Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Infobox Museum
name= Reflections at Bukit Chandu


caption=This colonial building is now a World War II interpretative centre named "Reflections at Bukit Chandu"
imagesize=300
established= 15 February 2002
location=Bukit Chandu, Singapore
website=http://www.s1942.org.sg

Set amidst the lush greenery of Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill) off Pasir Panjang Road in Singapore, Reflections at Bukit Chandu is a World War II interpretative centre developed and managed by the National Archives of Singapore.

The Centre was officially opened Dr Tony Tan (then Singapore Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence) on 15 February 2002. This date also marks the 60th anniversary of the fall of Singapore in 1942.

The Building

The bungalow in which the permanent exhibition is housed is one of the last remaining bungalows in Singapore that was built at the turn of the 20th century for British senior officers.

During the restoration of this building, authorities were careful not to change its architectural structure and design. The arches and windows remain the same. However the roof was changed for safety reasons.

History

It was on this hill that one of the fiercest and last significant battles - Battle of Bukit Chandu was fought before the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. The battle took place just two days before the surrender.

The Malay Regiment soldiers led by British Commanders were defending the western sector of Singapore but were forced to retreat to this hill.

For 48 hours, the Malay Regiment C Company and remnants from the 1st and 2nd Battalions engaged in one of the fiercest battles fought in Singapore. They were greatly outnumbered, and when they ran out of ammunition, they resorted to hand-to-hand combat to defend this hill, till the last drop of their blood. Many soldiers died on this hill. Those who survived were captured and massacred by the Japanese.

Exhibition Gallery

Past meets present here as visitors unfold Singapore’s place in World War II history.

Visitors will see how World War II began in Malaya which details the late 1930s socio-political climate of the Malay Peninsula, Japan’s invasion plans and the British's strategy in defending Singapore. There are exhibits of photographs, maps and artefacts to transport one back in time.

They will learn about the Malay Regiment – soldiers who valiantly fought in the Battle of Pasir Panjang, how they were recruited and trained, what they believed in, and reflect upon the universal values of courage, loyalty and honour through the stories of people who gave their lives to defending Singapore,

There are also multi-media presentations on the Battle for Singapore that detail various battles leading up to the British surrender on 15 February 1942. Also available are documentaries commissioned by the National Archives of Singapore, World War II paraphernalia, and stories that are told by war survivors.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can also venture to the nearby Canopy Walk that links Bukit Chandu to the Kent Ridge Park and back within just 10 minutes.

Take a leisurely stroll amongst the tree tops and learn more about the landscape of the Pasir Panjang historic district or venture further to take in panoramic views offered by the Southern Ridges’ 9-km chain of green and open spaces.

For Trekkers and Nature Lovers:Reflections is accessible by foot from Harbour Front Centre, through a series of nature walks and trails.

Route: Marang Trail (0.8km) – Faber Walk (1km) – Henderson Waves (0.3km) – Hilltop Walk (1km) – Forest Walk (1.3km) – Alexandra Arch (0.08km) – Floral Walk & HortPark (1.4km) – Canopy Walk (0.3km)

References

*The Malay Regiment - "Ta'at Dan Setia": 1933-1945 [http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/heritage/pasirpanjang/articles/the_malay_regiment-lim_kay_tong1999.html]

External Links

*Reflections at Bukit Chandu's website [http://www.s1942.org.sg/s1942/bukit_chandu/homepage.htm]
*National Archives of Singapore - Corporate Website [http://www.nhb.gov.sg/NAS]
*National Archives of Singapore - Access to Archives Online (a2o) [http://www.a2o.com.sg]
*National Archives of Singapore - 1942 Battlefield Singapore [http://http://www.s1942.org.sg]
*Australian War Memorial [http://www.awm.gov.au]
*Imperial War Museum, UK [http://www.iwm.org.uk]
*War Museums in USA [http://www.museumspot.com/features/warmuseums.htm]
*Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima, Japan [http://www.csi.ad.jp/ABOMB/pmm.html]
*Fort Siloso, Sentosa Island, Singapore [http://www.fortsiloso.com]
*People's Memorial, Singapore [http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Overseas/WorldWar2PeoplesMemorial.html]
*Lim Bo Seng, Memorial, Singapore [http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Overseas/limboseng.html]
*World War 1 & 2 Memorial, Singapore [http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Overseas/Worldwar1and2memorial.html]