The Metaphysical Site

The Padang – cultural, historical and national icon of Singapore

Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s central business district, sits an open field renowned as The Padang. Encircled by many landmarks, today this historical and national icon serves as a key attraction for recreation; hosting numerous activities including the national day parades and sporting events such as cricket, rugby and soccer matches and tournaments.

In 1819 when Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles – the founding father of contemporary Singapore – first disembarked on Singapore soil, the British flag was hoisted in the Padang to commemorate this historically significant event. And during the colonial era, the site was used as an arena for European social gatherings, military training and as a field for their much preferred pastime – cricket.

After the Singapore Cricket Club (1870) and Singapore Recreation Club (1885) were set up in the premises, Padang turned into a key recreational zone where several official ODI cricket matches were held.

The site is also an excellent location for capturing the glimpse of many prominent landmarks and the imposing skyscrapers of modern Singapore juxtaposed with some of the key historical facades. The panorama around the field is adorned with many lofty high-rises namely DBS Bank (the largest bank in southeast Asia), United Overseas Bank (UOB) perched at the base of its soaring twin towers UOB Plaza one and UOB Plaza two, the Suntec City Mall (five imposing buildings and a convention centre built according to Feng Shui concept).

As for the historical facades lying in close proximity to the Padang, there is the City Hall, old Supreme Court and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The area is also teeming with an interesting array of shopping malls, restaurants and food outlets.

You can conveniently access some of the key attractions of Singapore from the site, such as the Raffles Landing Site where you can retrace the roots of Singapore’s revolutionary development, the planned National Art Gallery to be completed by 2012, Asian Civilization Museum hosting exhibitions such as treasures from China, mythical beasts of all shapes and sizes, an ancient copper coin collection along with many interesting galleries, occupying high tech interactive visual and learning aids.

There are also several green patches, parks and playgrounds dotting the neighborhood, such as Old Merlion Park, Bras Basah Park, Stamford Green and Hong Lim Park. There is also the Esplanade Park – one of the oldest parks in Singapore – sited in the Central Area. Amongst the many historical landmarks within the premises of the park are – Queen Elizabeth Walk, former Indian National Army monument site and The Cenotaph – a war memorial for those who died in World War I & II.

Most of the attractions sited right around the Padang are within a kilometer radius, where you can also discover a cozy Singapore hotel. These Singapore hotels facilitate various amenities along with an assortment of delectable local and international cuisines. Accommodation in Singapore offers a wide range of choices to suit all budgets and tastes.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Hi all.

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