The story of modern Singapore can be told through its living heritage, be it artistic, cultural or natural. Historic personages, monuments, architecture and the arts, lifestyles and traditions, and flora and fauna, are the ‘ingredients’ that make up this vibrant, cosmopolitan city-state. With Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles’ arrival in Singapore in 1819 as a starting point, we explore the many essential parts of the city that make it surprisingly historic and richly evocative.

• With the 200th anniversary of Singapore being celebrated in January 2019, it is a timely opportunity to re-examine what makes this country unique: all the city-state’s heritage encapsulated in one volume.
• Tapping into the global interest in heritage in general, this book explores all the many facets of Singaporean heritage — from built heritage to historic sites, personages, cultures and communities, arts, leisure, flora and fauna, and more.
• The book delves into the global and regional origins of many national and everyday aspects of Singapore’s heritage, providing surprising and rarely explored backstories on familiar aspects of Singaporean life often taken for granted.