Asian Civilisations Museum

Asian civilisation museum
‘I light Singapore’ show
Lighted up during CNY
"PUSTAHA" ( Magic Bark Book) #pattern from Toba Batak, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The wisdom of nine generations of magician-priests is stored within these pages. The book contains descriptions of all kinds of spells and incantations needed by the datu, as the Batak priests are called. There are formulas for, for example, destroying other villages or eliminating opponents, for inspiring love, and stories about the creation of the world.
Batak priests (datu) inscribed sacred texts on the rib bones of water buffalo. These writings-magic formulas, oracles, recipes for medicines, and instructions for rituals and cures-were passed from generation to generation within a priestly class. Inscriptions on rib bones often contain calendrical information used by priests to divine auspicious days for particular activities. The bones also brought good luck to their owners. The beauty of the script and the poetic language were both appreciated.

Popular places to visit

Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles

Sir Stamford Raffles Statue

Learn about the local history of Colonial District when you spend time at Sir Stamford Raffles Statue. Amble around this vibrant area's marina or experience its fascinating museums.

Sir Stamford Raffles Statue
Statue of Sir Tomas Stamford Raffles in Singapore.

Raffles Landing Site

After visiting Raffles Landing Site, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Colonial District. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Raffles Landing Site
Bronze statue of Stamford Raffles, founder of modern Singapore

Statue of Raffles

You can find out about the history of Colonial District with a visit to Statue of Raffles. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Statue of Raffles
Cavenagh Bridge showing a river or creek and a bridge

Cavenagh Bridge

Learn about the local history of Singapore when you spend time at Cavenagh Bridge. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Cavenagh Bridge
KBB7M1 A boat ply the Singapore River on Boat Quay toward Anderson Bridge, with the city's skyline in the background.

Anderson Bridge

Find out about the history of Singapore when you spend time at Anderson Bridge. Stroll along the marina or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Anderson Bridge
National Gallery Singapore occupying the former City Hall and Old Supreme Court Building.

National Gallery Singapore

4/5(2 reviews)

You can spend time studying the exhibits at National Gallery Singapore during your trip to Colonial District. Stroll along the marina or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

National Gallery Singapore

Top Hotel Deals

Carlton Hotel Singapore

Carlton Hotel Singapore

4.5 out of 5
76 Bras Basah Road Singapore
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore

Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore

5 out of 5
2 Stamford Road Singapore
Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore
Hotel Waterloo Singapore - Handwritten Collection

Hotel Waterloo Singapore - Handwritten Collection

4 out of 5
78 Waterloo Street Singapore
Hotel Waterloo Singapore - Handwritten Collection
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

5 out of 5
1 Fullerton Square Singapore
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Pan Pacific Singapore

Pan Pacific Singapore

5 out of 5
7 Raffles Boulevard Singapore
Pan Pacific Singapore
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

5 out of 5
3 Upper Pickering Street Singapore
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre

4 out of 5
8 Club Street Singapore
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
lyf Funan Singapore

lyf Funan Singapore

3.5 out of 5
67 HILL STREET Singapore
lyf Funan Singapore
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay

4.5 out of 5
Merchant Road, 20 Singapore SIN
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
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