singapore legends come to life at gardens by the...
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MEDIA RELEASE
Singapore legends come to life at Gardens by the Bay Meet the storied figures from Singapore’s folklore in an orchid-themed floral display – one of the
highlights of the SG50 celebrations happening at the Gardens
Character inspired by “Merlion redesigned" – created by Lynette Wu,
Game Artist, School of Interactive & Digital Media, Nanyang Polytechnic.
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2015 – The mythical Merlion, the explorer prince Sang Nila Utama, Badang the strong man and the filial princess Radin Mas – see how these colourful characters of local legends are brought to life with the help of more than 8,000 orchids and plants in the floral display, “From Tales to Legends: Discover Singapore Stories”. “Singapore Stories” is just one highlight of the SG50 celebrations at the Gardens. For the first time, the iconic Supertrees will be transformed by stunning laser imagery in a special edition of the nightly “Garden Rhapsody” show. Topping off the festivities is ticketing promotions for both Singaporeans and overseas visitors.
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Here is the line-up of the SG50 activities at Gardens by the Bay: “Singapore Stories” Floral Display Be wowed by a floral interpretation of 10 local legends – Tanjong Pagar, Redhill, Sisters’ Island, Bukit Timah, Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island, Sang Nila Utama, Radin Mas, the Merlion, and the Singapore Stone – designed by award-winning Singaporean landscape architect Damian Tang. Taking place in the Flower Dome, the beauty of more than 8,000 orchids and plants in a plethora of colours is juxtaposed against intricately-carved wooden sculptures and structures, such as the tornado the Merlion battles against that is made up of banyan tree roots stacked up to 10 metres. As they view the floral display, visitors can also take a walk down memory lane with scenes from the past that pay tribute to the unsung heroes who helped build Singapore. Date: 31 July – 13 September 2015 “Garden Rhapsody” – SG50 edition For the first time, laser imagery will be used on the Supertrees in the SG50 edition of the nightly “Garden Rhapsody”. The Supertrees will light up with accompanying music composed and arranged by Bang Wenfu, and vocals by Singapore’s most prominent and popular musicians Robert Fernando, Rani Singam, Benjamin Kheng of The Sam Willows, iNCH, Nathan Hartono, and Singapore’s future generation of musicians, Lou Peixin, Miin Tong, and Glory Ngim. Held at the Supertree Grove, the SG50 edition of the Garden Rhapsody is free for all to enjoy. Date: 6 August – 10 August 2015 (with laser imagery) Ticketing Promotions Visitors to Gardens by the Bay can enjoy the following ticketing promotions:
(1) Local residents enjoy 50% off tickets to Conservatories during the Jubilee Weekend from 7 August to 10 August.
(2) Local senior citizens (60 years old and above) enjoy free admission to both Conservatories when they visit anytime between now and 31 August 2015. One accompanying caregiver can enjoy 50% off the ticket to both Conservatories as well.
(3) For tourists, one child enjoys free admission with every two Adult Standard Double Conservatories tickets purchased when they visit anytime between now and 31 December 2015. Guests have to print out the offer from Singapore Tourism Board’s Golden Jubilee page in order to enjoy the promotion.
Fringe Activities Gardens by the Bay is also an excellent vantage point to catch the spectacular fireworks and aerial displays performed by the Republic of Singapore Air Force on 9 August during the National Day Parade. Other celebratory programmes to look out for include the “Mass Dance for SG50” set to well-loved Singapore tunes on 8 August, and a jazz concert held in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Thailand-Singapore Diplomatic Relations. The “Sabai by the Bay” concert will feature the famous Thai saxophonist, Koh Mr Saxman, and his band The Sound of Siam.
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For more information, please refer to the Appendixes for Gardens by the Bay’s August Calendar of
Events (Appendix I) and “Singapore Stories” factsheet (Appendix II).
Members of the public can log on to www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/singaporestories to find out more.
