The Straits Times Forum AsiaOne 6 Jul 14;
SINGAPORE - It is not surprising that the island-hopping trails in the Singapore HeritageFest, especially the lighthouse trail, drew overwhelming response ("HeritageFest website flooded with bookings for island-hopping trails"; Wednesday).
Many, including my family, can only hope that more such trails can be organised in future.
The visit to Raffles Lighthouse, which has played a strategic role in our maritime history, is probably the first of its kind that is open to the public. Many of us have learnt about the lighthouse through books, but what can beat visiting the actual site?
Secondary schools could consider working with the authorities to take students to the lighthouse, to bring history lessons to life.
The authorities could also explore making such trips available all year round, possibly at least once a month, charging a nominal fee of, say, $10 per adult and $5 per student or senior citizen.
The authorities could consider working with the Singapore Tourism Board to promote trails and activities that showcase our culture and traditions to foreign visitors. Singapore is not merely a food paradise and shopping haven; it has much more to offer.
Lim Lih Mei (Ms)
