3 Battle for Singapore programmes to look out for in February

Held throughout February, the Battle for Singapore 2023 commemorates the 81st anniversary of the Fall of Singapore.

The series of public programmes relating to the stories and sites of Singapore’s experiences during World War II will feature locations like the National Museum of Singapore, Changi Chapel and Museum and Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

Here are three Battle for Singapore Programmes visitors can participate in:

Those who prefer the great outdoors can participate in the Outdoor Survival Skills: Surviving The Wild activities with Beyond Expeditions SG, a local outdoor adventure team.

Held at Reflections at Bukit Chandu on Feb 11, 12, 25 and 26, participants can walk-in and pick up several essential wilderness survival skills and bring home a mystery gift once they complete all the activity stations.

Visitors can admire the Larger-Than-Life: Poppies Art Installation around Changi Chapel and Museum daily from Feb 4 to 26 at 10am to 5pm, with the exception of Mondays when the museum is closed.

It aims to help visitors reflect on the courage and resilience of those confined in Changi Gaol, known today as Changi Prison Complex, during the Japanese Occupation in Singapore.

They can then end off their visit by making DIY felt poppies at the last stop of the exhibition, penning down their thoughts and attaching it to the poppy to “plant” at the Chapel’s green wall.

No pre-registration is required for the poppy exhibition and felt poppy workshop.

The Special Twinned Tour of Changi Chapel and Museum and Eurasian Heritage Gallery ($20 per pax) will take place on Feb 11 at 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Participants will get to visit the Eurasian Heritage Gallery and learn about the Eurasian community’s experience during the Japanese Occupation. 

There is also the Special Twinned Tour of Changi and Changi Chapel and Museum ($20 per pax) on Feb 12, which starts with a guided tour of the latter where visitors learn about the experiences of the prisoners-of-war. 

Visitors will then be able to uncover the history of various structures and features in Changi by touring the area with heritage buff Jerome Lim.

This tour will take place from 9.30pm to 12pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, and is recommended for those 13 and above.

Free shuttle services between the National Museum of Singapore, Changi Chapel and Museum and Reflections at Bukit Chandu will be available every weekend in February for those visiting more than one location.

Copies of World War Two-themed brochures will also be available at the National Museum of Singapore, and the first 100 visitors per week who locate the artefacts featured at either Changi Chapel and Museum or Reflections at Bukit Chandu can redeem a complimentary gift at each museum.