fire station tour singapore

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W.e.f. 1 Apr 2024 onwards, refresher training for Fire Station Emergency Medical Technicians will be enhanced and the In Camp Training period will be extended from 19 to 23 days. Please check with your Deputy Commander Fire Station or unit for more info.

W.e.f. 1 Jul 2024, SCDF will change its sender ID for NS Mobilisation matters from “91449746” to “80709995”. This follows the gov.sg SMS Sender ID announcement on 13 Jun 2024 and aims to help recipients recognise and authenticate SMSes from SCDF.

Please be informed that Bukit Batok Fire Station will not be hosting the weekly Saturday Fire Station Open House from 30 Sep 2023 to Feb 2025. Please refer to the list of other Fire Stations that are available for visits.

Please be informed that Central Fire Station and Marina Bay Fire Station will not be hosting the weekly Saturday Fire Station Open House on 21 Sep 2024. Please refer to the list of other Fire Stations that are available for visits.

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• Visit SCDF Establishments

Learn life-saving skills through interactive and fun-filled activities at SCDF's Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, Emergency Preparedness Centre and Fire Stations.

Please note that mask-wearing is optional for all visitors of SCDF Establishments.

Fire Station Open House

Dear Visitors,

Members of the public can visit our Fire Station Open House in person. Guided tours are available at the Fire Stations listed below for members of the public on Saturday mornings over two time slots – 9.00am to 9.50am or 10.00am to 10.50am:

• Clementi 
• Bishan 
• Marina Bay*
• Sentosa 
• Tampines 
• Jurong 
• Bukit Batok*

Visitors to our Fire Station can look forward to the following during the guided tour:

• Introduction to the Open House;
• Introduction to Emergency Vehicles and their capabilities;
• Demo on donning the full protective gear;
• Demo on using various equipment/appliances; and
• Photo taking

You are encouraged to make an online booking. This will enable our fire stations to plan ahead and provide guests with the best visitor experience. Walk-in visitors without an online booking will be allowed entry depending on the availability of visitor slots.

We seek your understanding that in the event of a fire station turnout to firefighting and/or rescue emergencies, the fire station visit may have to be terminated.

Click here to make a booking .  (Please note that the booking form is only available on Mondays-Fridays from 9.00am to 5.00pm (excluding Public Holidays).

*Please note that no pets are allowed to enter the Fire Station.

*Please be informed that Central Fire Station and Marina Bay Fire Station will not be hosting the weekly Saturday Fire Station Open House on 21 Sep 2024. Please refer to the list of other Fire Stations available for visits.

*Please be informed that Bukit Batok Fire Station will not be hosting the weekly Saturday Fire Station Open House from 30 Sep 2023 to Feb 2025. Please refer to the list of other Fire Stations available for visits.

Virtual Fire Station Open House

The virtual Fire Station group visit is conducted from 10.00am to 10.30am and will be hosted by one of the Fire Stations listed below:

• Jurong Island
• West Coast Marine
• Brani Marine

Click here to view which Fire Station is hosting the virtual group visits and to register for a virtual group visit.

NOTE: Tuas View Fire Station is not available for both physical or virtual Fire Station visit.

Emergency Preparedness Centre (EPC) & Civil Defence Heritage Gallery (CDHG)

Emergency Preparedness Centre

The 280m2 EPC is the first of its kind purpose-built centre in Singapore which utilizes highly visual and interactive exhibits to impart emergency preparedness knowledge and skills to its visitors of all ages. Some of these exhibits include the fire extinguisher simulator which discharges water onto a video wall depicting a few incipient fire scenarios as well as interactive mannequins for visitors to try out the Heimlich manoeuvre and CPR procedure.

[Note: The EPC is suitable for those aged 10 years and above]

Civil Defence Heritage Gallery

Embark on a tour of the past and learn about the latest firefighting and rescue technology developed and used by the SCDF. 

There are customised interactive stations for a close-up experience of what firefighters and rescuers undergo in an operation.

Request for Emergency Preparedness Centre/ Civil Defence Heritage Gallery Visit

Click here to request a visit to Emergency Preparedness Centre or Civil Defence Heritage Gallery .

Kindly note that the CDHG and EPC are closed on Mondays.

Civil Defence Virtual Heritage Gallery

Step inside our Civil Defence Heritage Gallery and embark on a journey covering the history, evolution and development of Civil Defence in Singapore, at your own time and convenience. SCDF presents to you our very own virtual heritage gallery tour.

How it works

• Navigate your way through the gallery by clicking on the white circles located floor.
• Click on the circular indicators to view the content
• Click on the content once again to enlarge the view

Click here to view the Civil Defence Virtual Heritage Gallery.

