Your nights just got better and creepier!
Our popular tour – Journeys to Hell™ – is now back!
The tour is now available every Friday, 6.30pm – 8.30pm.
Be led by our captivating tour guide on the tragic stories of the Aw Family and discover the world’s one and only Hell’s Museum, and gain a deeper understanding of Haw Par Villa’s infamous 10 Courts of Hell.
We can’t wait to see you again soon!
Mr Jeya Ayadurai – local historian and heritage entrepreneur – is now on an exclusive list populated by only a handful of his countrymen: the prestigious Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).
The honour was conferred upon the 61-year-old during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, celebrating the British monarch’s historic 70-year reign.
Mr Ayadurai was recognised for his services to preserving Singapore, British, and Commonwealth military history and war remembrance in Singapore.
The Queen confers this award on non-British citizens around the world who have made significant contributions to advance Commonwealth and British interests. In getting the award, Mr Ayadurai joins not more than 10 Singaporeans in the nation’s post-war history who have received the MBE. Past recipients of British honours include Lee Kuan Yew (GCMG), Elizabeth Choy (OBE) and Paul Abisheganaden (MBE).
Mr Ayadurai dedicates the award to Singapore and his team who have worked tirelessly to uncover and highlight Singapore heritage, including its military past.
A Passion for Singapore Heritage
Mr Ayadurai, on his return to Singapore in 1988, joined the Department of Strategic Studies in the Singapore Command and Staff College as a military history lecturer. In 1995, he began the first of many private sector heritage firms – Singapore History Consultants Pte Ltd, to focus on local history and heritage. Since then, he and his team have created several associate firms such as Journeys Pte Ltd, Haw Par Villa Pte Ltd and The Changi Museum Pte Ltd. These firms not only undertake primary research and programme development, but also manage significant heritage sites in Singapore today.
“We are dedicated to educating Singaporeans and the world about Singapore history and conserving Singapore heritage for future generations,” Mr Ayadurai said.
“However, I also recognise that history must be inclusive. Singapore history includes a shared history with Britain and the Commonwealth, and any telling of our history must not exclude other countries who were joint participants with us, particularly in regards to the Second World War.”
This philosophy has shone through in his relentless efforts to promote a Culture of Remembrance in Singapore. For more than 25 years, he has tirelessly organised and called for Commemoration Ceremonies to mark important war anniversaries and remember the millions who had sacrificed their lives for peace.
From 2015, these Commemoration Ceremonies were the first in the world to bring together former World War II combatants such as Singapore, Japan, and the Commonwealth countries in a united message of hope for peace. Subsequently, the Japanese Embassy has been included in commemoration committees organising war remembrance ceremonies in 2017, 2020, and the latest in 2022 for the 80th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore. These ceremonies show that it is possible for former combatants to come together to honour the war dead, and are an example for nations around the Pacific, particularly in Northeast Asia, to emulate.
Mr Ayadurai is the founder and director of multiple award-winning Singaporean firms, such as research house Singapore History Consultants (SHC), and heritage specialist Journeys.
For almost three decades, these companies have made immense contributions to Singapore heritage. These include research projects, school heritage trails (later known as Learning Journeys) which were pioneered by SHC in 1995, and various educational programmes and events.
SHC and Journeys also specialise in reviving heritage sites that were in danger of destruction or marginalisation – examples include Labrador Battery, Changi Museum, Battlebox at Fort Canning Hill, Chinatown Heritage Centre and Haw Par Villa.
With the aid of relevant government organisations, the firms poured in their own significant resources to redevelop these sites. They became award-winning, top-ranked museum experiences. The Changi Museum and Battlebox became #1 museums in Singapore on TripAdvisor, while Hell’s Museum in Haw Par Villa is currently the #1 museum in Singapore on TripAdvisor.
Having brought the museums up to a high standard, some of the museums were later transferred back to State agencies which now manage them directly.
Future Goals – UNESCO World Heritage Award for Haw Par Villa
Far from resting on his laurels, Mr Ayadurai is determined to build on these achievements. His long-term plans on the horizon include the building of museums and memorials at Kranji War Graves and other historic war sites. He also intends to pursue a campaign for the inscription of Haw Par Villa as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Award Ceremony
The MBE will be conferred on Mr Ayadurai in a ceremony officiated by the Queen’s representative, the British High Commissioner, HE Kara Owen. The ceremony will take place at Eden Hall, a historically significant black-and-white bungalow in Nassim Road. The date of the ceremony will be announced at a later time.
