Stopping over in Singapore is always a pleasure whether travelling to and from Europe. Or, even for short holidays and long weekends. We enjoy doing both. On our last visit, we discovered one thing you’ll absolutely love to do in Singapore.
Why we love Singapore
We love staying in Singapore because:
- it’s safe and clean;
- you get to savour all the smells and flavours of Asia in one place; and
- it has an irresistible character and charm.
For many, the Fullerton Hotel is a modern five-star luxury hotel. For us, it’s an elegant and mysterious building. We admire it from the outside every time we visit.
The Fullerton History
Named after Robert Fullerton, Singapore’s first Governor, the building’s stately granite facade radiates its prominence in Singapore’s history. Fullerton Hotel staff are enthusiastic to showcase the former General Post Office’s journey to becoming a first-class hotel.
The building was opened in 1928 and built entirely on reclaimed land. It boasted one of the longest Post Office counters in Asia. During World War II it was transformed into a hospital before being commandeered by the invading Japanese as their headquarters.
There is a lot of history in between.
The Fullerton Tour
We stumbled upon the Fullerton tour through an article about historical tours of the Hotel while researching for things to do on our last stopover. We didn’t hesitate in booking our spots straight away.
Mile Zero and Cavenagh Bridge
The Fullerton tour commenced in its gracious foyer.
On meeting our small group, our guide steered us outside to ‘Mile Zero’. This is the spot from where all distances were measured before postal codes were introduced. It was literally the centre of Singapore.
‘Mile Zero’ gave us an opportunity to look at and learn about another significant landmark. The Cavenagh Bridge holds equal importance to the history of Singapore. People would gather at the bridge to listen to the country’s founding father, Lee Kwan Yew address political rallies in support of independence and finally, on 9 August 1965, Singaporeans celebrated their transition from a colony to an independent nation beside the bridge and the grand Fullerton.
History of the Fullerton
Returning indoors away from the humidity, our guide, Andy summarised the history of the building. The floors above had served as the exclusive European and male-only Singapore Club. The Club was where major decisions related to Singapore’s independence had been made.
Andy then guided us to the lounge area dedicated to tour groups. We sat surrounded by photographic displays and models of the building to hear more about Singaporean and Fullerton history.
The tour did not focus entirely on the Fullerton building. It was also an opportunity to learn more about Singapore’s history and, the city’s ambitious and extensive reclamation project.
The tour concluded on the rooftop overlooking the Marina showcasing some of the best views you will find in Singapore. An outdoor bar now stands on the spot where a lighthouse once stood!
What did we think of the Fullerton Hotel tour?
Visiting Singapore? You must step inside the iconic Raffles Hotel and its famous Long Bar along with the other colonial buildings and museums recommended in the guidebooks. However, a tour through the stately and proudly restored Fullerton Hotel gives visitors a new appreciation of the city and its history. We think it deserves equal importance on a ‘places to visit in Singapore’ list.
One more thing
You do not need to be a guest to be eligible for the tour. The tours are divided into two groups: one dedicated to hotel guests and another for guests of the city. Both run at separate times and are complimentary. Singaporeans are immensely proud of their heritage and keen to share it. While only one hour in duration you’ll be treated to more than just a quick walk-through.
Remember to bookmark this page as a reminder for when you next visit.
And, if you liked this recommendation
Read about how you’ll learn and see more of a city than on a guided tour when you take a walking tour through the Stroll Buddy (formerly Global Greeters) network.