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Opening Hours:

Every Sat: 9am-11am

https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/community-volunteers

Enquiry Hotline:

6848 1525 or 6848 3411

Every Saturday from 9am to 10am and 10am to 11am, most of Singapore’s Fire Stations open their doors to the public for a Fire Station Open House.

Admission is free, and walk-ins are welcome, although you do need to register online if you are coming in a group of 10 or more. If you are able to, try to plan a visit to the Central Fire Station on Hill Street which is connected to the Civil Defence Heritage Museum. You could then combine a trip to the museum with a fire station open house. 

Fire Station Open House

This is a really fun, hands-on experience for kids and adults. You get to enter a fully functioning fire station and speak with Singapore Firefighters who will share their experiences and insights. 

Children will be thrilled to try on the fire jackets, sit in a Red Rhino Response Vehicle, try out the powerful water hoses and learn different techniques that firefighters use to slide down the fire poles.

Visit the Courtyard and you’ll get to see and go inside even more vehicles. Yes, fire engines, beach rescue buggies, motorcycles and ambulances too!

Central Fire Station Singapore

• Enquiry Confirmation

Visit the country’s oldest fire station in Singapore and learn about its firefighting and civil defence developments from the late 1800s to present day.

The singapore civil defence force provides fire-fighting, rescue and emergency medical services for singapore and is recognised as a professional body of well-trained officers and men ever-ready to respond to life threatening emergencies. at the civil defence heritage gallery located at central fire station, visitors will learn about the history of the singapore civil defence force, as well as the latest fire-fighting and rescue technology they have developed and used. the gallery also features customised interactive stations for a close-up experience of what fire fighters and rescuers experience in an operation. visitors can opt for a guided tour through the gallery. the guided tour is available in english only..

Location : Central Fire Station 62 Hill Street Singapore 179367

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Fire Station Open Houses And Civil Defence Heritage Gallery At Central Fire Station

Apr 16, 2024

Get up-close with real firemen and ride on fire engines at the Fire Station Open Houses that happens every Saturday morning! 

Venue:  Selected  Fire Stations, details below. Date:  Every Saturday, 9.00am to 9.50am and 10.00am to 10.50am Admission : Free, bookings are encouraged

The Fire Station Open House has been an ongoing hit with parents, especially for younger ones who will get a first-hand inside look at the happenings of a fire station! Families can choose to visit participating fire stations physically or choose to go on a virtual tour.

We definitely recommend a physical visit for a full immersive experience!

What Can You Expect At A Visit

Below are details of our visit in 2018 when we brought a group of 20 parents and 15 little ones to the Central Fire Station to m eet the firefighters and paramedics, and learn more on how SCDF responds to emergencies!

Read our experience, and scroll down for more details (and booking link) for the Fire Station Open Houses. .

Our Visit To The Central Fire Station

We visited when our child was 5 years old and when he was very into being a fire fighter, and this trip proved to be a REALLY WOW experience! We highly recommend kids between 3 to 8 years old to visit, younger ones may not fully appreciate the experience while older ones may not be as impressed. 

Once you enter, you will join the tour led by a senior officer where he shares more about the fire-fighting and paramedic equipment. You may also choose to roam around and explore the public areas of the station yourselves. However, we recommend following the tour as there will be plenty of insights and knowledge to be learned. 

Families will also have the opportunity to take photos with firefighters in full firefighting gear, as well as try to put on the suit yourselves. There will be lots of hands on opportunities as you try your hands at unrolling the firehose, wearing the gas masks and more! You will even get to board a Fire Engine for photos too! It was indeed an experience for both parents and children! 

The visit ends with a fire-fighting demonstration where selected  visitors (including children) will get to participate in the demonstration. In our visit, we also had the chance to hold on to the firehose and experience how it feels like putting out the fire. 

The experience may differ across Fire Stations, and our   visit was to the  Central Fire Station . We do recommend families to visit this particular station as you get to visit the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery located within the station too!  And yes, the entire experience is free! 

Fire Stations That Will Be Having Open House

Note that most (but not all) fire stations are open to visits. Below is the list of fire stations that you can visit. However do check the official website for the most updated list. 