Requests for Interviews
For interview requests for Mr Ayadurai, please contact the following below with your interview questions:
Annexes:
A – Curriculum Vitae of Mr Jeya Ayadurai
B – Basic Information on SHC and JPL
C – Contributions to Heritage by SHC and its Associate Firms
D – About the British Honours System and post-war Singaporean Awardees
To access the annexes, click here
If you want the best of both Fort Canning Hill and the Battlebox, rejoice!
Our popular tour – Of Graves, Guns & Battles™ – is now back!
The tour is now available every Saturday, 9.30am – 12noon.
Be led by our captivating tour guide on the stories of Fort Canning Hill, and enjoy a 45-minute guided tour through the Battlebox.
Retain your ticket after the tour to revisit the Battlebox on your own within the same day.
We can’t wait to see you again soon!
Gain exclusive access and fresh insights into the eclectic Asian cultural park as night falls, as our expert guide unveils the rich culture and philosophies reflected in the park’s intricate sculptures and dioramas.
Discover the story of the illustrious Aw brothers who created the iconic Tiger Balm, and their lasting imprint on the former Tiger Balm Garden.
Don’t miss the opportunity to gain a sneak preview of the upcoming Hell’s Museum, with perspectives of the afterlife across various religions.
We invite you to embark on an illuminating journey through the iconic Ten Courts of Hell, where a traditional ritual awaits at the end of your journey to hell!
📍 Tour Information:
Journeys to Hell™ – Death & the Afterlife in Haw Par Villa
Every Friday, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Meet your guide at Haw Par Villa MRT Station, outside Exit A
📍 More Details/Book Online:
Visit www.journeys.com.sg/tosw/the-ticket-shop to book your experience!
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Amara Heritage Trail, led by your favourite guides from The Original Singapore Walks®. The trail offers a passport to the wealth of history and nature of Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa and Sentosa Island.
Old British military barracks and air raid shelters once stood on the land that is now home to the resort, winner of the Architectural Heritage Awards for its extensive conservation efforts. Embark on the hour-long tour to discover WWII-related sites and stories, while meandering through luscious nature. Get an intriguing glimpse into the lives of British soldiers during the colonial era and spot artefacts from a bygone era. Along the way, enjoy some hands-on experience with herbs and spices that gives the oomph to our local cuisine!
Chart Sentosa’s transformation over the years – we’ll even take you to an amazing vantage point where you can soak up magnificent views of the Straits of Singapore and learn more about the neighbouring islands.
End your tour with a refreshing drink in hand, on the house! Prepared with a dash of alcohol, the drink is part of the heritage of the British Royal Artillery, which gave a certain road its name. Hint: This road can also be found during the tour!
Created by our associate company Singapore History Consultants (the people behind the original research for The Original Singapore Walks®) after countless hours of research and fieldwork, the Amara Heritage Trail promises an intriguing, off-the-beaten-path experience of Sentosa Island.
View our photo album on Facebook: bit.ly/amaraheritagetrail
For more details, visit sentosa.amarahotels.com/amara-heritage-trail.html
Happening every weekend (Sat & Sun), the hour-long tour is open to the public ($18/pax). Meet your guide at Amara Sanctuary Resort Lobby at 10am to start the tour.
GETTING THERE:
Amara Sanctuary Resort is accessible by a free shuttle bus service from Harbourfront MRT Station (Exit D). CLICK HERE to view the shuttle bus schedule or view the resort’s location HERE.
RECOMMENDED TOURS:
Have a keen interest in WWII history? Join our Changi WWII™ War Trail Coach Tour (2018 Traveler’s Choice Award Winner, Top 10 Experiences in Singapore) and visit The Battlebox, an authentic WWII underground command centre where the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese was made on 15 February 1942. The Battlebox is proud to be the #1 Museum in Singapore (2018 Traveler’s Choice Award Winner) and your visit contributes entirely to the costs of running and maintaining this priceless historical monument.
To celebrate National Day, we are offering a 1 for 1 promotion for tickets to The Tiger Balm Garden Story™ tour (U.P $10/adult & $5/child) till 31 Aug 2018! Simply register and make payment at Haw Par Villa Visitor Centre, located within the historic Haw Par Villa (managed by Journeys Pte Ltd).