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Media Contact
Jeanine Tan Gardens by the Bay DID: (65) 6636 2107 HP: (65) 9625 0887 Email: [email protected]
Kelly Wu MSLGROUP in Singapore DID: (65) 6327 0268 HP: (65) 9139 6634 Email: [email protected]
About Gardens by the Bay An integral part of Singapore’s “City in a Garden” vision, Gardens by the Bay spans a total of 101 hectares of prime land at the heart of Singapore’s new downtown – Marina Bay. Comprising three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central – Gardens by the Bay will be a showcase of horticulture and garden artistry that will bring the world of plants to Singapore and present Singapore to the World. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012. Gardens by the Bay was started as a project by the National Parks Board. It has since grown to become an independent organisation responsible for developing and managing what will be Asia’s foremost garden destination. To date, the Gardens has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the 2015 Guinness World Record for “Largest Glass Greenhouse”. It also received the prestigious "Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement" in 2014 from the Themed Entertainment Association, and special recognition from the Singapore Tourism Board for “Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism” in 2013. For its sustainable design and practices, it was conferred the “President’s Design Award 2013” in Singapore and certified with the “Green Mark for Parks Platinum Award” by the Building and Construction Authority. It received the Royal Institute of British Architects’ “Lubetkin Prize” for best new international building of 2013 and was named “World Building of the Year” at the World Architecture Festival in 2012. For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
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Appendix I
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: AUGUST 2015
GARDENS BY THE BAY CELEBRATES SINGAPORE’S 50TH BIRTHDAY
Singapore's 50th birthday celebration comes into bloom at Gardens by the Bay! Enjoy a host of offerings including a brand-new orchid floral display showcasing Singapore stories, a SG50 edition of the Garden Rhapsody music and light show, and special deals for admission to the cooled conservatories. What's more, as one of the satellite sites for this year's National Day Parade, visitors can catch spectacular fireworks and aerial displays performed by the Republic of Singapore Air Force on 9 August. Come celebrate with us at the Gardens!
“FROM TALES TO LEGENDS: DISCOVER SINGAPORE STORIES” FLORAL DISPLAY Amidst a sea of orchids, the mythical Merlion battles a 10-metre-high “wave” and saves a fishing village from nature’s wrath. Against the backdrop of an undulating green wall, a sorcerer’s evil plan and the mystery of Bukit Timah Hill unfolds. Hidden in a secret garden is the legend of Radin Mas and the enchanting story of a filial princess. In celebration of Singapore’s golden jubilee, 10 local folklore are brought to life through the creative use of orchids and other flowers in “From Tales to Legends: Discover Singapore Stories” – a SG50-commemorative floral display in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Designed by award-winning Singaporean landscape architect, Damian Tang, and featuring more than 8,000 orchids and plants, the colourful floral showcase recollects the many tales and legends that surround this city-island. Come discover the stories behind Tanjong Pagar, Redhill, Sisters’ Island, Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island, Sang Nila Utama and the Singapore Stone – as told through the language of plants. Along the way, take a walk down memory lane with scenes from the past that pay tribute to the unsung heroes who helped to build this nation.
Theme Date Time
From Tales to Legends: Discover Singapore Stories
Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 13 September 9am – 9pm*
* Extended until 10pm on National Day (9 August) Location: Flower Dome Details: Admission charge to the conservatories applies. Refer to Page 6 for ticketing promotions.
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GARDEN RHAPSODY – SG50 EDITION
In the evenings, the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay come to life in a spectacular light and sound show called “Garden Rhapsody”. Featuring laser imagery for the very first time, this SG50 edition of Garden Rhapsody celebrates Singapore’s 50th birthday with nostalgic favourites arranged and composed by Bang Wenfu, and sung by today's generation of Singaporean musicians such as Benjamin Kheng (The Sam Willows), indie singer iNCH, and many other prominent local singers.
Theme Date Time Location
Garden Rhapsody (SG50 Edition)
6 – 10 August (with laser projection)
7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9.15pm and 10pm
Supertree Grove
11 August – 13 September 7.45pm, 8.45pm
Details:
Programme is free.
PERFORMANCES
MASS DANCE FOR SG50 Looking for something unique and fun to do on the eve of National Day? First, enjoy a flash mob under the Supertrees, and then join us in a delightful mass dance set to your favourite Singapore tunes! Date: Saturday, 8 August Time: 6.30pm Location: Supertree Grove Details:
Programme is free. SABAI BY THE BAY Enjoy special jazz performances featuring the famous Thai saxophonist, Koh Mr Saxman, and his band The Sound of Siam. Look forward to top notch compositions amid a great chill-out atmosphere. This programme is held in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Thailand-Singapore Diplomatic Relations. Date: Saturday, 22 August & Sunday, 23 August Time: 3pm to 3.45pm; 4.15pm to 5pm Location: Flower Dome Details:
Admission charge to Flower Dome applies.