• Alexandra Fire Station (3 Queensway S149073)
• Ang Mo Kio Fire Station (2874 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9 S569783)
• Bishan Fire Station (1 Marymount Lane S574029)
• Bukit Batok Fire Station (80 Bukit Batok Road S658072) *currently unavailable
• Central Fire Station (62 Hill Street S179367)
• Changi Fire Station (491 Upper Changi Road S468965)
• Clementi Fire Station (Commonwealth Avenue West S129577)
• Jurong Fire Station (22 Jurong West Street 26, S648126)
• Kallang Fire Station (2 Guillemard Close, S397623)
• Marina Bay Fire Station (70 Marina View, S018962)
• Paya Lebar Fire Station (91 Ubi Avenue 4, S408827)
• Punggol Fire Station (151 Punggol Central S828727)
• Sengkang Fire Station (50 Buangkok Drive S545064)
• Tampines Fire Station (1 Tampines Industrial Avenue 3 S528777)
• Tuas Fire Station (7 Tuas Road S638483)
• Woodlands Fire Station (1 Woodlands Industrial Park D Street 2 S738782)
• Yishun Fire Station (533 Yishun Industrial Park, A S768774)

As of 2024, we note that the SCDF encourages online bookings * so that the  Fire Stations can plan ahead and provide guests with the best visitor experience.

Families who walk-in without pre-booking will be allowed entry depending on the availability of visitor slots. To ensure your booking for that specific weekend, please make your booking by 12pm on Thursdays. Otherwise, it will be considered a walk-in. 

*Note that the form is only available on Mon - Fri, from 9.30 am - 5 pm (excluding Public Holidays).

Virtual Fire Station Open House

The virtual Fire Station group visit is conducted from 10.00am to 10.30am and will be hosted by one of the Fire Stations listed below:

• Jurong Island
• West Coast Marine
• Brani Marine

Please fill up this form to register for the Virtual Fire Station Open House .  Each Zoom session can accommodate a minimum of 50pax and max 300 pax, you will be informed if the session is rescheduled. 

Tips and Details

It has been awhile since our last visit, thus the information below might be slightly dated. Here are some tips that we learned from previous experiences. 

• You cannot park at the Fire Station : Yes, we tried to turn into the Central Fire Station in our first visit and was immediately turned away. We suspect you will not be allowed to park at any of the fire station. For those visiting Central Fire Station, you may try to park at Funan (across the street) or turn into Armenian Street and park at the Registry of Marriages
• Bring spare clothes for the kids : They may get wet from the fire fighting demonstration, so a spare set of clothing will be useful to have. 
• Visit the Central Fire Station at least once : We repeat this again - the Central Fire Station has the added benefit of having the heritage gallery that you can visit after the open house. 

Dates & Time

The fire stations' visits are open to the public every Saturday in two time slots – from 9.00am to 9.50am and 10.00am to 10.50am. 

For more information, you can refer to the SCDF website . 

>> Share An Experience Here

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This article is prepared by.

Jiarong Yu Daddy to 2 adorable little ones. Misses them the moment they are not around, regrets missing them the moment they are around.

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Singapore fire stations resume weekly open house after 2 years of Covid-19

SINGAPORE - After a two-year hiatus to protect front-liners and visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic, fire stations here are once again open to the public on Saturday mornings.

Visitors can go on guided tours to meet firefighters and paramedics, and learn how the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responds to emergencies.

On Saturday morning (April 30), families with young children flocked to the open house at fire stations across the island, with long queues forming outside some stations before the start of the programme at 9am.

SCDF said its first open house since Covid-19 hit saw an unprecedented turnout of about 6,000 visitors, triple that of the average turnout before the pandemic.

Selected fire stations are open for visits in two time slots every Saturday - from 9am to 9.50am and 10am to 10.50am.

More information can be found on SCDF's website.

Those interested can walk in, but groups of 10 or more should register here.

Fire stations open for weekly visits

- Central Fire Station

- Alexandra Fire Station

- Clementi Fire Station

- Bishan Fire Station

- Marina Bay Fire Station

- Sentosa Fire Station (starting next week)

- Paya Lebar Fire Station

- Changi Fire Station

- Tampines Fire Station

- Kallang Fire Station

- Yishun Fire Station

- Ang Mo Kio Fire Station

- Sengkang Fire Station

- Punggol Fire Station

- Jurong Fire Station

- Tuas Fire Station

- Woodlands Fire Station

- Bukit Batok Fire Station

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, this morning, the physical Fire Stations' Open House is once again made... Posted by Singapore Civil Defence Force on  Friday, April 29, 2022

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Fire Stations Open House

Image credit SCDF

You'll get to meet the firefighters and paramedics of scdf and learn about how the scdf handles emergencies. .

The fire station visits are open to the public in 2 time slots every Saturday at selected fire stations:

• 10am-10:50am

During your visit to the fire station, you can look forward to learning about emergency vehicles and their capabilities, a demo on donning the full protective gear, a demo on using various equipment and appliances, and plenty of opportunities for photo-taking!

