To know more about city planning and conservation, check out Urban Redevelopment Authority’s visitor centre

at 45 Maxwell Road, The URA Centre, Singapore 069118

Tel: (65) 6321 8321 Fax: (65) 6226 3549

Email: ura_gallery@ura.gov.sg

www.ura.gov.sg/gallery

We are open from Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 5pm. Admission is free.

More Maps Available Online:Go to Singapore City Gallery to pick up more maps of other areas in Singapore worth rediscovering or celebrating our city, or go online to download atwww.singaporecitygallery/res_walking_maps/

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information listed is accurate at the time of publication. Changes to the information may have occurred since going to press. Urban Redevelopment Authority shall not be held reliable for any damages, loss, injury or inconvenience arising in connection with the contents of this publication. © URA, 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in a any way without prior written permission from URA.

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To make Singapore a great city to live, work and play in

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Singapore’s city centre is home to various districts, each with its distinct character and identity.

Orchard Road – Singapore’s premier shopping haven. Marina Bay - Our city around the bay - envisaged as a “city-in-a-garden” in a home-work-play environment, and host to the next generation Business and Financial Centre. Civic District - site of our historic past - with a concentration of colonial buildings. Historic Districts of Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India - settlements of the Chinese, Malay and Indian communities - with an abundance of lovingly restored shophouses.

Right in the heart of our city centre is the Bras Basah.Bugis district - Singapore’s budding Arts, Culture, Learning and Entertainment district.

DISTRICT CHARACTER CENTRAL AREA

ORCHARD ROAD SINGAPORE RIVER CIVIC DISTRICT

LITTLE INDIA KAMPONG GLAM

MARINA CENTRE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT MARINA BAY

CHINATOWN

Start your exploration from Bugis Junction, near the Bugis MRT Station

Bugis Junct ion [1] i s S i n gapore ’s f i r s t a i r-conditioned sky-lit shopping arcade. Flanked by quaint historic shophouses, it is a charming showcase of how the old-world is artfully combined with the new-world.Bugis Junction

Wet market at Albert Mall

Mural at Stamford Arts Centre, by the Urban Redevelopment Authority

Meander through the local bazaar at Bugis VillageCross Victoria Street and head towards Bugis Village [2], a covered street bazaar thronged with stalls offering knick knacks, funky finds, souvenirs and local delicacies. If you’re game, try the king of all fruits - the durian. Or drop by some of the stalls selling tee shirts designed by budding young local designers.

Soak in the energy of the street life at Albert MallThe main thoroughfare of the Bugis area is Albert Mall [3], a magnet for the local community and tourists alike to savour its colourful street life. Rub shoulders with the snake charmer along the mall, selling the miracle cures of medicated snake oil. Take a ride on one of the many colourful trishaws [4] or explore the local “wet” market [5], where locals go for their daily fresh produce and poultry. Clogs for sale at Bugis Village

King of fruits - the durian Street wear at Bugis Village

Vegetable stall at the “wet” market

Walking Route

Places of interest

City Campuses

Civic & Cultural Buildings

Architectural Interest

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Revel in the colours of Waterloo MallWhile you’re at this stretch, you can’t miss the stalls selling religious icons and lotus flowers. Along Waterloo Mall, two temples - the Buddhist Kwan Yin Temple [6] and the Hindu Sri Krishnan Temple [7], stand side by side in reverence and peace, the epitome of religious harmony in Singapore. Walk on to the other side of the mall, and you see the boundary wall of the Stamford Arts Centre [8], creatively imprinted with colourful murals painted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and students from LaSalle College of the Arts, reflecting the eclectic and unique character of Bras Basah.Bugis.

Bringing Arts to the CityPop by the campus of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) [9] - an arts education institution specialising in visual and performing arts and fashion studies. Take in the delightful mural on the boundary wall of Singapore Council of Women’s Organisation [10], designed and painted by the NAFA students.

