Candi Bumi Ayu • Links with Kingdom of Singapura

Candi Bumi Ayu is a Hindu temple from the 9th century during the time of the powerful Sri Vijaya empire (7th to 13th century) which, based in Palembang (South Sumatra), controlled both the Malacca and Sunda Straits i.e. all east west access between China and India / Arabia.

Origin of Nasi Tumpeng • Telling the History of Indonesia with One Dish

Nasi tumpeng is a unique Indonesian dish with a distinctive presentation - a cone of rice in the middle with a variety of side dishes arranged around its base and served on a round tray. No utensils, nasi tumpeng is best enjoyed by hand.

The dish has deep spiritual roots and significance. In my opinion, it is the most Indonesian dish - not due to its pervasiveness as it is mostly found in Java, but because it has been around for the longest time in Indonesian history. 

(Indonesia's Tourism Ministry in 2014, named nasi tumpeng a national dish along with soto, rendang, satay, nasi goreng, and gado-gado.) 

Mount Meru Abode of Gods to Bukit Seguntang to Bukit Langaran Singapura • Fort Canning Hill

Snow capped Mount Kailash in the Himalayas is the mythical Mount Meru - the centre of the universe, home of the gods in Hinduism (as well as Buddhism, Jainism and Tibetan Bon).

History of Nasi Tumpeng · Nasi Berkat · Nasi Ambeng · What's the Difference?

Nasi Ambeng (pronounced um'bng) is boiled rice served together with various side dishes. It is a popular dish sold in restaurants and food stalls in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. Nasi Ambeng is derived from Nasi Berkat originally from Central Java, Indonesia. Nasi Berkat in turn is related to Nasi Tumpeng, one of Indonesia's national dishes.

Boiling Sea into Salt in the Kingdom of Singapura or Temasek 煮海為鹽

Today, we tend to think of salt as a flavouring, seasoning, or preservative. Actually, humans need salt or sodium chloride for bodily functions in the same way as we need air and water. Salt was relatively scarce and valuable (wars were fought over it and people taxed on it) until about a hundred years ago when modern technology made it cheap and widely available.

Wine Brewing in Old Temasek 🌴 Dawn of Singapura Drink Culture 700 Years before Singapore Sling 🍸

Today, Singapore has a thriving, innovative, exciting drinking scene. But, when did drinking start in Singapore? What is the original Singapore drink culture? Nobody really knows.

Apparently, people in Singapore were already enjoying their drinks 700 years ago. This we know, thanks to the travelogue of Wang Dayuan 汪大渊, a Chinese adventurer who passed this way around 1330.

Majapahit Gold Armlet & Earring of Fort Canning Hill

This is the Majapahit Gold, a gold armlet excavated from Fort Canning Hill. It is one of the most fascinating exhibits at the National Museum of Singapore. It tells us a lot about Singapore's past, 700 years ago.

Mystery of the Headless Horseman in Singapore Museum

National Museum of Singapore is one of my favourite hangouts since childhood and this 700 year old headless horseman is one of its most fascinating exhibits. This little statuette connects our megapolis of today with the heyday of Singapura, the ancient Lion City of the 14th century.

National Museum of Singapore

Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897

Nearest MRT station: 10 minutes walk from Dhoby Ghaut & Bencoolen stations

Tel: +65 6332 3659

Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Mystery of Keramat Sultan Iskandar Shah @ Fort Canning Park ● Oldest Religious Monument in Singapore

Keramat Iskandar Shah at Fort Canning Park is a shrine dedicated to Sultan Iskandar Shah who was the last king of Singapura and the first Sultan of the Malacca Sultanate.

History of Orang Laut in Singapore & Johor ● From Feared Sea Warriors to Seafood Chefs

Many of us have eaten at Orang Laut operated seafood restaurants in Johor such as Restoran Todak, Restoran Mutiara Biru, Restoran Teo Orang Asli Seafood, etc. An appreciation of Orang Laut history may give us a bit of added flavour to make our seafood meal at these restaurants a little more delicious 😋