While walk-ins are alllowed, priority will be given to those with online bookings (the online booking form is only available on Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm, excluding Public Hoildays).

Fire Stations Available

• Alexandra Fire Station (3 Queensway S149073)
• Ang Mo Kio Fire Station (2874 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9 S569783)
• Bishan Fire Station (1 Marymount Lane S574029)
• Bukit Batok Fire Station (80 Bukit Batok Road S658072)
• Central Fire Station (62 Hill Street S179367)
• Changi Fire Station (491 Upper Changi Road S486965)
• Clementi Fire Station (Commonwealth Avenue West S129577)
• Jurong Fire Station (22 Jurong West Street 26, S648126)
• Kallang Fire Station (2 Guillemard Close, S397623)
• Marina Bay Fire Station (70 Marina View, S018962)
• Paya Lebar Fire Station (91 Ubi Avenue 4, S408827)
• Punggol Fire Station (151 Punggol Central S828727)
• Sengkang Fire Station (50 Buangkok Drive S545064)
• Tampines Fire Station (1 Tampines Industrial Avenue 3 S528777)
• Tuas Fire Station (7 Tuas Road S638483)
• Woodlands Fire Station (1 Woodlands Industrial Park D Street 2 S738782)
• Yishun Fire Station (533 Yishun Industrial Park, A S768774)

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Fire Station Open House : Show and Tell

Every Saturday, the following fire stations around the island open shop to show kids the excitement (and the risks) that are a part of the job of being a fire fighter .

• Alexandra Fire Station
• Ang Mo Kio Fire Station
• Bishan Fire Station
• Bukit Batok Fire Station
• Central Fire Station
• Changi Fire Station
• Clementi Fire Station
• Jurong Fire Station
• Paya Lebar Fire Station
• Sengkang Fire Station
• Tampines Fire Station
• Tuas Fire Station
• Tuas View Fire Station
• Woodlands Fire Station
• Yishun Fire Station

Children have the opportunity (which they love) of trying a fire hose, scrambling aboard emergency vehicles, scaling to dizzying heights on a rescue ladder and sliding down the famous pole.

Every Saturday : 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. & 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Fires stations island-wide (except Jurong Island)

Free Admission

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SCDF Fire Stations Open House is Back so Families can visit again every Saturday! (No Pre-booking Required)

After a 2-year break due to the pandemic, SCDF's Fire Stations Open House are BACK!

Starting from this Saturday, 30 April 2022 , 17 Fire Stations around Singapore will be opened to the public every Saturday in two time slots – from 9.00am to 9.50am and 10.00am to 10.50am .

If you are visiting in group sizes of less than 10 pax, walk-ins are allowed. No pre-booking of slots required.

What to expect at the Fire Station Open House? Kids (and adults) will be able to meet the SCDF firefighters and paramedics, and learn more on how SCDF responds to emergencies.

In addition, kids will get the chance to get up close and learn more about SCDF's fleet of emergency vehicles.

Who knows? They may get a chance to clamber onto a real fire engine or even spray the water hose too!

Which was what Ash did eons ago. 😆

The listed fire stations with Open House are:

Alexandra Fire Station (3 Queensway S149073)

Ang Mo Kio Fire Station (2874 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9 S569783)

Bishan Fire Station (1 Marymount Lane S574029)

Bukit Batok Fire Station (80 Bukit Batok Road S658072)

Central Fire Station (62 Hill Street S179367)

Changi Fire Station (491 Upper Changi Road S468965)

Clementi Fire Station (Commonwealth Avenue West S129577)

Jurong Fire Station (22 Jurong West Street 26, S648126)

Kallang Fire Station (2 Guillemard Close, S397623)

Marina Bay Fire Station (70 Marina View, S018962)

Paya Lebar Fire Station (91 Ubi Avenue 4, S408827)

Punggol Fire Station (151 Punggol Central S828727)

Sengkang Fire Station (50 Buangkok Drive S545064)

Tampines Fire Station (1 Tampines Industrial Avenue 3 S528777)

Tuas Fire Station (7 Tuas Road S638483)

Woodlands Fire Station (1 Woodlands Industrial Park D Street 2 S738782)

Yishun Fire Station (533 Yishun Industrial Park, A S768774)

For groups of 10 or more, please register for the visit at this link . Do note that the maximum number of pax for each group booking is 40 pax.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SCDF Fire Stations Open House

Dates: Every Saturday (from 30 April 2022 onwards)

Timings: Two time slots – from 9.00am to 9.50am AND 10.00am to 10.50am

Venue: Refer to list of Fire Stations above

*No pre-booking required if you are visiting in group sizes of less than 10 pax

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Fire Station Open House at Tampines Fire Station (2nd SCDF Division HQ)

By Monica Eng

A trip to a fire station open house is a dream come for fire truck-loving children, as our roving reporter Elliott and his mum discover when they visit the Tampines Fire Station one Saturday morning.

