(photo: Khoo Ee Hoon)
Horses (Photo: Khoo Ee Hoon)
The tour ended at Ong Sam Leong’s family cluster where they met a film crew at work (photo Khoo Ee Hoon)
July 14 tour (Photo: Khoo Ee Hoon)
The first Saturday afternoon tour drew a big crowd of 50, mostly first timers to Bukit Brown. It was lovely, cool weather. We split into 2 groups, Group 1 led by Claire, Su Min and Catherine and group 2 by Fabian, Andrew, Steven and Jonathan.
A sketch by Lim Su Min, of Claire at Tan Boon Hak’s tomb which is staked (photo Su Min)
Group 1 ending the tour at Lee Kim Soo – the “Matchbox King” (photo Lim Su Min)
Group 2
Group 2, with Andrew. (photo Jonathan Siew)
Group 2 parting shot for the day (photo Jonathan Siew)
Look out for more Saturday afternoon tours.
Date : Saturday, July 13
Time : 4pm -to 6.30pm
Join Fabian Tee and Claire Leow this Saturday, July 13, for a heritage walk through Bukit Brown and enjoy the Heritage, Habitat, History of the beautiful grounds. Given it might rain, remember that we guide, rain or shine. We suspend tours if there is lightning or haze.
Meeting place: Main gate at Lorong Halwa, off Kheam Hock Road and Sime Road.
Bukit Brown. More than a cemetery. More than a Chinese cemetery. Come discover our heritage and history, while enjoying the habitat.How to get there and handy tips here: http://bukitbrown.com/
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. Brownie Code: We guide 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 through the undergrowth to find the old village 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.
Report by Bianca Polak
Raymond Goh guided this special tour, and led participants thereafter to the exhibition, Bukit Brown: Our Roots, Our Future, on Sunday 7th July, 2013
Once the post went up, so many signed up, more guides were needed!
There were more than 60 participants so we split into 3 groups: 1. Raymond & Steven guiding, 2. Fabian & Andrew guiding and 3. Keng Kiat & Beng guiding. The first 2 groups would go by bus to the exhibition after a 2 hour tour and do an exhibition tour at Chui Huay Lim club. Group 3 went on a longer cemetery tour. we finished around 11.30am. It was a beautiful sunny day and group 3 bumped into group 2 a few times, as we were taking a similar route. It was a good introductory tour with general tomb design, how to read a tomb and find out about the person buried there, different style tombs, such as Hokkien, Peranakan, Teochew, war style tombs, ornaments, etc. The pioneers were also highlighted and we visited Chew Boon Lay, Lim Keong Saik, amongst others, as well as Ong Sam Leong, to which we took a short-cut from Boon Lay’s grave. Some nature on the way too, which Beng was happy to point out and explain.
Raymond Goh aka “the tomb whisperer”(Photo: Bianca Polak)
Raymond Goh (Photo: Diana Teow)
Brownie Steven Toong (Photo: Diana Teow)
While we were looking at the graves, two Kingfishers were looking at us from a tree branch.
two Kingfishers (photo: Bianca Polak)
Besides the graves of some of the pioneers of Singapore, we also had a look at some special tomb designs, such as this war-time grave which has Japanese influences. The round shape seems to depict a Japanese lantern.
war-time grave (Photo: Bianca Polak)
Teochew graves are distinct in design too and have inscriptions in red and green colour font engraved on the tomb.
Teochew tombstone (Photo: Bianca Polak)
Part of the group that stayed on for an extended tour (Photo: Bianca Polak)
Chameleon (Photo: Raymond Goh)
The exhibition Bukit Brown: Our Roots, Our Future, co-organised by All Things Bukit Brown and the Chui Huay Lim Club was held between 29th June and 7th July 2013. With over 60 panels, it marked the biggest exhibition of its kind on Bukit Brown.
It was officially launched by Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam who gave the opening speech before touring the exhibition, which featured collections from descendants as well from private collections.
More photos of the exhibition here.
Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam being escorted by Chew Kheng Chuan and other members of the organising committee (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Victor Lim explaining the origins of Peranakan Tiles to the GOH as Ang Yik Han, who conceptualised the themes of the exhibition looks on (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Chen Kezhen, artist and collector explains the intricacies of the inscriptions on Cheang Hong Lim’s ancestral tablet to Prof Phua of Chui Huay Lim (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Walter Lim, the main contributor to the pioneers section sharing with visitors (photo Gan Su-Lin)
A set of ritual vessels previously used by a Teochew clan association when paying respects to their ancestors during Qing Ming and other occasions. The set of five consists of a censer, a pair of candlestick holders, and a pair of vases. (photo Gan Su-Lin)
(photo Gan Su-Lin)
A dapper Raymond Goh and Lim Su Min albeit from two very different periods (photo Bianca Polak)
Photo opportunity with GOH (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Special thanks to our official photographers on opening night, Gan Su-Lin and Bianca Polak
About the Exhibition:
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 was 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 was also 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.
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。
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.
Dateline: Sunday 17th March, 2013 – 2pm-4pm
Project: A Community Service by Pack 3017 of the Cub Scouts of America (age 7-11 years) to “spring clean” the tombs on Hill 1, supported by the Brownies.
The project began with showers of blessings, that came and went. Undaunted, about 30 cub scouts accompanied by their parents cleaned up some 40 tombs on Hill 1.
Their timing was perfect, 2 weeks before the annual Qing Ming festival when descendants spruce up tombs to honour the memory and contributions of their ancestors.
Thank you Cub Scouts of America for honouring the pioneers of Singapore at rest in Bukit Brown A meaningful job well done.
Collecting their cleaning kits which included “green” brooms from the branches of a fallen tree at BB (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Gloves on! We are handling diluted chemicals needed for a good scrub without eroding stone or inscriptions (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Eternal scout, Lim Su Lin -the wandering minstrel of Bukit Brown, sending off the cubs (photo Raymond Goh)
Marching on…(photo Gan Su-Lin)
Demo by Victor Lim and Sugen (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Attention! (photo Gan Su Lin)
Spray cleaning liquid, then give it a firm scrub down, followed by some water (photo Gan Su-Lin)
And voila!, the beautiful marble beneath .(photo Gan Su-Lin)
A daunting task! (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Finally, the cleaning begins with much vigour and diligence!
Parents got into the act (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Roar……. a cub tackles a lion (photo Gan Su-Lin)
“Bonding” (Gan Su-Lin)
“So what do you think, Dad?” (photo Gan Su-Lin)
“Not yet, Dad, I haven’t quite finished” (photo Gan Su Lin)
Replenishing water needed to wash down the tombs. An estimated 10 tubs of water had to be transported from main taps at the entrance. (photo Gan Su Lin)
“Look at me if you don’t believe me, I did a good job over there” (photo Gan Su Lin)
And indeed, the whole pack did a brilliant job in the final reveal
Cleaned tombs marked by windmills for a job well done! (photo Gan Su-Lin)
Part of Hill 1 now planted with windmills (photo Gan Su-Lin)
The tomb of Siow Cheng Watt (photo Khoo Ee Hoon)
A close-up of Siow Cheng Watt (photo Khoo Ee Hoon)
When this photo was posted on the Bukit Brown Facebook Group, Madelene Seow said “Please send my appreciation & thanks to the cub scouts.” She is the great great granddaughter of Siow Cheng Watt.
The beautiful tiles of Tan Joo Khoon’s tomb brought to light by the cub scouts. He was the chief clerk at the Master Attendant’s office and acted also as a Chinese interpreter. (photo Raymond Goh)
Victor Lim on the left with some of cub scouts. Victor planned the logistics and prepared materials for this project ( photo Ai Loon)
Before and After (photo Ai Loon)
The smiles say “Tombs Cleaned – A Community effort by the Cub Scouts of America & All Things Bukit Brown” (photo Gan Su-Lin)
The supporting cast of Brownies (photo Gan Su-Lin)
From left to right: Peter , Yik Han, Danny ,Hang Chong, Zen , , Anna ,Ai Loon, Catherine, Ee Hoon and last but not least Victor Lim who organised logistics and materials needed. Not in photo Sugen and Su-Lin (who was behind the camera).