Pre-registration is recommended on our Peatix page: tigerbalmgardenstory-natdaypromo.peatix.com
As our nation turns 53, rediscover Singapore’s most nostalgic icon (turning 81 this year) on a fascinating tour of Haw Par Villa. Conducted by our specialised docents and guides, the tour unveils the park’s connection to the world-famous Tiger Balm and the Aw family. Be inspired by the tales of ingenuity and fortitude, and discover the wondrous stories behind some of the most elaborate sculptures in the Asian cultural park. Get insights into the wealth of culture and history in Haw Par Villa and with the help of your guide, you may even spot some mythical creatures and learn of their significance!
Don’t forget to keep your eyes and ears open for quiz time – participants who have correct answers stand to win a special prize 🙂
The Tiger Balm Garden Story™ tour is suitable for all ages. Bring your friends and family along this amazing journey through the eclectic Asian cultural park and be prepared to see Haw Par Villa in a whole new light!
Frequency: Daily, including weekends & public holidays
Tour Timings: 10am & 4pm
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Meeting Point: Haw Par Villa Visitor Centre (please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for registration and payment)
CLICK HERE for more details and to pre-register on our Peatix page
CLICK HERE to learn more about Haw Par Villa
Our Changi WWII™ War Trail Coach Tour has been recognised as a WINNER in the Top 10 Experiences – Singapore category of the first ever TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® awards for Experiences (2018)!
Travelers’ Choice awards are the highest honour TripAdvisor can give and we are eternally grateful for the exceptional reviews from our tour guests, our fabulous guides and the rest of the team.
Rave reviews from our guests:
“I thoroughly enjoyed this informative tour, Carol, our guide was very knowledgeable and pleasant to listen to. It gave a greater insight to the role of the allied forces here and their treatment by the Japanese. The stories of how the locals were treated were informative as you don’t normally hear of these in Australia. I learnt a lot about Singapore culture, ethnicity, education and history.”
– TripAdvisor member @Rudge500 from Australia
Our four hour tour went so quickly. Our tour guide supplied all the details I was looking for, her mixture of local stories of the fall of Singapore and Historical facts were interwoven beautifully. The sad stories of the brutality of soldiers in Changi prison supported by many photographs. These are the stories that must NEVER stop being told. Highly recommended. Tour Guide five stars for her enthusiasm in telling us the true stories of the Fall of Singapore and the stories and bravery of soldiers and local Singaporeans.
– TripAdvisor member @allybags from Australia
Our Changi WWII™ War Trail Coach Tour runs every Wed (2pm-6pm) and Sat (10am-2pm). The meeting point is at Pasir Ris MRT Station, outside Exit B. To find out more about the Changi WWII™ tour, visit www.journeys.com.sg/tosw/our-tours/war-trails/
CLICK HERE to view the press release
CLICK HERE to book your tour experiences
To mark the closure of the The Changi Museum for redevelopment, visitors can enjoy a special 50% discount on the popular war trail, Changi WWII™, held from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on 27, 29 and 31 March 2018.
**All participants on Changi WWII™ on these promotional dates will also receive a limited edition postcard with the compliments of TCMPL!**
To enjoy the 50% discount, simply pre-book your desired slot on Peatix and flash your Peatix confirmation to our guide before making cash payment to our guide at the start of your tour.
PRE-BOOKING PRICES:
ADULT: $29 (U.P $58)
CHILD (7-12 years old): $15 (U.P $30)
Over 14,000 people descended upon Haw Par Villa over the weekend of 28-29 Oct 2017 to celebrate its 80th birthday with a bang! We are excited to announce the beginning of a grand revival of the eclectic cultural park with the Haw Par Villa 80th Anniversary Fiesta, a celebration of rich history and cultural significance of Haw Par Villa, Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery with more than 1,000 sculptures and over 150 dioramas.
Journey through the former WWII British underground command centre deep within the historical Fort Canning Hill. Hear stories about the fall of Malaya and Singapore in WWII, and how an underground command centre functioned during the war in the Battlebox tour, A STORY OF STRATEGY & SURRENDER™.
Managed and run by our associate company Singapore History Consultants, The Battlebox is a museum that unveils the true causes behind “the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history”.
Read about the Battlebox achievement in the news and check out www.battlebox.com.sg for more info!
The Battlebox is
#9 out of 826 “things to do in Singapore” on Tripadvisor
and
#14 museum in Asia for 2017