Flowers and joss sticks for sale along Waterloo Mall

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts along Bencoolen Street Art students from NAFA

Did you know?Named after the rugged Bugis traders who came to Singapore from Sulawesi in Indonesia, the infamous old Bugis Street - where Bugis Village is currently located - used to be a haven for transvestites, prostitutes and rowdy sailors.

Source : NAFA

Albert Mall Sri Krishnan Temple Kwan Yin Temple Action Theatre

Source : NAFA

Immerse into the arts along Waterloo StreetWaterloo Street - a stretch dedicated to various arts uses and activities, is a sight to behold, with its array of pre-war bungalows and shophouses in different architectural styles. The street is akin to an open-air architectural museum.

Step into the delightful Sculpture Square [11] - a contemporary art exhibition space showcasing art pieces of local and Asian talents. Need a breather? Make a stop at the quaint cafe within Sculpture Square. Popular with the local student community, it is a delight for the senses. Further up along Waterloo Street, put on your dancing shoes at the Dance Ensemble Singapore [12], or learn a brush stroke or two at the Singapore Calligraphy Society [13].

Marvel at the colonial grandeur of the Singapore Art MuseumThe architectural grandeur of the Singapore Art Museum [14] beckons as you take a left turn along Bras Basah Road . The S ingapore Ar t Museum, one of Singapore’s f inest example of colonial architecture, once housed the Saint Joseph’s Institution. Today, the building is home to a permanent collection of over 4000 Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art pieces.

Sculpture Square

Singapore Calligraphy Society along Waterloo Street

Singapore Art Museum

Vibrant city campus - Singapore Management UniversityAcross Bras Basah Road is the city campus for the Singapore Management

University (SMU) [15]. Together with the art and commercial schools

in the area, the campus injects more buzz and youthful energy to Bras

Basah.Bugis, reinforcing its character as Singapore’s Arts, Culture,

Learning and Entertainment district.

Singapore Management University at Bras Basah Road

Source : Singapore Management University

Bras Basah Green within the SMU campus grounds

Indulge in al fresco dining at ChijmesFrom the building’s architectural splendor to its intimate sunken courtyard within, it is hard to believe that Chijmes [16] was once a school with a chapel. In fact, the name Chijmes is a derivation of Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus - the name of the school. The building, which was built in 1890, was an award winning conservation project. Explore and be delighted by the unique architectural features of the building. Stop by for some refreshments at the delightful courtyard enclosed by restaurants, bars and pubs, or browse through the quaint boutique galleries.

Catch a glimpse of the National LibraryAs you head back towards the Bugis MRT Station, you’ll see Singapore’s 18 storey state-of-the-art National Library [17]. The National Library building also houses the National Arts’ Council’s Drama Centre.

Courtyard at Chijmes National Library

Did you know?Since its opening in 2005, there has been a 50% increase in the vistorship and the number of book loans.

One of the few remaining hills in the Central Area, Mount Sophia was an important part of the old inner city of Singapore at the turn of the 19th century.

It is one of the earliest middle-class residential districts in Singapore, with a number of grand prominent houses on the hill as early as 1880.

Today, it showcases of a mix of shophouses and terrace houses of varying architectural styles. Many historic buildings have stood the test of t ime and serve to retain the charming character and streetscape of the area. Stroll down Niven Road [1] to view the rows of quaint shophouses and their intricate architectural details.

Selegie & Niven

Shophouses along Niven RoadArchitectural features along Niven Road

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Former Selegie Primary

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Enjoy a drink at Prinsep PlaceHave a drink or a snack at Prinsep Place [2] and take in the charming ambience of the conserved shophouses. This area is popular with the students and the nearby working crowd. Some of the restaurants and cafes open late into the night. Check out the gallery at Selegie Arts Centre [3], home to the Photographic Society of Singapore.

