The building that was the Japanese headquarters still stands today (Photo: Claire Leow)
Sunday 30th June 2013, Jon Cooper conducts the very popular battlefield tour.
On Feb 15, 1942, Singapore fell just one week after Japanese forces landed. As they headed down south, fierce battles were fought in the Adam Park area and the fighting extended to Bukit Brown, then known as Cemetery Hill.
“On the evening of 14th February 1942, the rolling hills of the Bukit Brown Cemetery were suddenly engulfed in a barrage of flame and fire. It appeared like scene from Dante’s ‘Inferno’. ”
Jon Cooper, the battlefield archaeologist behind The Adam Park Project, wrote this gripping account as he retraced the battle ground route with all things Bukit Brown.
This is your chance to brush up on your history. Jon Cooper will take you through the paces. Don’t miss his energetic retracing of the movements on both sides, as we commemorate the fallen. You will be expected to do some walking in the sun, so wear good walking shoes and bring snacks and water. The tour ends at the Bukit Brown Cemetery, where you will see the graves among which the soldiers sheltered and fought.
Meet us at the bridge on Sime Road entering Bukit Brown, opposite the SICC traffic light. Start time: 9 a.m. Ends at 11:30 a.m.
This tour is limited to 20 persons, with a fee of $15 per person, while children under 12 come for free. The size is kept small for safety reasons and for ideal interaction as Jon shares the maps, photos and stories of the battles. All proceeds go to Jon’s Adam Park project to help find war artifacts during this 71st anniversary of the Fall of Singapore. All things Bukit Brown is only the organizer as we support the work that Jon and his team are doing out of respect for our common heritage.
Reply to this post to register for the tour.
Jon’s post on his interest in Bukit Brown and the missing soldiers is here.
For a visual guide to your route, cartographer Mok Ly Ying has done this wonderful guide map for you.
Previous tour reports here:
July 22 2012 tour here and here
June 17 2012 Father’s Day Special
*****
To help you plan your Sunday morning and enjoy the tour, you can follow this map of a previous one: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208524362450694978161.0004cc9d065f2a171893d&msa=0&ll=1.336901,103.817351&spn=0.003566,0.005681
Jon conducts the Battlefield Tour once a month, when time permits. For other war-related stories, you can join tours by All Things Bukit Brown on the heritage tours.
Participants (total 21):
Aaron Chan (1)
Zhi Hao (1)
Selina + guest (2)
Roberto Cartelli + guest (2)
Darius Fan (1)
Kelly Cheng (1)
Xue (1)
Lindsay & Simon (2)
Shing Gene + guest (2)
Jai & Rajini (2)
Alvin Chow + guest (2)
Eric (1)
Heng Swee Kiang + 2 guests (3)
All Things Bukit Brown and Chui Huay Lim Club proudly present an exhibition and talks on Bukit Brown Cemetery tracing its history and significance to the development of Singapore.
Our Roots, Our Future has 4 themes:
A) History – Bukit Brown’s place in the history of the evolvement of Chinese cemeteries in Singapore, its administration and topography.
A 1898 map of Bukit Brown and its environs
B) Our Pioneers – their contributions to social and community services, education, commerce and banking; the role members of the Singapore chapter of Tong Meng Hui (China Revolution Alliance) and Republican Party played in the 1911 Revolution which changed the course of China’s history.
Pioneers of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce
C) Tomb Culture – understanding tomb design, carvings and statuary in relation to feng shui principles and beliefs; the development of features unique to South East Asia such as Peranakan tiles and Sikh guards; inscriptions with different calendar systems, ranks , and insignia reflecting a century of political change of China and colonial powers.
The Feng Shiu of a Nanyang Tomb ( photo Lai Chee Kien)
D) The Living Cemetery – speaks to the potential of Bukit Brown for UNESCO World Heritage listing by showcasing the popular weekend heritage and nature tours conducted by volunteer guides, flora and fauna, student projects, refurbished tombs, Qing Ming and the community of tomb keepers.
