#1 Malay Heritage Centre

The Malay Heritage Centre was our first stop of the day. Unfortunately, when we arrived there, it was closed. As you can see, the look of disappointment on Hema's and See Ming's faces say it all. (*points below*)

Fortunately however, some of the answers that we needed could be found around the compound of the heritage centre.

• Can you find the Gelam trees and the Bugis prahhu on the grounds?

The Gelam trees and the Bugis prahhu were pretty easy to spot in the compound due to the sheer size of the replica boat.Too bad we couldn't climb onto the boat itself as the stairs had been cordoned off.

Ok here's a picture of us with a replica of a Bugis prahu, specifically a pinisiq.





Shereen and I posing with the Gelam tree sign.


The Gelam tree and our dear Erjin.

• What can you find out about the Bugis people?

To answer this question, we had to refer to the information boards placed behind the pinisiq.
-The Bugis people originated from the coastal areas of South Sulawesi.
-They were accomplished sailors and sea traders and were also known for their military prowess.
-Between the 17th and 19th century, the combination of military and economic strength gave the Bugis leverage in influencing Malay politics far from their heartland.
-The Bugis pusaka consisted mainly of knives such as the bangkung tu', a form of machete and the gollo tu', a kind of keris.

We went back to the Heritage Centre later during the day where the staff passed us an information booklet that enabled us to answer the rest of the questions.

• What is another name for the Malay Heritage Centre?

Istana Kampong Glam

• What is it standing on the site of?

It is standing on the site of the former Istana of the Sultan of Singapore and the historical grounds of Kampong Glam.

• When was the Istana Kampong Gelam built?

It was built in the 1840s probably around 1845.

• Who designed the new Istana in 1835?

The new Istana was designed by George Coleman.