City Campuses for the ArtsThe LaSalle College of the Arts [4] is one of the new landmarks in the Bras Basah.Bugis area. Situated along Prinsep Street, LaSalle College of the Arts features a series of lofty, sky-lit internal streets which are pedestrian friendly and open up new possibilities such as vibrant street activities. Another new landmark is School of the Arts, Singapore’s first independent, pre-tertiary arts school. Opened in 2009, the school is located at Kirk Terrace, adjacent to the Singapore Management University.

Prinsep PlaceView of the public courtyard at LaSalle College of the Arts

School of the Arts © WOHASchool of the Arts © WOHA

In modern Singapore, Fort Canning Hill [1] offers vast tracts of greenery - providing a quiet and peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the bustling city. The cluster of civic and cultural buildings and museums adds to the dignified character of the park. Also to be found lying scattered in the park are many historic relics, markers of Singapore’s colonial past. Fort Canning Centre [2], the grand and imposing 65-year-old restored military barracks, is now a major cultural venue, and residence of Singapore modern Dance Theatre. Catch a cultural performance or a rock concert at Fort Canning Green [3], where the gently sloping green serves as a natural stage. Take in the cool evening breeze while enjoying an outdoor performance. Or simply get under the shade of a tree to read a book in the surrounding of a lush green park.

Historic Gothic Gates at Fort Canning Hill

Torch Ginger Plant at the Spice Garden, Fort Canning Hill

Fort Canning Hill

Historical relics at Fort Canning Hill

Source : National Parks Board

Source : National Parks Board

Source : National Parks Board

Source : National Parks Board

Fort Canning Hill

The old name was Central Park. This 19-hectare historical hill was the residence of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Sir Stamford Raffles established his government house on this hill in 1819. Visitors to Fort Canning Hill will find a number of relics reflecting the past glory of the hill.

Activities at Fort Canning Green

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Did you know?Peranakan culture is unique to Southeast Asia. It is the culture of an old immigrant Chinese community that settled in what was known as the Straits Settlements : Malacca, Penang and Singapore.

Sky-lit atrium at MICA Building

Peranakan Museum

National Museum of Singapore Central Fire Station

For a taste of Peranakan culture, the Peranakan Museum [6] at Armenian Street is the place to go. Built in 1910, this beautiful museum houses a suite of galleries showcasing Peranakan and Straits Chinese culture, which was an integral part of Singapore’s colourful history.

A cultural icon of our era, the National Museum of Singapore [7] buzzes with festivals and events all year round, and bringing you closer to our heritage.

The Museum retells history in innovative and cutting-edge ways, redefining the conventional museum experience. Relive within this beautiful historical monument, the culture and history of S i n g a p o re , a n d discover our nation’s story, right in the heart of our city.

Stroll into the sky-lit atrium of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) building [4]. Erected in 1934, the restored building was the old Hill Street Police Station which, at its time, was the largest government building and was regarded as a modern skyscraper. The ground level of this grand building houses several art galleries now.

Along Hill Street, admire the quaint, beautifully restored Central Fire Station [5]. The station was built in 1909 and remains the oldest functioning fire station in Singapore today. Drop by the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery in this iconic red and white building to learn about the history of fire fighting in Singapore.

At the foot of Fort Canning Hill, you will find a cluster of museums and cultural institutions, housed in lovely historic buildings.

Peranakan exhibits at the Asian CivilisationsMuseum

WALKING ROUTE

Bugis JunctionAddress : 230 Victoria StreetBugis Junction Tower, Singapore 188024Opening Hours : Daily 10am to 10pmTel : 6557 6557

Bugis VillageAddress : 229 Victoria StreetSingapore 188023Opening Hours : Daily 11am to 11pm

Local “wet” marketAddress : Blk 270 Queen StreetSingapore 180270Opening Hours : Tues to Sun 5.30am to 1pm

Kwan Yin TempleAddress : 178 Waterloo StreetSingapore 187964Opening Hours : Daily 6am to 6pmTel : 6337 3965

