Singapore Heritage Fest

Curators’ Tour of Once Upon A Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Once Upon a Tide: Singapore's Journey from Settlement to Global City! Explore the special exhibition with our curators, Daniel Tham & Ruchi Mittal, as they share about how they conceptualised the exhibition's narrative and provide insights on their selection of stories and artefacts.

This programme is presented in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest. Photographs taken during the programme may be used in the Museum’s publicity materials.

Knots & Calm

Discover the meditative art of rope craft in this hands-on workshop. Drawing inspiration from the seafaring traditions that shaped Singapore, participants will learn about the Turk’s Head knot, a decorative knot once used by sailors and traders who navigated the island’s waters centuries ago.

Participants will get to create their own coaster using the Turk’s Head knot. The mindful process of knotting natural fibres and weaving intricate patterns offers a unique opportunity to slow down and allow each rhythmic twist and turn of the cord to become a moment of mindful presence, letting stress drift away.

This programme is presented in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest. Photographs taken during the programme may be used in the Museum’s publicity materials.

A Lighter Side of History: Our Trading Port

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Singapore’s maritime heritage with this unique experience that traces our island nation’s transformation from a trading post to one of the world's busiest waterways.

We begin with an exclusive curator-led tour of the National Museum’s Once Upon a Tide exhibition, where stories of Singapore’s trading history reveal how the sea has always been our lifeline.

Next, join an expedition into the bustling Singapore Strait and witness how these waters continue to sustain our daily lives, while uncovering the secrets of offshore islands.

Finally, round off the experience at Sisters' Islands Marine Park, Singapore's first marine park, where conservation meets heritage. This immersive experience blends history and industry, offering insights into Singapore's maritime legacy.

This programme is presented in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest. All participants are advised to wear comfortable footwear and bring an umbrella or raincoat in the event of inclement weather. The programme duration may be slightly affected due to traffic and weather conditions. One-way transport and bento lunch will be provided. Photographs taken during the programme may be used in the Museum’s publicity materials. This programme will end at Singapore Maritime Gallery.

HistoriaSG: Traders of the Sea

From storm-lashed sea passages to the bustling waters of Temasek, heritage researcher and guide Sarafian Salleh explores how Bugis seafarers navigated monsoon routes, built trading networks, and shaped port cities through skill, courage, and adaptability. This talk highlights their maritime technologies, political influence and cultural legacies, revealing why the Bugis remain central to Singapore’s oceanic past.

This programme is presented in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest. Photographs taken during the programme may be used in the Museum’s publicity materials.