Home Adventures: Think Outside the Box? Dive into the Civic District Hunt

August 9, 2022: Two Big Moments for Singapore

Picture this: the National Day parade lights up the city, 1,300 energetic students and young volunteers burst onto the stage, and the Total Defence Display put a real spin on the show. Fun never stopped—there were meme-worthy moments that made everyone chuckle, from the Ya Kun Kaya Toast Girl to the iconic Crying Man. It was the sort of day you can’t help but remember.

The Padang Goes on the National Monuments List

What makes this day even more historic? On the same day, the government officially gazetted The Padang as Singapore’s 75th National Monument. This isn’t just a name on a list; it’s a green, open space that’s now part of the country’s heritage tapestry.

Minister Edwin Tong celebrated the moment, saying:

“The Padang will be the first green, open space to join our list of National Monuments. Together with our 74 other National Monuments, it preserves and celebrates the stories that define Singapore and our people.”

“Generations of people have gathered here and witnessed key milestones in Singapore’s history. It stands as a testament to our historical journey, anchoring our identity and reflecting our place in the world.

All 75 Monuments & How They’re Picked

There are now 75 National Monuments, each a piece of our collective story.
The National Heritage Board has a dedicated team called the Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) that digs deep into history, architecture, and national significance to identify places that deserve this title.
According to Stella Woo, Manager of Policy & Education at PSM: “We look at the historical, architectural, and national significance.
“The key difference between preservation and conservation—handled by the Urban Redevelopment Authority—is that sites, buildings, and structures must carry national significance. We figure out how each spot tells Singapore’s story.”

So on that unforgettable National Day, Singapore not only celebrated its current vibrancy but also solidified its future heritage with the addition of The Padang to the National Monument lineup. And who could forget the memes that kept everyone laughing? It’s a day worth reliving.

Unbox the Past: A Fun-Filled Quest Around The Legendary Padang

Remember the old charm of the Padang, that stretch of open air that’s been around since the 1820s? Well, the National Heritage Board is keeping that legacy alive—through a quirky, brain‑teasing treasure hunt called “Monumental Hunt in the Civic District.” It’s basically a scavenger hunt with a twist: you’ll need to flex your lateral thinking and word‑game skills while you explore nine National Monuments that line up around this iconic spot.

What’s on the Menu?

Central Fire Station – The old flames haven’t burned out in monument form.
Former City Hall (now National Gallery Singapore) – Where political buffs and art lovers meet.
Former Supreme Court (now National Gallery Singapore) – Because justice and art make a great pairing.
Former Empress Place Building (now Asian Civilisations Museum) – A place to get cultural chew.
Former Hill Street Police Station – Suspects, stories, and maybe a ghost of a badge.
Former Parliament House (now The Arts House) – Where lawmakers meet maestros.
St Andrew’s Cathedral – The shrine that flips from sanctity to spectacular.
The Padang – The open-group favourite where all adventures start.
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall – Sound waves that echo through history.

Why It’s a Win-Win

This isn’t just about pinpointing monuments; it’s a full-on romp through Singapore’s heritage, sprinkled with puzzles that will keep your mind buzzing. Think of it as a blend between You’ve Got Mail and Trivial Pursuit, but set outdoors on the same ground where you might have spotted a hawker stall or two.

Ready to Dive In?

Sign up for the hunt, bring your curiosity and a knack for twisting words, and join the community of explorers eager to give the Padang (and the surrounding monuments) a sprinkle of fresh, modern excitement. Trust me, you’ll walk away feeling like a local legend in no time—without actually having to do the heavy lifting in the early 1800s.

Ready, Set, Explore: The ACM Treasure Hunt

Before you step into the Asian Civilisations Museum, the game master will walk you through the rules. They’ll hand you a tote bag that’s packed with all the goodies you’ll need for the adventure:

Puzzle Booklet – your guide to cracking clues
Map – navigate the museum like a pro
Sticker Sheet – collect stickers as you go (bonus points for the rare ones!)
Hint Card – a secret sub‑hint if you hit a wall
Sealed Envelope – no peeking! It holds a “monumental” surprise that you can only open after you’ve completed the hunt.

What Happens Next?

Learn the Rules – The game master explains how the hunt works, what you’re looking for, and how to keep track of clues.
Start the Quest – Armed with your bag, dive into the museum rooms, solve puzzles, and find hidden treasures.
Claim Your Prize – Once you’ve solved every puzzle and found all the marks, open the envelope for a surprise that’ll make the whole experience feel like a blockbuster finale.