Raymond Goh – sharing the history and heritage of Bukit Brown
Exhibition artifacts include a 3 D model of Bukit Brown, implements used in feng shui and a display of Peranakan tiles.
One of many Peranakan tiles which can be found in Bukit Brown (Photo Victor Lim)
Complementing the exhibition is a series of talks which include presentations on cemetery research in Malaysia and Singapore culminating in a panel discussion, nature in Bukit Brown, personal accounts by descendants on rediscovering their roots and Qing Ming practices.
There will be also be a screening and talk by the producer of “Light on Lotus Hill” – an award winning documentary set against the backdrop of the Sino Japanese war about the Buddhist Abbot Venerable Pu Liang and the part he played in supporting the China Relief Fund and the recruitment of Nanyang volunteers who served on the Burma Road
For the full programme of talks please click Our Roots, Our Future : The Talks
About the Organisers:
Chui Huay Lim Club established since 1845, has a rich history of 167 years. It was originally setup for Teochew businessmen to engage in business networking and recreational activities.
All Things Bukit Brown is the banner for a group of dedicated volunteers who conduct weekly public tours and independent research on the history, habitat and heritage of Bukit Brown Cemetery. They share their on-going learning journey in “Our Roots, Our Future”
Complementing the exhibition Bukit Brown : Our Roots, Our Future is a series of talks in English and Mandarin which will be held at the Chui Huay Lin Club, Level 4, 190 Keng Lee. No registration required. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Kindly please be seated 15 minutes before the talk. It would be appreciated if you could indicate your attendance by clicking on the Facebook page : Our Roots, Our Future , look for “events” on the top right hand corner and click “join” to indicate your attendance in the event page you are interested in. More details on the talks are also available on the Facebook page
为了配合“百年武吉布朗：追古抚今”展览的举行，醉花林和武吉布朗学会将在醉花林会所（190 Keng Lee Rd）四楼演讲室举办一系列座谈会。讲座无需报名，座位有限，先到先得。请于讲座开始前15分钟入席。有兴趣出席讲座的朋友，请在相关的Facebook活动网页右上角点击”Join”，方便我们估计出席人数。
This week, there are two tours at Bukit Brown, one by Post Museum (Sat 4-6 pm) and one by All Things Bukit Brown (Sun 9-12), with its event posting here. Click on the hyperlinks if you are a Facebook user.
Sunday June 16 Tour:
Some tombs are marked (staked) for exhumation (Photo: Claire Leow)
-
Guides: Andrew, Steven, Fabian. ==========================
=============== By agreeing to take this walking tour of bukit brown cemetery I understand and accept that I must be physically fit and able to do so.
To the extent permissible by law, I agree to assume any and all risk of injury or bodily harm to myself and persons in my care (including child or ward).
==========================
=============== Come visit Bukit Brown Heritage Park and see for yourself why this place is currently ranked among the top ten attractions of Singapore by tripadvisor.com.sg
It is history, heritage and habitat concentrated in an area 173 acres, that can be worthy of a Singapore heritage site worthy of preservation.
Meeting Place: Under the large and beautiful, and possibly endangered, rain tree, at the Roundabout.
After the main gate, go ahead another twenty metres, to the right of the SLA Bukit Brown officeFor information on how to get there and handy tips please visit
http://bukitbrown.com/main/?p=1347 ==========================
============== Registration:
Our weekend public tours are FREE …
Optimally the group size is 30 participants (15 individuals/guide).Please click ‘Join’ on the FB event page to let us know you are coming, how many pax are turning up, or just meet us at the starting point at 9am. We meet there rain or shine.
==========================
============== The tour:
Bukit Brown Heritage Park is about 173 acres in extent, bordered by Lornie Road, Thomson Road and the Pan-Island Expressway. It lies just to the south of the Central Catchment Forest, being separated from it by Lornie Road and includes Singapore’s only Chinese Municipal Cemetery. With more than 100,000 graves, Bukit Brown is also one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside of China.
