M.I.A. Trail recap (an International Museum Day activity) 31 May 2008

Two groups of about 40 participants each took part in the third annual M.I.A. Trail. This walk is conducted as part of International Museum Day 2008 celebrations.

The Pasir Panjang Heritage Guides met the participants at Harbourfront Cruise Centre’s bus bay. First stop: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research at NUS, where we introduced Singapore’s flora and fauna as well as the many species and habitats that have gone missing or are close to being wiped out.

We then headed to Kent Ridge Park. Here, we explored the plants of the ridge. One eagle-eyed participant even spotted a snake, which was probably more terrified of us than we were of it. The guides started weaving in stories of the Malay Regiment and the Battle of Pasir Panjang, which served as an introduction to…

Reflections at Bukit Chandu, which is at the end of Kent Ridge Park’s canopy walk. Participants found out about the history of the Malay Regiment and the background about the Japanese invasion of Malaya. This led up to the Battle for Singapore and the Battle of Pasir Panjang, where the Malay Regiment had their final stand.

That was also the last stop of the MIA Trail. It’s always a unique experience for guides and participants alike as this tour takes place at night.

If you missed us this time around, we will be conducting more walks (daytime) when Heritage Fest is on in July.

Our thanks go out to National Heritage Board for their support, National Archives of Singapore for their continuing collaboration with the Pasir Panjang Guides and our wonderful participants who make our efforts all worthwhile!

– N. Sivasothi a.k.a. Otterman