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TICKETING PROMOTIONS
Local Residents Local Senior Citizens Tourists
June
1 JUNE – 31 AUGUST Local senior citizens enjoy free admission to Conservatories.
9 JUNE – 31 DECEMBER One child enjoys free admission to Conservatories with every two Adult Standard Double Conservatories tickets purchased. Guests have to print out the offer from www.yoursingapore.com/golden-jubilee.html in order to enjoy the promotion.
July
August
7 – 10 AUGUST Local residents enjoy 50% off tickets to Conservatories during the Jubilee Weekend.
September
October
November
December
[FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS] JUBILEE WEEKEND PROMOTION
Local residents enjoy 50% off tickets to Conservatories during the Jubilee Weekend from 7 August to
10 August 2015.
[FOR LOCAL SENIOR CITIZENS] SG50 SPECIAL – FREE ADMISSION FOR SENIORS
Local senior citizens (60 years old and above) enjoy free admission to both Conservatories when they visit anytime between now and 31 August 2015. One accompanying caregiver can enjoy 50% off the ticket to both Conservatories as well.
[FOR TOURISTS] GOLDEN JUBILEE PROMOTION FOR TOURISTS
One child enjoys free admission with every two Adult Standard Double Conservatories tickets purchased. Guests have to print out the offer from Singapore Tourism Board’s Golden Jubilee page in order to enjoy the promotion. Offer is valid until 31 December 2015.
Terms & Conditions:
Promotion applies to Local Resident (Singapore Citizens / Permanent Residents) admission tickets.
Not applicable for online ticketing.
Not valid with any other offers, promotions or discounts.
Not valid for Friends of the Gardens Annual Pass.
Proof of residency is required when purchasing tickets and when entering the conservatories.
Terms & Conditions:
Guest have to print out a copy of the offer from www.yoursingapore.com/golden-jubilee.html and present at Ticketing Booths at Gardens by the Bay in order to enjoy the offer.
Not applicable for online ticketing.
Child is defined as aged between 3 to 12 years old.
Not valid with any other offers, promotions or discounts.
Admission ticket purchased is not refundable or exchangeable for cash and is only valid for the day of entry.
Terms & Conditions:
Promotion applies to Local Resident (Singapore Citizens / Permanent Residents) admission tickets.
The Jubilee Weekend promotion is redeemable via Online Ticketing and via Ticketing Booths at Gardens by the Bay.
Date of visit must be within the promotion period (7 to 10 August 2015) for the discount to apply.
Proof of residency is required when purchasing tickets and when entering the conservatories.
Each local resident may purchase up to 4 discounted tickets.
Not valid with any other offers, promotions or discounts.
Not valid for Friends of the Gardens Annual Pass.
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MEMBERSHIP PROMOTIONS
New and existing members who sign up or renew a one-year Friends of the Gardens membership between 7 August and 10 August 2015 can enjoy 50% off the usual membership fees.
Membership Type Promotional rate
Individual Adult
(13 - 59 years old)
$34
(U.P. $68)
Family
2 adults/seniors and up to
3 children (3 - 12 years old)
$90
(U.P. $180)
Family Plus
Up to 5 family members
(no age restriction)
$119
(U.P. $238)
Senior Citizen
(≥ 60 years old)
$30
(U.P. $60)
DINING
PEACH GARDEN – SG50 LOCAL DELIGHTS For this promotion, we have specially created five dishes featuring Singapore’s evergreen flavours such as Lobster Laksa Soup, Stir-fried Crispy Pork with Coffee Sauce, Gula Melaka Coconut Bun, Egg Tart with Shredded Coconut, and Grass Jelly Soya Bean drink. Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2015 – Monday, 10 August 2015 Time: 11am – 10pm (weekdays); 9.30am – 10pm (weekends) Location: Peach Garden Noodle House Details:
For more information and pricing, please call 6604 6733.
