The Peranakans, or the Straits Chinese, were the earliest Chinese immigrants to Singapore who had intermarried the local Malays and assimilated some of their customs and language. Their lifestyle is an interesting adaptation of women devoted much time to intricate craftwork like beading and embroidery, while meal preparation accounted for a large part of their time. Visit the Rumah Baba Exhibition at the Singapore History Museum to gain an overall view of the community. Next, proceed onto the Eastern side of Singapore which was once a stronghold of the Peranakans. Here, glimpses of traditional peranakan architecture and lifestyle still exists.
Water plays an important role in all our lives.
Since ancient times, Singapore has been know as a trading port because of our ideal waterways. We begin our exploration of the past from the present with the Suntec City Fountain of Wealth. A short walk takes us to the City Hall MRT station where we catch a train to the heart of our financial district, Raffles Place. Trace the early days of Singapore River. Explore the Chinese practice of Feng Shui , as we look at the formation of the Singapore River along the belly of the carp right in the heart of Singapore s financial hub.