If your kids are intrigued by historical places, then Lim Bo Seng Memorial is a good start for them. Located at Esplanade Park in Singapore, the octagonal pagoda-like war memorial pays tribute to Major-General Lim Bo Seng, one of Singapore’s many war heroes during World War II.
Lim Bo Seng Memorial In Honour Of War Hero
The Lim Bo Seng Memorial is the only structure in Singapore that commemorates an individual’s efforts in World War II and was gazetted as a national monument on December 28, 2010.
Major-General Lim Bo Seng was a prominent Hokkien businessman, who led many anti-Japanese activities before and during the Japanese occupation to support the war efforts in China and also the creation of an intelligence network in Malaya.
He was caught by the Japanese Secret Police in Ipoh, after being betrayed by a spy. Seng was soon held captive and tortured, till he died in the Batu Gajah Jail on June 29, 1944.
He received the rank of Major-General by the Chinese Nationalist Government posthumously. On January 13, 1946, the British government brought Lim’s remains to Singapore and buried him with full glory and honours at MacRitchie Reservoir, where his grave lies.
Lim Bo Seng Memorial: The Unique Pagoda
Image courtesy: iStock
The Memorial was designed by architect Ng Keng Siang and was unveiled in 1954. It was constructed on a site that was donated by the government. The donations came from the Chinese community.
The pagoda measuring 3.6 metres is made of bronze, concrete and marble. It is an important work of the Chinese National Style architecture. The pagoda has four bronze lions at the base.
Do take some time to read the four bronze plaques. They narrate an interesting account of Lim’s life in Chinese, English, Tamil and Jawi (Malay).
Location and Operating hours
- There is no entry fee required to visit Lim Bo Seng Memorial.
- It is open 24 hours.
How to reach: Lim Bo Seng’s memorial is located in the Esplanade Park. You can reach here by bus or any other mode of transport. If you taking a bus route, then these are the following buses which you can board- 75, 167, 100, 107, 130 and 131 buses stop at B02029. It is just one minute away from Esplanade.
Image courtesy: iStock
Things To Do Here
- Esplanade Park is one of the oldest heritage parks in Singapore. You can stop by the Lim Bo Seng Memorial and the Cenotaph when you are here to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers. If you are an architecture lover, then you can visit the Victorian-styled Tan Kim Seng Fountain.
- If you love indulging in photography, then you can take some shots that capture the beauty at Esplanade Park, with the different memorials and the spectacular waterfront view.
Lead image and feature source: Visiting Singapore
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