Terms & Conditions:
Valid for Adult Individual, Senior, Family and Family Plus memberships and also applicable for the purchase of Friends of the Gardens membership gift cards and vouchers.
Valid for both walk-in and online applications.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and concession rates.
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MAJESTIC BAY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT – SG50 GOURMET INDULGENCES For the month of August, we celebrate the nation’s 50th birthday with these irresistible $50 gourmet deals - Signature Boston Lobster Bee Hoon (usual $84) and House Wines by the Bottle (usual $69). Terms and conditions apply. Date: Saturday, 1 August 2015 – Monday, 31 August 2015 Time: 11:30am - 3:00pm (lunch) and 5:45pm - 9:00pm (dinner). Location: Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant Details:
One order per dining table for the Signature Boston Lobster Bee Hoon. Serves up to 4 diners.
Selected house wines available for promotion. Kindly contact 6604 6604 for more details.
While stocks last.
Price is subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
For enquiries or bookings, please call 6604 6604 or email [email protected]. SATAY BY THE BAY – 3RD ANNIVERSARY / SG50 LUCKY DRAW Customers stand to win 10 Lucky Draw Prizes, valued at ten times the amount you spend at Satay by the Bay! Simply submit your receipt(s) with details such as your name, nationality, gender, contact, and email address in the lucky draw box at Satay by the Bay. Terms and conditions apply. Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2015 – Wednesday, 30 September 2015 Location: Satay by the Bay Details:
The Lucky Draw prizes will be ten times the amount of the valid receipt(s) (excluding GST) in the submitted entry, with 50% in cash and 50% in Satay by the Bay (SBTB) dining vouchers.
Receipts from the same day may be combined for submission.
Only original receipts are valid for the Lucky Draw.
Tenants/ Staff of SBTB as well as their family members are not eligible for the Lucky Draw.
The Lucky Draw will be conducted on 14 October 2015 and results will be published on Facebook
and the website on 15 October 2015. Winners will be notified through email / phone call.
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Appendix II
From Tales to Legends: Discover Singapore Stories A floral tribute to Singapore's stories
Amidst a sea of orchids, the mythical Merlion battles a 10-metre-high “wave” and saves a fishing village from nature’s wrath. Against the backdrop of an undulating green wall, a sorcerer’s evil plan and the mystery of Bukit Timah Hill unfolds. Hidden in a secret garden is the legend of Radin Mas and the enchanting story of a filial princess.
In celebration of Singapore’s golden jubilee, 10 local folklore are brought to life through the creative use of orchids and other flowers in “Singapore Stories” – a SG50-commemorative floral display in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay.
Designed by award-winning Singaporean landscape architect, Damian Tang, and featuring more than 8,000 orchid plants and flowers, the colourful floral showcase recollects the many tales and legends that surround this city-island. Come discover the stories behind Tanjong Pagar, Redhill, Sisters’ Island, Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island, Sang Nila Utama and the Singapore Stone – as told through the language of plants. Along the way, take a walk down memory lane with scenes from the past that pay tribute to the unsung heroes who helped to build this nation.
Date: Friday, 31 July 2015 to Sunday, 13 September 2015 Time: 9am – 9pm* Location: Flower Dome Details: Admission charge to the Flower Dome applies * Extended until 10pm on National Day (9 August)
About Damian Tang
Damian Tang is a multiple award-winning landscape architect with
local and international titles to his name. He is Director of Design at
the National Parks Board, where he leads the landscape architecture
and the environmental graphic design teams, and is also President
of the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects.
Damian, who graduated from the University of Melbourne with a
Bachelor of Architecture and Masters of Landscape Architecture, is
known for his creative thinking and innovative ideas. He has more
than 10 years of experience, and his work includes designing
historical and cultural parks and gardens, setting the design direction
for regional parks and nature areas, and master planning of
landscapes in Singapore.
He has won several awards in the Fantasy Garden category at the Singapore Garden Festival,
including the Best of Show and Gold Awards for two consecutive years.
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About Lynette Wu
Lynette Wu, a game artist at the School of Interactive & Digital
Media at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), is the designer behind
“Merlion redesigned”, a reimagining of the Merlion that is the
inspiration behind the Merlion sculpture in “Singapore Stories”.