Sri Krishnan TempleAddress : 152 Waterloo StreetSingapore 187961Opening Hours : Daily 6.30am to 12pm5.30pm to 9pmTel : 6337 7957

La Salle College of The ArtsAddress : 1 McNally StreetSingapore 187940Opening Hours : Daily 9am to 8.30pmTel : 6496 5000

Sculpture SquareAddress : 155 & 161 Middle RoadSingapore 188977Opening Hours : Mon to Fri 10am to 6pmSat to Sun 12pm to 6pmTel : 6333 1055

SELEGIE & NIVEN

Selegie Arts CentreAddress : 30 Selegie RoadSingapore 180030Opening Hours : Mon to Fri 2pm to 10pmSat to Sun 12pm to 6pmTel : 6334 3361

FORT CANNING

Fort Canning ParkOpening Hours : Daily 24 hours

Fort Canning CentreAddress : Cox TerraceSingapore 179618Opening Hours : Mon to Sat 8.30am to 5.30pmTel : 6332 1200

Central Fire StationAddress : 62 Hill StreetSingapore 179367Tel : 6332 2996

Civil Defence Heritage GalleryOpening Hours : Tues to Sun 10am to 5pm (including public holidays) Closed on Monday

Peranakan MuseumAddress : 39 Armenian StreetSingapore 179941Opening Hours : Mon 1pm to 7pmTues to Sun 9.30am to 7pm, Fri 9.30am to 9pmTel : 6332 7591

ACTION TheatreAddress : 42 Waterloo StreetSingapore 187951Opening Hours : Mon to Fri 9am to 6pmTel : 6837 0842

Singapore Calligraphy SocietyAddress : 48 Waterloo Street Singapore 187952Opening Hours : Mon to Sat 9am to 6pm Sun 9am to 5pmTel : 6337 7753

Young Musician’s Society Arts CentreAddress : 54 Waterloo StreetSingapore 187953Opening Hours : Mon to Fri 9am to 10pmTel : 6332 5813

Dance Ensemble SingaporeAddress : 60 Waterloo Street Singapore 187957Opening Hours : Daily 10am to 6pm Tel : 6334 7192

Singapore Art MuseumAddress : 71 Bras Basah Road,Singapore 189555Opening Hours : Mon to Sun 10am to 7pm Extended Hours on Fri: 10am to 9pm Free admission on Friday night, 6pm to 9pm Tel : 6332 3222

Mural at Stamford Art Centre, by students from LaSalle College of the Arts

Source : LaSalle

Mural at Singapore Council of Women’s Organisation,by students from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Source : NAFA

MICA BuildingAddress : 140 Hill Street, MICA BuildingSingapore 179369Opening Hours : Daily Mon to Fri 10am to 5pmTel : 6270 7988

National Museum of SingaporeAddress : 93 Stamford RoadSingapore 178897Tel : 6332 3659

Singapore History GalleryOpening Hours : Daily 10am to 6pm(Last Admission : 5.30pm)

Singapore Living GalleryOpening Hours : Daily 10am to 8pm(Free Admission 6pm to 8pm)

Singapore Philatelic MuseumAddress : 23B Coleman StreetSingapore 179807Opening Hours : Mon 1pm to 7pmTues to Sun 9.00am to 7pmTel : 6337 3888

The Bras Basah.Bugis district, alive with creative buzz and youthful energy, is bounded by Rochor Road, Beach Road, Selegie Road and Fort Canning Hill. The area is a treasure trove of cultural and architectural references with its compelling blend of old and new buildings.

While other areas plunge into a quest to modernise, Bras Basah.Bugis retains its hold on its past and revels in its rich architectural and cultural heritage. The area is home to numerous arts groups clustered along Waterloo Street.

Bras Basah.Bugis will reign again as the hub of renowned educational institutions in the city as it did in the past, with new city campuses being established in the area.

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