Report 27 July Sat Special to Ong Sam Leong

Despite the the threatening clouds, some 50 people turned up for the special tour to Ong Sam Leong with guest participant, John Hunt, author of ” Struggling Through Strength.” On the way to the Ong’s family cluster, it drizzled but cleared for a while, when it came time for John to share his insights of the grime lives of the coolies, who worked on the phosphate mines on Christmas Island. He held his audience rapt with the minutiae of the harsh environment where fresh water was scarce and the diet meager. The coolies worked 9 hour days, six days a week and were often called upon to undertake “emergency” overtime when the ships called, and they had to quickly load up as many tons of phosphate. The mineral was in demand as it was used in the manufacture of fertilisers in the region.

Later in the afternoon, standing room at Select Books where John spoke further on what his research uncovered about life across the spectrum of classes on Christmas Island.

From participant James Tann : Last Saturday, I finally joined them on one of their free guided tours through Bukit Brown Cemetery.I would encourage anyone who has not been there to join one of their weekend tours. It would be an eye opener for many and you will feel the dedication, the enthusiasm and passion of the ‘Brownies’. I dedicate the following video that I made to them for all their efforts to preserve this part of our country’s heritage.

For more on the tour, the Rojak Librarian ‘s report here.

The author John Hunt at Ong Sam Leong’s family cluster (photo Peter Pak)

John at Select_photo Dahlia Shamsuddin (SHS)

Lining up for a signed copy of the book (photo Dahlia Shamsuddin of Singapore Heritage Society)

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Ong Sam Leong, made his fortune on Christmas island by recruiting “coolies” from Kwantung Province to work on the phosphate mines.

John Hunt, author of “Suffering Through Strength” – the story of Christmas Island (1899 – 1948) emphasizing the Chinese coolie experience – will be a guest participant and share some insights of their hardships at the Ong Sam Leong family cluster., where we will end our tour of Hill 3.

This tour is in support of a talk co-organised by the Singapore Heritage Society and Select Books by the author at 3pm the same afternoon at Select Books.

Tour Details:

Time : 9am -11.30 am

Meeting Place: Under the large and beautiful, and possibly endangered rain tree, at the Roundabout after the main gate on your left.
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/main/?p=1347 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) Registration: Our weekend public tours are FREE … Optimally the group size is 30 participants (15 individuals/guide).

If you have a FB account, 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.

For information on how to get there and handy tips please visit http://bukitbrown.com/main/?p=1347

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.jpPlease 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 (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.