The Padang, Singapore
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
The Padang
The Padang is an open field at the heart of Singapore's Civic District. I photograph it as part of the documentation for the AsiaExplorers self-guided walking tours. The name "padang" means open field in Malay, but its significance to the country's history goes beyond the name. It was at the Padang that the first National Day Parade was held back in 1966.
The Padang was formerly known as the Padang Cricket Ground. It is bordered by Connaught Drive on one side, and St Andrew's Road on the other. At the Stamford Road end of the Padang is the Singapore Recreation Club, founded in 1885, while on the other end is the Singapore Cricket Club, founded in 1870. Indeed the Padang was formerly known as the Padang Cricket Ground.
Surrounding the Padang are some of Singapore's most significant landmarks, including the St Andrew's Cathedral, City Hall, and the Old Supreme Court Building. City Hall and the Old Supreme Court Building were added to the Padang only in the late 1920's, replacing houses that G.D. Coleman built. The Supreme Court occupies the site of the Grand Hotel de l'Europe.
The Padang continues to play a role as the venue for significant events, including the staging of the recent National Day Parades.