While studying in the US, Lynette conceptualised and created her
own rendition of the Merlion, in digital sculpture. Through her Merlion
masterpiece, she wanted to capture the strength of Singapore as a
fast-paced and successful nation, one which has evolved from a
third-world country into a first-world nation within a short period of
time. She injected the grandeur and majestic aura of Poseidon, the
Greek god of the Seas, and added a human element to the design –
all of which aptly reflects the upright, powerful stance of Singapore.
Lynette graduated with a Diploma in Digital Media Design from NYP in 2008, and later earned a
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development from Savannah College of Art
and Design in the US in 2014.
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Examples of orchids featured in “Singapore Stories”
Vanda Pachara Delight
This is a cross between Vanda Karulea and Vanda Gordon
Dillon. It has large, deep bluish purple flowers with light
tessellation. Its flower spike can produce up to six big blooms
with a diameter of up to five inches, and is fairly long lasting.
Paphiopedilum Maudiae
This hybrid between Paphiopedilum callosum and
Paphiopedilum lawrenceanum gives rise to several forms –
white with green veins, coloratum (red with darker red veins)
and vinicolor (deep burgundy). Vinicolor is pictured on the
right.
Oncostele Wildcat
The substantial flowers of this hybrid between Oncostele
Rustic Bridge and Oncidium Crowborough are almost
completely reddish-brown, except for some yellow. Its size and
long lasting blooms make it a worthy display.
Phalaenopsis Unimax Apple
This is a cross between Phalaenopsis Ming-Hsing Eagle and
Phalaenopsis Taisuco Cinrose. It is a petite plant that has
flowers of a sweet, rose pink colour blended with white.
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Phalaenopsis Ox Honey The blushing pink petals and deep red lip of the Phalaenopsis Ox Honey make it an attractive orchid for decoration. It is a hybrid between Phalaenopsis Tinny Honey and Phalaenopsis Bread Fortune.
Phalaenopsis amabilis Also known as the Moth Orchid or Moon Orchid, the Phalaenopsis amabilis is one of the first orchids to be described from the Far East. Featuring striking white petals, it is the national flower of Indonesia and a popular plant for creating new orchid hybrids.
Oncidium Sharry Baby alba This cross between Oncidium Jamie Sutton and Oncidium Honolulu has a long spray and rich scent, which create a spectacular effect when used in displays.
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Phalaenopsis Ta Chung Green Jade In this cross between Phalaenopsis Emeraude and Phalaenopsis I-Lan Green Pixie, the standard white Phalaenopsis is tinged with a light green tone over the throat, lip and lateral sepals, resulting in a subtle beauty.
Dendrobium Aridang Green Lightly striped in green, the Dendrobium Aridang Green stands out with its refreshing colour. It is a hybrid between Dendrobium Burana Jade and Dendrobium Olive Green.
Phalaenopsis Fuller’s Sunset The Phalaenopsis Fuller’s Sunset lives up to its name with strong, bright yellow flowers coupled with a contrasting orange red lip. It is a hybrid between Phalaenopsis Taisuco Date and Phalaenopsis Chian Xen Queen.
Phalaenopsis Taida King’s Caroline This hybrid between Phalaenopsis Ever-spring King and Phalaenopsis Ho’s Little Caroline may be small in size, but it is nonetheless captivating because of the bold purple stripes on its white flowers.
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Phalaenopsis I-Hsin Sesame The even distribution of purple spots on white flowers in this hybrid between Phalaenopsis Ching Her Buddha and Phalaenopsis Leopard Prince creates a dazzling effect.
Tolumnia Jairak Rainbow This lovely, small-sized cross between Tolumnia Tsiku Vanessa and Tolumnia Catherine Wilson has bright, jewel-toned flowers of varied colours.
Phalaenopsis Miki Galaxy This new hybrid between Phalaenopsis Miki Queen and Phalaenopsis Chian Xen Pearl has rich purple flowers that are speckled with white at the margins.
Miltoniopsis Lennart Karl Gottling 'Hula Skirt' The Miltoniopsis Lennart Karl Gottling ‘Hula Skirt’ bears gorgeous red blooms, with intricate patterns on its base lip.