Have you ever been to a fire station open house in Singapore? If you have not, make a date to do so right now. The kids will have the time of their lives and you’ll be crowned ‘GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) Parent’ — at least until the next toddler tantrum, huh huh.

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All the fire stations in Singapore are open to the public for a Fire Station Open House every Saturday from 9am to 11am. When I found out about this, I was really excited because my three-year-old son Elliott is a huge fan of fire trucks.

I rallied other mum friends who, like me, have fire truck-mad sons, and organised a group visit to the Tampines Fire Station (2nd SCDF Division HQ). This station is close to all our homes and guess what? It turned out to be a great choice because this is one of the two largest fire stations in Singapore (Paya Lebar Fire Station is the other one).

Elliott and his friends were terribly excited when they heard that they were going to visit a fire station and get to meet their heroes a.k.a. the firemen. Elliott even woke up at 5am because he was so keyed up about the visit. He spent the few hours before our trip chanting “FIRE STATION, FIRE TRUCK, FIREMAN!” repeatedly. The skies were cloudy and there was slight downpour, but there was no way I could resist that level of excitement. We were going, even though it was 21 degrees Celsius and drizzling.

Arriving at Tampines Fire Station Open House

Upon arrival, the first thing to do is to register at the entrance. You need one Identity Card (per group) to exchange for a pass. The kids start to get really excited as we walk to the waiting area because they can see all the trucks – life sized! – in front of them. Once everyone in the group has arrived, a friendly fireman greets us and brings us to the control room to explain about station operations. The kids are each presented with a fireman’s hat and judging from their smiles, it’s as if all their Christmases and Birthdays have arrived at the same time.

Checking out the Fire Trucks… and More

Next we get to check out the “Fire Bikes”, as the kids call them. When there is a fire, these bikes are the first to be sent out to access the situation. The kids are allowed to sit on the bikes and take photos with two dashing firemen.

Then we are brought to an actual fire truck, yes, the one with the ladders and the hoses. It is huge! The kids get to see all the different equipment and nozzles for the hose in the truck. And then… drumroll… they are allowed to clamber into the cab to look out from the driver’s seat.

Elliott is too small to get up on his own and he’s a little scared because it is so high off the ground. But a fireman comes to his rescue, scooting him off the ground and plopping him onto the seat. The kids also get to examine huge support trucks where other equipment like air tanks and tools are stored. I must say, the firemen are incredibly friendly, kind, and wonderful with the little ones. The kids have stars in their eyes every time they looked at these hunky “kor kors”. To be honest, we mummies are pretty impressed too! I’m pretty sure we’re all thinking, “Can we bring one of you home with us please?” *wink* Just kidding.

The Waterworks Begin

About this time we see a few firemen setting up a hose. Now  that would be Elliott’s favourite activity but we go to see the Hazmat truck first. The firemen lay a bright orange Hazmat suit out on the ground. It looks incredibly thick and heavy. How in the world do the they even move when they’re in it, let alone carry equipment? We get to check out the inside of the Hazmat truck, and see the inside of an ambulance.

Just when we think this tour cannot get more awesome, one of the firemen walks up with packs of orange, child-sized raincoats. The kids put on the rain coats then get individual coaching sessions to learn how to operate the fire hose. In case you were wondering, yes, there are different kind of spray techniques.

Elliott, however, has more interest in being the “fire” than a fireman. He spends more time running around under the water, and splashing around. This is hands-down every child’s favourite part of the open house. It takes up the most time because they don’t want to stop playing.

After the ‘Rain’, the Pole

Finally, we get to meet the fireman’s pole. Did you know that the firemen in Singapore have their own style of sliding down the pole? It’s a method that allows them to carry equipment in both hands and still slide down safely. No other country has this pole sliding style. Cool, huh? Naturally, Elliott wants to try it too. Finally, after several tries, he actually manages a bit of a wiggle and a slide with the help of a very nice fireman “kor kor”.

This marks the end of our tour. By now the kids are hungry. Even the great big fire trucks can’t keep their stomachs satisfied, so we say goodbye to the firemen who’ve made our morning so wonderful, and go in search of food. The one thing that everyone of us can agree on is that we simply must do this again!