Don’t forget to bask in the peaceful surrounds, and also chat with your guides and make friends with other participants. We are amateurs and volunteers, but we are passionate and serious about what we do at Bukit Brown, and we encourage sharing of knowledge.
Here is a map of the grounds:
http://bukitbrown.com/main/wp-content/uploads/ 2012/02/ API.BBC_.Map_.ver3_4.jpg ==========================
============== Please take note:
1. We will be walking mainly on paved roads. But there are hill treks so dress appropriately, especially your footwear.
2. Wear light breathable clothing. Long pants and long sleeves if you are prone to insect bites or sunburn. Bring sunblock and natural insect repellent.
3. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes as safety is important. Walking sticks are recommended.
4. Do read up on Bukit Brown before going so you have a better understanding of the place (e.g. BukitBrown.com)
5. Do bring water, light snacks, poncho/umbrella, sunhat and waterproof your electronics.
6. Please go to the toilet before coming. There are NO facilities anywhere there or nearby.
==========================
=============== How to get there by MRT / Bus:
Bus services available: 52, 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855.
From North: Go to Marymount MRT and walk to bus-stop #53019 along Upper Thomson Road. Take Buses 52, 74, 165, 852, 855
Alight 6 stops later at bus-stop, #41149, opposite Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Walk towards Sime Road in the direction of Kheam Hock Road until you see Lorong Halwa.From South: Go to Botanic Gardens MRT and walk to bus-stop #41121 at Adam Road, in front of Singapore Bible College. Take Buses 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855. Alight 2 stops later at bus-stop, #41141, just before Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Cross the bridge, walk towards Sime Road, follow the road until you see Lorong Halwa.
By car:
Turn in from Lornie Road, to Sime Road. Then, turn left into Lorong Halwa.
Parking space available at the largish paved area near the cemetery gates.
June 9 tour group at Ong Sam Leong
June 9 – Guide: Peter Pak. Report: Despite the morning showers that fortunately ended at 9 am, 25 pax turn up. We visited the tombs of Ho Siak Kuan, Tan Huck Wan (exhumed), Koh Hoon Teck, the colorful Sikh guards of Chew Geok Leong, Pang Cheang Yean, Tan Boo Liat, Tan Ean Kiam and finally Ong Sam Leong.
Do look out for future tours and our upcoming exhibition. All this info at: http://bukitbrown.com/
I shared these words from Koh Hoon Teck’s tomb inscription:
“Besimila mulai pertama,
Dari Adam mulai Agama,
Dunia bugan kita punya.
Asal manusia pulang ketanah.”“Oh from the beginning of life ,
from Adam born of earth,
this world is not ours.
Man returns to his origin.”
Do you want to go on tour with us and discover our roots? Our public weekend tours are posted every week here on ourevents page.
Raymond Goh (Photo: Bianca Polak)
Join the Tomb Whisperer as he sweeps you away with his passion and knowledge of Bukit Brown.
Sunday 2 June 9 am – 12 pm
Meet under the ole raintree on your left as you enter the gates.
Disclaimer:
By agreeing to take this walking tour of Bukit Brown cemetery you understand and accept that you must be physically fit and able to do so.
To the extent permissible by law, you agree to assume any and all risk of injury or bodily harm to yourself and persons in your care (including child or ward). Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
==========================
Come visit Bukit Brown Heritage Park and see for yourself why this place is currently ranked among the top ten attractions of Singapore by tripadvisor.com.sg
Why: It is history, heritage and habitat concentrated in an area 173 acres, that can be worthy of a Singapore heritage site worthy of preservation.
Where: Under the large and beautiful, and possibly endangered, rain tree, at the Roundabout. After the main gate, go ahead another twenty metres.
How to get there and handy tips – http://bukitbrown.com/
==========================
Registration:
Our weekend public tours are FREE …
Optimally the group size is 30 participants (15 individuals/guide).
Please click ‘Join’ on the FB event page to let us know you are coming, how many pax are turning up, or just meet us at the starting point at 9am. We meet there rain or shine.