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Vanda Miss Joaquim (Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim) The Vanda Miss Joaquim (Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim) was chosen in 1981 to be Singapore’s national flower for its vibrant colours and resilience, which are qualities that reflect the Singapore Spirit. The plant is named after Agnes Joaquim (1854 – 1899), an avid gardener and orchid breeder, as it was first found in her garden. It is a cross between Vanda teres and Vanda hookeriana, and is the first Vanda hybrid registered from Singapore. In 1897, it won a First Class Certificate at the Royal Horticultural Show in London.
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The 10 legends featured in “Singapore Stories” 1. Sang Nila Utama
Sang Nila Utama, ruler of the Sri Vijaya empire in Palembang, Sumatra, went on an expedition one day in search of new land for another city. He discovered an island, Temasik, with white sandy shores, and endeavoured to make his way there. On the voyage, he encountered a storm that threatened to sink his ship. To save his crew, Sang Nila Utama threw his crown overboard, instantly calming the waters and weather. Finally landing on Temasik, he chanced upon what appeared to be a lion, and so the island was named Singapura, which means “lion city” in Sanskrit. Did You Know? Sang Nila Utama is said to have ruled for 48 years before he died, and buried on the hill of Singapura. 2. Sisters’ Island
Minah and Linah were two beautiful sisters who were inseparable. While fetching water from a well one day, Linah stumbled upon a band of pirates. Mesmerised by her beauty, the pirate chief followed the terrified girl home, where he declared his intention to marry her. The next morning, the group returned and took Linah against her will. A desperate Minah swam after the boat but drowned, and Linah jumped into the water after her in sorrow. The following day, two islands formed where the sisters had drowned, and the landmark was named “Sisters’ Island”. Did You Know? It is possible to walk from Pulau Subar Laut (Big Sister’s Island) and Pulau Subar Darat (Little Sister’s Island) during low tide. 3. Bukit Timah
Deep in the forests of Bukit Timah lived a sorcerer who could turn people into stone. One day, hunters from a neighbouring village entered the forbidden forest. All except the fearless Brani were turned to stone. He was held captive as punishment for his arrogance. Time passed, and Brani awoke one day from a strange dream that seemed his key to escaping. He challenged the sorcerer to transform into a chicken and a worm. When this occurred, the chicken ate the worm and the sorcerer realised the process could not be reversed. Brani had successfully tricked the sorcerer, finally breaking the spell. Did You Know? Bukit Timah is home to Singapore’s tallest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, and primary rainforest reserve, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The origin of the name, Bukit Timah, which means “tin hill” in Malay, is unknown. Its name gives the impression that the hill is a good source of tin, though it has never yielded the silvery-white metal. 4. Tanjong Pagar
A long time ago, the southern coast of Singapore was said to have been teeming with swordfish, making it difficult for the local fishermen to go out to sea for their livelihood. Fearing danger from potential swordfish attacks, they approached the Sultan for help but he was unable to render any to the people. A young boy then thought of an ingenious solution – construct a barrier of banana stems along the coast to trap the fish. The sword-like bill of the fish would get caught in the stems, preventing it from harming the locals.