Why It Feels Like a Real Adventure

The mix of mystery, teamwork, and a tangible reward turns a museum visit into a storybook journey. It’s a sweet spot between education and fun, and the final envelope keeps the thrill alive all the way to the goodbye.

So grab that tote, stay curious, and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Asian history—one puzzle at a time!

Welcome to the ACM Puzzle Adventure!

The Playful Puzzle Booklet

Every time you crack open the puzzle booklet, you’re not just opening a canvas for your answers—you’re stepping into a world full of quirky instructions and finely tuned clues. Those clues? They’re the real stars of the show, cloaked in mystery and humor.

Check Out This Hilarious ACM Clue

Step 1: “Up to this building its name is displayed,” – Look for the name of the construction that’s right under you.
Step 2: “find the three fonts the letter ‘A’ is portrayed.” – Tweak your eyes to spot where the letter A appears in different typefaces. We’re hunting for exactly three of them.
Step 3: “Read the ‘A’s in the order they appear, the following instructions you must adhere!” – Arrange those A’s as they show up; then brace yourself for the next set of directives.

And don’t forget the Cryptic sia—a wild line that keeps you on your toes. It’s the little extra that makes this puzzle truly unforgettable.

What’s Next?

Take your time, revel in the fun, and let the playful hints guide you. Every answer you scribble brings you closer to cracking the ACM mystery. Enjoy the journey, and remember—fun is part of the puzzle!

Did You Notice the Secret Fonts?

Ever walked past the Asian Civilisations Museum and felt that the sign was just “fancy”? Think again! The building’s iconic lettering isn’t a single, monolithic font—it’s a playful trinity of design choices that keep experts and tourists alike guessing.

The Three Mother‑Tongues

Font One: The part that screams “modern Singapore” – bold, clean lines that flirt with the skyline.
Font Two: A nod to ancient scripts, thick‑ended and slightly curved, like a quiet whisper from the past.
Font Three: A touch of urban flair, italicized as if the sign itself is leaning toward the future.

Why It Matters

We might think a sign is just a sign, but with these three fonts, the museum tells a story before you even step inside. It’s a subtle reminder that the museum spans continents and centuries, and its design is a mini‑tour of the very cultures it houses.

Drop a Comment

Short on time? Or want to brag about spotting the triple font? Drop your thoughts below—let us know if you gawked at this subtle visual puzzle like a kid in a candy store.

Sign me up!

Monumental Hunt in the Civic District

From the first Saturday of November until the last of December 2022, the Monumental Hunt will transform our city’s historic heart into a playground of clues and adventure. Think of it as a family‑friendly scavenger hunt that’s part brain‑teaser, part stroll through time.

When & Where

Saturday, Nov 5 – Dec 17, 2022
Three kickoff times: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., or 12 p.m. – pick what fits your schedule
Meet at the Civic District – the starting point is just a short walk from the city’s iconic landmarks.

Why You’ll Want to Join

This isn’t just a walk – it’s a step‑counting adventure that can help you hit that 10,000‑step goal any week. Whether you’re a competitive teammate, a couple looking for a quirky date, or a group of colleagues wanting to bond outside the office, this hunt offers:

A fun way to tick off your daily steps.
Puzzles that reveal stories behind Singapore’s historic sites.
Friendly rivalry that keeps you on your toes.

Ticket Pricing

Grab your spot on Peatix (no code block, just the name). The price tag is simple:

₱20 for anyone 13 years or older.
₱15 for 7‑12 year olds – because learning should be affordable.
Free for kids under 6 – the youngest detectives join for free!

Early‑Bird Deal

Be quick! Before Oct 31, 2022 you can snag a 20% discount on any ticket. Just apply the promo code PSM20OFF when you checkout. Treat yourself to the adventure without breaking the bank.

Thanks to Ransack

A big shout‑out to Ransack, the local creative agency that turned this hunt into a gamified masterpiece. Their clever twists keep the experience fresh and engaging for everyone.

Want More Adventure?

Curious about turning your weekends into unforgettable storylines? Dive into our “Adventures at Home: Let’s Rediscover Sentosa” guide (just search the title – no need to click a link!). It’s another brilliant way to make every outing count.

Reporters, travelers, and history buffs: join the hunt, stay curious, and step into Singapore’s past with a smile.

Home Adventures: Think Outside the Box? Dive into the Civic District Hunt

August 9, 2022: Two Big Moments for Singapore