==========================
The tour:
Bukit Brown Heritage Park is about 173 acres in extent, bordered by Lornie Road, Thomson Road and the Pan-Island Expressway. It lies just to the south of the Central Catchment Forest, being separated from it by Lornie Road and includes Singapore’s only Chinese Municipal Cemetery. With more than 100,000 graves, Bukit Brown is also one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside of China.
Don’t forget to bask in the peaceful surrounds, and also chat with your guides and make friends with other participants. We are amateurs and volunteers, but we are passionate and serious about what we do at Bukit Brown, and we encourage sharing of knowledge.
Here is a map of the grounds:
http://bukitbrown.com/
==========================
Please take note:
1. We will be walking mainly on paved roads. But there are hill treks so dress appropriately, especially your footwear.
2. Wear light breathable clothing. Long pants and long sleeves if you are prone to insect bites or sunburn. Bring sunblock and natural insect repellent.
3. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes as safety is important. Walking sticks are recommended.
4. Do read up on Bukit Brown before going so you have a better understanding of the place (e.g. BukitBrown.com)
5. Do bring water, light snacks, poncho/umbrella, sunhat and waterproof your electronics.
6. Please go to the toilet before coming. There are NO facilities anywhere there or nearby.
7. Carry your own garbage out for disposal.
==========================
How to get there by MRT / Bus:
Bus services available: 52, 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855.
From North: Go to Marymount MRT and walk to bus-stop #53019 along Upper Thomson Road. Take Buses 52, 74, 165, 852, 855
Alight 6 stops later at bus-stop, #41149, opposite Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Walk towards Sime Road in the direction of Kheam Hock Road until you see Lorong Halwa.
From South: Go to Botanic Gardens MRT and walk to bus-stop #41121 at Adam Road, in front of Singapore Bible College. Take Buses 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855. Alight 2 stops later at bus-stop, #41141, just before Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Cross the bridge, walk towards Sime Road, follow the road until you see Lorong Halwa.
By car:
Turn in from Lornie Road, to Sime Road. Then, turn left into Lorong Halwa.
Parking space available at the largish paved area near the cemetery gates.
TJC teacher Serene Tan wrote to All Things Bukit Brown with this request:
“I found out from your informative website that you recently guided RGS students for their Learning Journey. As I am currently teaching Language Arts to the Integrated Programme Year 4 students (Sec 4 equivalent) where our students study some Singaporean poetry and a novel that raises issues such as change/progress in Singapore and the sacrifices we make to our history, memories and environment, my colleagues and I feel that Bukit Brown will be an appropriate site to explore and experience authentic learning for our students’ learning journey.
“We hope that our students can see the connections between what they are studying in class and the realities of what Singaporeans (especially your team) are struggling to preserve for our present and future.
“We spent a term discussing about the effect that urbanisation and progress has on our culture, history and identity through a combination of literature and current affairs. That is why we feel that having the students tour Bukit Brown is a good way of witnessing most directly the impacts of urban redevelopment and reflect on what this does to our heritage and history.”
On May 29, the volunteers of All Things Bukit Brown took leave and obliged. We feel this is an important responsibility to pass the knowledge to the young, as we all journey together.
TJC tour (Photo: Raymond Goh)
TJC tour Group A
Millie and Sugen took Hills 1 and 3. This photo is taken at Ong Sam Leong’s tomb.
TJC group B
Claire, Victor and Fabian (our best-dressed guide!) lead the second group on Hills 2 and 5.This is taken at the roundabout.
Evening falls… the horse riders are out, and tours are still going on (Photo: Raymond Goh)
Raymond, our inspiration and original Guide of Bukit Brown, was there to find a grave for a descendant and encountered us. He was surprised to come after work at dusk and still find us there. He posted the above photo and comment, which elicited this response from another descesdant:
“It may be our ancestors’ resting place..but it is alive with Flora & Fauna…&Life! Thanks to all you Brownies who work hard to keep it vibrant. Kamsia (thank you), folks.” (Margaret Bul)
TJC mission accomplished (Photo: Raymond Goh)
The guides were: Millie, Claire, Victor, Sugen and Fabian. The teachers were: Serene tan, Ms Cheah, Ms Liana and Mrs Goh.
