Going to Singapore? Singapore day trips is a series of posts with fun and inspiring day trips for getting to know the city state.
This post invites you to explore Singapore along rail and river, beginning at the former Ford factory near Singapore's highest natural point and ending at the mouth of the Singapore River some 15 km down stream.
Let's get started!
Former Ford Factory
The Ford Motor Company established a factory in Singapore in 1926 to assemble cars for the Asian market. In the late 1930s work began on a new factory on a new site, but World War II happened and the factory was only in operation for two months before it was taken over by the British to produce war planes. Singapore fell a few months later and during the Japanese Occupation the factory produced military vehicles for the Japanese Army.
Today the site is home to excellent exhibitions about Singapore and World War II. One explains the events leading up to the Battle of Singapore and the British surrender in February 1942. Next is about life in Singapore during the Japanese Occupation. The final section is about the legacy of the war and the path leading to an independent Singapore city state.
"If a member of your family was abused or killed by the Japanese, but you know that learning Japanese would help you secure a job during the occupation, would you study the language?"
The site itself is not spectacular; there is no trace left of the production facilities beside the building facades and a few pictures inside. But the exhibitions are some of the best narrated that I have encountered and well worth a couple of hours of contemplation. Told through a wide selection of eye witness accounts supported by exhibits and well written displays, the exhibition takes you into the hearts and minds of those who lived through the times of hardship and pain.
The museum is a 10 minute walk from the nearest metro station (or you can take a bus). Entrance fee is affordable and comes with a complimentary illustrated book in English or Chinese. Check the website for opening hours and further details.
Rail Corridor
Next to the Former Ford Factory runs a now dismantled railroad. Today it is a green corridor for animals and hikers that will take you through past reservoirs and former train stations while taking in the flora and fauna of Singapore. It's less than 100 metres wide but takes you for a pleasant hike away from cars and crowds. If you are as lucky as we were, you will encounter a group of macaques.
You can take a detour into nature reserves and point of interests along the way or you can cut the hike short and catch a bus or train from one of the many exits along the trail. At the time of writing, the trail is still being established so you cannot walk the entire length to the bay. So skip it short, take a train for a few stops and continue along the Singapore River.
The trail also takes you close to the Singapore Botanic Garden, but that is more than a day trip of its own so safe that for another day.
Singapore River
The Singapore River was and is a vital asset for Singapore. In days past it provided fresh water for passing ships and fleets of barrages transported goods from ships anchored in the bay to warehouses along the lower river.
Today the flow of the river is regulated. Bridges and pedestrian paths make for easy exploration on foot. Bars and restaurants line the lower river and with the warm tropical climate, the area attracts party goers and tourists all year round. In the upper end wild otters navigate the river to a back drop of residential high rises interspersed with trees and parks.
In the day time you encounter people walking their dogs, in the night time street performers and restaurant callers. Soon to be eaten sea food observe you from colourful water tanks left and right. Even if you are not looking for food or drink, strolling along the Singapore river makes for an inspiring evening.
Take a detour into Chinatown or walk around the former harbour-now-fresh water-basin to the reclaimed land of parks and casinos.
Travelling to Singapore? Read 11 things to know when travelling to Singapore.