Tips for visiting Fire Station Open Houses:

• Wear sandals • Wear shorts • Bring extra clothes just in case. It can get wet! • Bring water and snacks for the kids

Fire Station Open House

Walk in and learn more about SCDF, our mission as the life saving force, the roles and functions of fire stations, the job scopes and life in a fire station.

When Every Saturday, 9 am – 11 am Where Various fire stations in Singapore. Check for their locations here Note Every fire station in Singapore is different so activities at stations may differ Group registration (for 10 and more) register online .

All content from this article, including images, cannot be reproduced without credits or written permission from SingaporeMotherhood.

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Central Fire Station

• National Monuments
• Public Infrastructure
• War & Defence

62 Hill Street Singapore, 179367

The Central Fire Station is the oldest surviving fire station in Singapore. Situated not far from the Armenian Church  and the Former Hill Street Police Station , the iconic building is a living monument to the local firefighting force.

Frequent Outbreaks of Fire

In nineteenth-century Singapore, fire outbreaks were rampant in Singapore and were a major problem for the British Administration. This was because many houses were built using flammable materials such as wood and attap, which posed a serious fire hazard. Moreover, their close proximity to one another also meant that fires could spread very quickly.

Early firefighting squads consisted of poorly trained men, including soldiers, convicts, and volunteers. It was only in 1888 that the first organised team of firefighters, the Singapore Fire Brigade, was established, and the first purpose-built fire station was constructed on Cross Street. G. P. Owen, then Secretary of the Singapore Cricket Club, was appointed the founding superintendent of the Singapore Fire Brigade.

New Era for the Singapore Fire Brigade

In 1904, a professional firefighter named Montague W. Pett arrived from England and succeeded Owen as Superintendent of the Singapore Fire Brigade. Under Pett’s leadership, the poorly trained firefighting force was transformed into a modern fire brigade. He championed the building of the Central Fire Station as he believed that a modern, well-equipped fire station was necessary for a town. Construction of the new fire station commenced at the foot of Fort Canning Hill on Hill Street in 1908.

The Central Fire Station was completed in 1909. It boasted a squad of fully motorised fire trucks which effectively replaced the outdated horse-drawn engines. The new fire engines were developed and produced by the famous London steam engine manufacturer Merryweathers & Sons. They greatly enhanced the efficiency of the local fire service in their response to emergencies.

In addition, the fire station also provided accommodation for the firefighters. Drills and exercises could be conducted on the large parade square within the compound.

Second World War

As the threat of war loomed, the British Administration formed the Auxiliary Fire Service in 1939 to strengthen the local firefighting force and to deal with any possible wartime emergencies such as air raids. The Central Fire Station’s red-and-white brickwork was painted over with camouflage paint in an attempt to conceal the building from enemy bomber pilots. Nevertheless, the fire station sustained numerous direct hits from falling bombs.

When Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, most of the fire brigade’s European members were marched off to Changi Prison as prisoners-of-war. Those who remained in the force carried on with their duties under the direction of Victor G. Donough, who served as Superintendent at the Central Fire Station during the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945).

Response to Emergencies

The Central Fire Station continued to function after the war. Firefighters based in this historic fire station were involved in various national emergencies and rescue operations that hit post-war and post-independent Singapore. These included the ravaging fires at Bukit Ho Swee in 1961 and the disastrous collapse of Hotel New World in 1986.

Architecture

Designed by William Ferguson, the building’s red-and-white rusticated façade is a distinctive characteristic of what is commonly known as ‘blood-and-bandage’ architecture. In the case of the Central Fire Station, this feature coincidentally and aptly underscores the firefighters’ work mission to rescue and save. The ‘blood’ points to the exposed red bricks on the façade, while the ‘bandage’ refers to the plaster layovers that are painted white. This architectural style was popularised during the Edwardian era (1901–1910).

Another outstanding feature of the fire station is its impressive lookout tower, which rises to a height of about 110 feet (34 metres). A fireman was always stationed in the tower to spot any outbreaks of fire in the vicinity. Flanked by twin cupolas, a triangular pediment bearing the monogram of the Singapore Fire Brigade fronts the façade’s midsection. Behind the row of bright red shutter doors are fire engines and rescue vehicles on standby for activation.

Central Fire Station Today

In 2001, the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery located in the station was opened to the public. Its exhibits provide visitors with insights into the history of the firefighting force in Singapore from its humble beginnings to the established force that it is today.

The Central Fire Station is still operational today and serves an area covering the Central Business District and Chinatown.

Our National Monuments

Our National Monuments are an integral part of Singapore’s built heritage, which the National Heritage Board (NHB) preserves and promotes for posterity. They are monuments and sites that are accorded the highest level of protection in Singapore.