“3 cheers! From all of us at TJC: thank you so much for taking time out to share with so much about the history and heritage of Bukit Brown; we are truly sad that Singapore’s future plans will rob such an important part of our past.”
***
Do you want to organise a tour for your students? Contact us! write to a.t.bukitbrown@gmail.com
Have you done a school project on Bukit Brown and want to share with us here? Write a brief report for us.
Do you want to go on tour with us and discover our roots? Our public weekend tours are posted every week here on our events page.
Want to know more about Bukit Brown but not sweat it? Here’s your chance to have a virtual tour as Brownie Claire Leow gives a talk at the invitation of China Society, in air-conditioned comfort, with dinner and amenities on the grounds of Chui Huay Lim at 190, Keng Lee Road (near Newton MRT). Those of you who have gone on tours onsite know how luxurious this sounds compared to the wild beauty of Bukit Brown.
To register, cut and paste the following, print, and send:
BOOKING FORM
“BUKIT BROWN: HERITAGE, HABITAT, HISTORY” an illustrated talk by Ms Claire Leow 30 May 2013 (Thursday) 6 pm Chui Huay Lim Club, level 3, 190 Keng Lee Road, Singapore
Dinner included at $30 (Members) and $35 (non-Members)
Please accept my booking for the above.
Name: Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms: ………………………………………………………………………… Tel: …………….. Email Address: ……………………………………… My Guest/s name/s: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… I enclose my cheque payment $ ……….. for ………. persons in total. Signature: ……………………………………. Date: ………………
Note: Bookings will be acknowledged on receipt of payment.
Please make crossed cheque payment to “The China Society” and mail with form to The China Society, Robinson Road PO Box 3738 Singapore 905738. You may secure your booking by emailing: “Chinasociety_sec@singnet.com.sg” Enquiries: 6336-6743 (9 am – 1 pm)
This event is organised by The China Society and yes, the event costs money. Not everything in life is free. Support The China Society as it supports our heritage la! If not, you can always join our free public tours.
Bio: Claire is a co-founder of All Things Bukit Brown with Raymond Goh and Catherine Lim. atBB endeavours to raise awareness of the heritage, habitat and history of Bukit Brown by conducting tours and have been joined by other volunteers with the same passion and commitment. We call ourselves Brownies.
The goal of the Japanese was to capture what used to be the temple of Bukit Brown (Photo: Claire Leow)
On Feb 15, 1942, Singapore fell just one week after Japanese forces landed. As they headed down south, fierce battles were fought in the Adam Park area and the fighting extended to Bukit Brown, then known as Cemetery Hill.
“On the evening of 14th February 1942, the rolling hills of the Bukit Brown Cemetery were suddenly engulfed in a barrage of flame and fire. It appeared like scene from Dante’s ‘Inferno’. ”
Jon Cooper, the battlefield archaeologist behind The Adam Park Project, wrote this gripping account as he retraced the battle ground route with all things Bukit Brown.
Jon Cooper’s May 26 tour (Photo: Bianca Polak)
This is the tour report by Bianca Polak in photo essay form.
Jon’s post on his interest in Bukit Brown and the missing soldiers is here.
For a visual guide to your route, cartographer Mok Ly Ying has done this wonderful guide map for you.
Previous tour reports here:
July 22 2012 tour here and here
*****
Jon conducts the Battlefield Tour once a month, when time permits. For other war-related stories, you can join tours by All Things Bukit Brown on the heritage tours.
Teochew porcelain tomb (Photo: Oh Chew Hiang)
Carved panels (Photo: Oh Chew Hiang)
Earth Deity (Photo: Oh Chew Hiang)
Cockles on a tomb (Photo: Oh Chew Hiang)
Walter Lim, who blogs on Bukit Brown, led this Mandarin tour. Check out Oh’s beautiful photo essay here. Check out our tours and join us!
Related posts:
Brownies in the News: Zaobao report in Mandarin and translated into English
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