Su-Lin sheltering her camera from the elements (photo Victor Yue)
Here are 4 videos by Khoo Ee Hoon on cubs with parents ar work.
The preparations behind the scene:
45 cleaning kits, containing gloves, brush and good morning towel. Water Spray bottle and green brooms prepared separately ( photo Ai Loon)
Tags designed by Ai Loon with inputs by Sugen (photo Ai Loon)
Finishing touches by Sugen (photo Ai Loon)
Ai Loon with the finished windmills (photo Ai Loon’s camera)
A group of 0ver 60 turned up for the “themed” tour which focused on intricately craved tomb panels and their symbolic meanings. The lead guide Yik Han also gave an introduction to “Tomb Cons” – how tomb contractors go about building the tombs based on the requirements of their “clients”
Some comments from participants on the tour:
Participants gathering at the “ole raintree” (photo Raymond Goh)
Enjoying nature as the group make their way to the largest tomb in Bukit Brown (photo Cheng Pei Yun)
Lead Guide, Yik Han showing the way to the first glimpse of Ong Sam Leong’s spectacular tomb visible from google earth
( photo Kelly Cheng)
The Earth Deity at Ong Sam Leong (photo Cheng Pei Yun)
The “shelf display” cabinet carved on the Earth Deity was explained (photo Yik Han)
Keng Kiat explaining one of 24 stories on filial piety (photo Victor Lim)
Checking out the anatomically correct male lion (photo Cheng Pei Yun)
Other tombs visited included Oh Sian Guan’s ([photo Cheng Pei Yun)
A story from the Chinese classic “The Three Kingdoms” om General Guan Yu (photo Cheng Pei Yun)
The trio of guides, Fabian, Yik Han, Keng Kiat (photo Cheng Pei Yun)
For more on the tour, read Cheng Pei Yun’s report
Participants during the Deepavali Tour conducted by Keng Kiat with back up team Peter Pak and Andrew
Look Up! … (photo by Keng Kiat)
Brownie Guide Andrew holds forth on new “terracota warriers” additions (photo Keng Kiat)
A tour participant saying hi to a regular 4 legged visitor (photo by Keng Kiat)
Instructions say “do not remove” (photo by Keng Kiat)
11 Nov, Late Afternoon Tour with surprise guide Walter Lim
Surprise guide Walter Lim turns up ( photo Keng Kiat)
“yes they are going to build an 8 lane highway here” (photo Keng Kiat)
(photo Keng Kiat)
Children on Tour , Yeah! (photo Keng Kiat)
Chew Hock Seng ( grandson of Chew Boon Lay) needing some pruning (photo Keng Kiat)
PLEASE NOTE EVENT HAS BEEN SOLD OUT
An offsite event with veteran Brownie Alex Tan Tiong Hee on his memories of Singapore circa 1950s of “Girls, Gangsters and Gentlemen Clubs.
Alex who usually holds court in Bukit Brown will be at Select Bookshop for event (photo Catherine Lim )
What was life like in Singapore when the Maria Hertogh riots of December 1950 broke out; when Mr Lee Kuan Yew became the Prime Minister in June 1959; and when the Beatles became the leading pop group in 1964? Alex Tan, the treasure trove of tales from bygone times, will bring us back in time, and indulge us with, among other things, the glitzy world of the gentlemen’s clubs at Club street: the China Weekly Entertainment, Goh Lor Club and Ee Ho Hean; and the social life of youth in the 50s and 60s – the dating scene, ferocious gangster scene, popular music and more.
Alex Tan Tiong Hee is the second son of Tan Yeok Seong a man with a deep interest in Nanyang or Overseas Chinese history and who in 1964 gave his entire book collection known as the Ya Yin Kwan Collection to the National Library for the purpose of (in his words) “reaching out to the minds of future generations of Singaporeans that they would know more about who they are and how they come to be where they are today”.
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