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Home » Singapore » Top Cultural Field Trips And Tours For Kids In Singapore

Top Cultural Field Trips And Tours For Kids In Singapore

Explorations for preschoolers, kids, teens in singapore.

Expand your horizons and explore the best of Singapore’s cultural excursions with your little tots, tweens, and teens! From indoor adventures at museums and galleries to outdoor trails and historical walks, we’ve listed our top recommendations of cultural outings that Singapore has to offer for the whole family!

SINGAPORE HERITAGE TRAILS - Islandwide

Put on your most comfy shoes and start exploring Singapore’s rich heritage through the walking trails by the National Heritage Board. Embark on these well-loved heritage trails and experience for yourself the untold stories behind the neighborhoods and streets of Singapore where locals live, work, and play. Explore the shopping district of Orchard Road or head back in time to the World War 2 Heritage Trail. Visit Roots' website for detailed information and download each neighborhood's trail booklet so you’ll be all set for a day of adventure with your kiddos!

Singapore Heritage Trails , Islandwide,  www.roots.gov.sg/nhb/trails

NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE - City Hall

Spend a day at the National Gallery Singapore where kids can explore the exhibitions as well as partake in the various activities offered. Every second Saturday and Sunday, kids can dive into the world of stories that make the artworks come alive. They get to listen to storytellers and journey through the various galleries. There are also Family Art Workshops scheduled every second Saturday of the month plus a whole range of drop-in activities! Also check out the new  Gallery Kids!  portal on their website for an interactive experience into the art on display.

National Gallery Singapore , 1 St. Andrew's Road, Singapore 178957, +65 6271 7000,  www.nationalgallery.sg

POKEMON GO CULTURAL WALKING TOUR - Central

Discover the cultural side of Singapore while you meet and capture Pokemon on the go! Find out the stories behind the poke stops located at Kampong Glam, Haji Lane, and Little India as are on board this tour. Get yourself engaged in virtual raids while immersing in the Malay and Indian culture of Singapore. What are you waiting for? Book now on  Klook  to catch ’em all! The cost of the tour is SG$100 and it is eligible for redemption of your SingapoRediscovers Vouchers.

Rediscover Singapore ,  www.rediscoversingapore.co/pokemon-go-cultural-walking-tour/

THE FULLERTON HERITAGE TOURS & TRAIL - City Hall

The Fullerton Hotel offers tours to guests and the general public. You can choose the Fullerton Monument Tour which takes you back in time to 1928 when the story of the Fullerton Building first began. Or, you can choose either the Maritime Journey Tour or the Fullerton Heritage Trail which is self guided. All tours are complimentary and can be booked directly through the hotel.

Fullerton Heritage Tours & Trail ,  www.thefullertonheritage.com/tours

ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM - Marina Bay

Seize the opportunity to catch world-class touring exhibitions at the ArtScience Museum, where art, science, and technology all coincide in one space. The museum has collaborated with the American Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institute, and world-renowned furniture designer Herman Miller. Its permanent exhibition,  'Future World: Where Art Meets Science'  is a must-visit for the whole fam as you can immerse yourselves in a dynamic 1,500-square-meter digital universe of interactive art installations revolving around the themes of Nature, Town, Park, and Science.

ArtScience Museum , 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974, +65 6688 8868,  www.marinabaysands.com/museum

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE - Dhoby Ghaut

A cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore, the Museum hosts innovative festivals and events all year round from the dynamic Night Festival, visually arresting art installations, as well as amazing performances and film screenings. Beginning March 16 till December 14, 2019, the museum hosts  full-day family programs  on selected dates. These include intergenerational workshops, sensory playdates, and even a tour to discover interesting facts about Singapore and the world!

National Museum of Singapore , 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897, +65 6332 3659,  www.nationalmuseum.sg

PERANAKAN MUSEUM SINGAPORE - City Hall

One of the best things about Singapore is our diverse culture and society. One such culture is of Peranakans, otherwise known as people of mixed local and foreign ancestry. To better educate all ages on the history, the Peranakan Museum has opened after a 4-year revamp. Boasting 3 floors of galleries and exhibitions, the museum will have interactive displays and showcases that dive deep into all the various aspects of Peranakan culture. You can also spot video storytelling and preserved artifacts from the past. Both the museum’s interiors and facade have also been refreshed, which means your visit will include great photo opportunities!

