Kranji Heritage Trail has 14 agricultural, historical landmarks
Amelia Tan Straits Times 10 Nov 11;
NATURE lovers and history buffs have a new place to explore - Kranji.
The Kranji Heritage Trail, with 14 historical and agricultural landmarks such as the Kranji War Memorial, Kranji Army Barracks, Bollywood Veggies and Hay Dairies, was launched yesterday by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam at Yew Tee Point.
The area is already popular with nature buffs in love with its rustic charm, and foodies, who patronise eateries there serving food made with farm- fresh vegetables and poultry.
But members of the Kranji Countryside Association (KCA), a group made up mostly of farmers in the area, felt that more could be done to raise awareness of Singapore's rural north-western corner.
KCA president Ivy Singh-Lim, who owns vegetable and fruit farm Bollywood Veggies, said: 'There are not many places in Singapore where you can experience nature. Everywhere you look, it's a concrete jungle. A trail like this will make more Singaporeans more aware of our countryside.'
Besides getting in touch with nature, visitors can learn more about the 14 sites from information markers at each one. Those with smartphones can use them to scan Quick Response (QR) codes which will send information about the area to the phone.
The project, which cost about $54,000, is supported by the National Heritage Board (NHB) and NTUC FairPrice Foundation, the supermarket chain's charity arm.
FairPrice buys produce such as vegetables and eggs from farmers in Kranji and Lim Chu Kang.
NHB's contribution comes via the Heritage Industry Incentive Programme, which encourages the development of new and innovative heritage-inspired products and services. The scheme has supported the development of iPhone mobile applications to be used for heritage walking tours in Kampong Glam, Boat Quay, Chinatown and Little India
Mr Shanmugam said that it is important to preserve Singapore's heritage and create natural spaces. 'As a society, we have to start putting some value on these things,' he said.
'You are in Shenton Way or in the city area, you come out and there is a space, an oasis of peace.'
Housewife Cheryl Wee, 48, who lives in Jurong East, said she will explore the trail with her 10-year-old daughter. 'The trail is relatively near our home, so visiting it will be convenient. My daughter can get some exercise and learn more about the history of Kranji.'