritage Festival 2022, which will take place from 2 to 29 May.
Entering its 19th edition, the festival will offer more than 120 in-person and online events to commemorate Singapore’s travel and natural heritage as it marks a series of historical milestones this year such as the 75th anniversary of Singapore Airlines; the establishment of Sentosa Development Corporation 50th anniversary; 50th birthday of the Merlion statue; and 10th anniversary of Gardens by the Bay.
After several years of mostly online events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as Singapore begins to reopen and ease pandemic restrictions, this year’s HeritageFest will offer more sports, with more than 60% of the events being in-person.
“This goes hand-in-hand with our festival themes of nature and travel best experienced in person,” said festival director David Chow.
“We want to bring heritage to life and allow festivalgoers to discover lesser-known aspects of our history in a refreshing way. I also hope that our programme will help spark certain conversations and make people think about Singapore’s history and heritage. “
The festival program will open for registrations at noon on Thursday (April 21). The public can visit the official Singapore Heritage Festival website for more information on the show and how to register.
Highlights of Singapore Heritage Festival 2022
This year’s HeritageFest lineup of projects involves 80 community partners and includes heritage and cultural trails, hands-on workshops, video documentaries, tours, exhibitions and digital programming.
Here are some highlights from the festival:
Home (29 April – 5 June, National Museum of Singapore)
An installation featuring a life-size train, inspired by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train that used to run from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. There is also video content on how the former railway line is now turned into a railway corridor for the community to explore Singapore’s natural heritage.
Lower Katie Bangsu Trail (May 14, 15, 28, Sembawang Park, $115 per person)
This channel will explore Khatib Bongsu, one of the largest mangrove river ecosystems in Singapore.
Wheels on the bus: The natural heritage of bees a happy family (May 7th, 8th, 14th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, Bee Wonder Garden, $50 per person)
Bee Amaze is a local bee farm, and this interactive tour will explore the behaviour of bees in Singapore and teach participants to identify what makes good honey. During the tour, there will be honey tasting, as well as a photo session with the bees.
Wheels on the Bus: Go Green, Be a Wagon!Insect Farm Tour Natural Heritage (May 7, 14, 21, 28, Insectta, $20 per person)
Find out how an insect farm works at Singapore’s first black soldier fly farm in Queenstown, and see how an insect farm is revolutionizing sustainable farming.
The Natural History of Three Plants in Singapore (May 7, 14, 21, Fort Canning Spice Garden and National Museum of Singapore, USD 96 per person)
A historian-led tour of Fort Canning Park Gardens explores the history of three of Singapore’s cash crops – coffee, pineapple and coconut – which were once the main drivers of Singapore’s economy. Learn about their impact on nature in Singapore, how they shape the landscape, and lessons that can be used to promote a better understanding of sustainable lifestyles.
Blue Pea Miracle Workshop (May 21, 420 Pasir Ris Drive 6, $90 per person)
A culinary and craft workshop focused on admiring the butterfly pea plant, native to Asia and known for its healing properties. Participants will discover the cultural significance and culinary uses of the humble blue pea from around the world.
MasterCraft: Conversation and Woodworking Workshop with Roger & Sons (May 7, 115 King George Avenue, $100 per person)
An afternoon of conversations with Roger & Sons’ team about local tree projects and carpentry workshops as they illuminate the future of the woodworking industry through the stories of local trees and their efforts to utilize local resources and reduce waste. Participants will also have the opportunity to make their own wooden chopsticks and pencils.
Air traffic control – we take you home (14 May 7, 10am & 1pm, Singapore Aviation Academy)
Find out how the Singapore Aviation Academy became the training base for Singapore’s air traffic controllers. Experience the day and night views of Changi Airport’s ‘Control Tower’ with a dedicated training simulator.
Goodwood Park Hotel Tour (May 13, 14, 28, Goodwood Park Hotel, $35 per person)
Discover stories about this historic hotel and learn about its transformation over the years, with special access to view the Rose Marie Suite. Visitors can also enjoy afternoon tea after the tour.
Merli-Go-Round to Singapore HeritageFest (available via VisitSingapore mobile app)
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Merlion statue this year, the Merli-Go-Round to Singapore HeritageFest game invites you to embark on a themed exploration of four cultural districts (Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and Katong Joo Chiat) to earn – in-game currency and Win exclusive Merli-themed prizes.
Home Museum: Travel and Natural Heritage Collection (Online)
Three collectors share a home collection themed around HeritageFest’s travels and natural heritage. From Singapore Airlines souvenirs to taxidermy to nature and plants – what prompted them to do so?
Community Association Series: Who Are We? (online)
This online series follows a host on a journey to understand how different ethnic groups preserve their traditions as she tries to understand her cultural identity in modern Singapore. In each episode, hosts learn traditional skills from artisans and learn about the challenges of keeping cultural practices alive.
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