Peranakan Museum , 39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941, +65 6332 7591,  peranakanmuseum.org.sg

SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL - Balestier

The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall houses artifacts that shed light on the lesser known details of Singapore and Nanyang's involvement in the 1911 Revolution. Free guided tours of the Memorial Hall’s permanent galleries and special exhibitions are available daily. Have the kids bask in the Lunar New Year festivities at this year's Wan Qing Festival of Spring with auspicious Lion and Dragon dance performances, heritage tours and trails, and of course, craft activities!

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall , 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874, +65 6256 7377,  www.sysnmh.org.sg/en

LIAN SHAN SHUANG LIN MONASTERY - Toa Payoh

Take a stroll through Singapore's oldest monastery and marvel at its elaborate, ornate gateway. Cross over the bridge and it spans out onto an open courtyard. The seven-storey Dragon Light Pagoda is a sight to behold and we love the tranquil atmosphere of the whole vicinity. Also check out the wall carvings, rock garden, and collection of bonsai trees that line the walkways. Definitely a great cultural experience for the kiddos!

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery,  184 Jalan Toa Payoh, Singapore 319944, +65 6259 6924,  www.shuanglin.sg

ESPLANADE, THEATRES ON THE BAY - Marina Bay

An iconic structure resembling a durian, the Esplanade is at the cultural forefront and sits right in the heart of Marina Bay. Spend a day with the kids here to embrace a full lifestyle experience - theater, performing arts, dining, shopping, and a kids' club,  PIP's PLAYbox . There are ongoing kiddy workshops and events throughout the year so check their website for the full line-up.

Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay,  1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981, +65 6828 8377,  www.esplanade.com

ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM - Empress Place, CBD

Boasting an impressive regional mecca of Asian artifacts, the Asian Civilisations Museum centers on educating its visitors on the material cultures that formed our beautiful continent. Kids can take their own journey via the museum's Fun Trails. Whatever you need to know about the history of Singapore the ACM will have an exhibition on it. From textiles to pottery and also the famous people who've graced our land, kids can spend a whole afternoon pottering between the different exhibits.

Asian Civilisations Museum , 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, +65 6332 2982,  www.acm.org.sg

BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE AND MUSEUM - Chinatown

Housing the tooth relic of the historical Buddha, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple constructed in 2007 also serves as a Chinese Buddhist cultural center. There's also a teahouse and museum that is well-known for its extensive collections of Buddhist culture, art, and history. The theater holds cultural performances, talks, and film screenings. Admission to the temple and  weekly-guided tours  are free of charge. Each tour lasts around two hours and guides you through the different floors and halls of the temple and museum.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple And Museum,  288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840, +65 6220 0220,  www.btrts.org.sg

INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE - Little India

The Indian Heritage Centre, under the management of the National Heritage Board and with support from the Indian community, traces the history of the Indian and South Asian communities in the Southeast Asian region. The four-storey building is an iconic, unique, and sustainable building that blends both traditional Indian as well as modern architectural elements. The architectural design for the facade is inspired by the baoli (or Indian stepwell) and seeks to create an urban forum for the celebration and appreciation of Indian culture. It houses 5 permanent galleries, a museum shop as well as programming and activity spaces. Admission information here .

Indian Heritage Centre , 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924, +65 6291 1601,  [email protected], www.indianheritage.gov.sg/en

SULTAN MOSQUE - Kampong Glam

Also known as Masjid Sultan, the grand Sultan Mosque located in the historic district of Kampong Glam is the center of activity for the Muslim Community in Singapore. The glass base of the dome is impressive, being made out of glass bottle ends. Visit the mosque during Ramadan and you'll be greeted with a night market and many food stalls. Want more? Hop onto the mosque's  guided tour !

Sultan Mosque,  3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833, +65 6293 4405 / 6293 4043,  www.sultanmosque.sg

CENTRAL FIRE STATION - City Hall *Temporarily Closed

Built in 1908, the Central Fire Station, also known as the Hill Street Fire Station, is Singapore’s oldest surviving fire station. Still an active station, it houses the Singapore Civil Defence Heritage Gallery which showcases the firefighting history of Singapore. In the past, the three-storey main building housed an engine house, living quarters for the firemen and their families, a repair shop, carpentry shop, training yard, and a lookout tower. The gallery is located in the oldest part of the station and features photographs of major fires, old firefighting equipment and uniforms, interactive displays, and audio-visual presentations. Kids will be thrilled to see a 19th-century fire engine up close and climb the 30-meter lookout tower. Book your visit  here !

Central Fire Station,  62 Hill St, Singapore 179367, +65 6332 3178,  www.scdf.gov.sg

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

Armenian Church Singapore

Maghain Aboth Synagogue

Sri Mariamman Temple

Singapore Art Museum  - Undergoing major transformation. Museum content continues online.

Mint Museum of Toys

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