Sembawang Heritage Tour: Rediscovering Little Kerala in the Little Red Dot

Get ready to dive into the vibrant tapestry of Sembawang’s history!

Language: English

PROGRAMME SYNOPSIS:

Sembawang is renowned for its vibrant history, having been home to a rubber estate, the British naval base and multi-ethnic communities. However, did you know that Sembawang was also affectionately called Kochu Keralam or “Little Kerala” in yesteryears? This was due to the large Malayalee community who lived and worked there, forming key associations such as the Sree Narayana Mission, Naval Base Kerala Library and Singapore Kathakali Yogam. The Malayalees hail from the South Indian state of Kerala and form the second largest sub-ethnic group within Singapore’s Indian population. Join us for a weekend of engaging bus tours as we explore selected historical areas and landmarks on the National Heritage Board’s Sembawang Heritage Trail. The tours will be led by independent researcher Marcus Ng, who conducted research for the trail. Additionally, selected members of Singapore’s Malayalee community who grew up in Sembawang will join us, sharing their personal stories of life in the heartlands to add a unique and heartfelt layer to our journey.

Fees: $10

PLEASE NOTE:

• This is a paid programme organised in conjunction with the Indian Heritage Centre’s ongoing special exhibition – Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore.
• The tours on both dates will commence at the Indian Heritage Centre. Registration will begin from 9:30 AM. Please gather at the Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 2 by 9:45 AM for a short introduction to the Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore special exhibition. We will then proceed to board the bus to begin the Sembawang Heritage Tour at 10:00 AM.
• Please wear comfortable shoes and attire, and do bring along an umbrella/raincoat, face/hand towels or wipes, mosquito repellent and a water bottle.
• Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Additionally, there will be a stop for a toilet break and to purchase food and beverage along the way.
• The tour will conclude at Sree Narayana Mission. Return transportation will not be provided. The tour (inclusive of travelling time) will be approximately 3 hours in total.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION:

Co-curated by the Indian Heritage Centre and Singapore’s Malayalee community, Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore is an ongoing special exhibition that showcases the rich history and heritage of the Malayalees—the second largest sub-ethnic group within Singapore’s Indian population. Featuring over 200 artefacts alongside audio-visual displays, interactive stations and personal anecdotes, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the concept of “home” through the lens of the Malayalees. Through four thematic zones, the exhibition offers insights into the community’s ancestral roots and their dedication to preserving cultural heritage, forging a distinctive identity and fostering a sense of home and belonging in Singapore.

ABOUT THE SEMBAWANG HERITAGE TRAIL:

Organised by the National Heritage Board, the Sembawang Heritage Trail is a self-guided heritage that introduces you to 31 sites spread across the heartlands of Sembawang. You may embark on three different thematic routes to uncover major milestones and lesser-known stories in Sembawang’s past. Find out more about the trail at https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Sembawang-Heritage-Trail.