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Did You Know? Tanjong Pagar refers to “cape of stakes” in Malay, which describes the wooden pickets that support the offshore platforms (kelong in Malay) constructed largely to catch fish. 5. Redhill
This tale follows from the story of Tanjong Pagar. The young boy who had suggested constructing a barricade of banana stems along the coast to protect the locals against the swordfish was hailed a saviour by the villagers. The Sultan felt threatened by the boy’s popularity and was paranoid that he might overthrow him to become the next ruler one day. He thus ordered his guards to kill the boy atop the hill where he lived. When this happened, the boy’s blood flowed profusely down the hill, coating it in red, leading to the legend of Redhill. Did You Know? Redhill is one of the sub-zones that make up the area known as Bukit Merah (literally “Red Hill” in Malay), in Singapore. The land in this area has an orange-red hue, due to the presence of laterite soil. When devoid of vegetation, it transforms the landscape to one that is seemingly “blood soaked”. 6. Badang and the Singapore Stone
Badang was a poor fisherman whose wish was to become strong. One day, he captured a genie that had ruined his fish trap and ate all his fish. To secure its release, the genie granted Badang’s wish to be the strongest man alive. Badang soon became known for his strength and was appointed to battle warriors from other lands. One such challenge was a rock throwing competition, which Badang won effortlessly by hurling the rock into the sea, near the mouth of the Singapore River. This rock, with its ancient inscriptions, is believed to be the same one that the British colonial government blasted in 1842, as it posed a danger to ships in the area. Did You Know? A remaining piece of this rock, known as the Singapore Stone, is recognised as one of the island’s treasures for its historical significance. It is housed at the National Museum of Singapore. 7. Pulau Ubin
Three creatures, a pig, frog and an elephant, challenged each other to cross the Straits of Johor from mainland Singapore. This was a highly demanding task as it was said that those who did not succeed in doing so would be turned to stone. All three creatures, try as they might, failed in their attempt to cross the Straits. The elephant and the pig merged to become the main island of Pulau Ubin, while the frog became Pulau Sekudu (meaning “Frog Island”), the islet just off the main coast of the main island. Did You Know? Pulau Ubin got its name from its original Malay name, Pulau Batu Jubin, which translates to “Island of Granite Stones”. 8. Kusu Island
One day, in the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, a group of fishermen were out at sea when their boat was wrecked by a thunderstorm. A giant tortoise, seeing that they were on the brink of drowning, turned itself into an island. This allowed the fishermen to climb ashore and seek refuge. To display their gratitude, the fishermen made offerings of thanksgiving. Since then, the island has been treated with reverence, serving as a place of worship for many, particularly in the 9th lunar month.
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Did You Know?
The name of the island, Kusu, is “tortoise” in Hokkien, referring to the silhouette of the animal that the shape of the island takes after.
Another account focuses on the friendship between two holy men. Dato Syed Rahman, an Arab, and Yam, a Chinese, went on a journey to Kusu Island. There, Yam fell ill and the pair soon ran low on supplies. Syed stayed by his friend and prayed fervently for his recovery. They were then blessed with the appearance of a boat containing food and water that saved both their lives. As a result, the two men often returned to the island to offer their thanks and were eventually buried next to each other there when they died.
The Chinese temple and Malay shrine on Kusu Island are said to have been created and dedicated to the two holy men’s memory.
9. Radin Mas Radin Mas Ayu was a Javanese princess who left the kingdom with her father, Pangeran Adipati Agung, after her uncle, the king, ordered the death of her mother. They arrived on the island of Temasek and settled down as commoners in Telok Blangah. When he helped protect the island from danger, Pangeran’s lineage was discovered and the Sultan of Temasek arranged the marriage of his daughter to this great warrior. However, Radin Mas Ayu was despised by her stepmother who, with her nephew Tun Bagus, schemed against her and Pangeran. After failed plots and conspiracies, Tun Bagus then attempted to kill Pangeran himself. To protect her father, Radin Mas Ayu leapt in front of him as the blade struck, which ended up piercing her heart. Did You Know? Radin Mas refers to the areas spanning Tiong Bahru, Bukit Purmei and Redhill in Singapore. Radin Mas Ayu’s (meaning “sweet golden princess”) shrine at the base of Mount Faber, said to be where she is buried, continues to be visited by many today, although the authenticity of the tomb cannot be confirmed. 10. Merlion
On a dark and stormy night, the inhabitants of Temasek were awakened by the sound of howling winds and crashing waves. A huge creature, half lion and half fish, emerged from the raging waters and battled with the sea. Lightning flashed across the skies, adding to the intensity and striking fear in the hearts of the villagers. As time passed, the wind and waves subsided and it became clear that the massive creature had tamed the sea and was victorious in its battle. Did You Know?
The mythical creature, the Merlion, has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It was actually a logo that was designed in 1964 by Fraser Brunner, curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (now Singapore Tourism Board).
The Merlion’s body, which is that of a fish, represents Singapore as a port city and its reliance on maritime trade. Its lion’s head makes reference to the legend in the Malay Annals of Sang Nila Utama’s encounter with a lion when he first came to Temasek, which led to the name “Singapura” (“lion city” in Sanskrit).
There are strict guidelines by the Singapore Tourism Board governing the use of the Merlion in the production of artefacts. The most popular Merlion statue, standing at 8.6 metres and weighing 70 tonnes, is located at the Merlion Park, overlooking the Marina Bay.