Fullerton

FULLERTON WATERBOAT HOUSE

The Fullerton WaterBoat House

Finding this particular landmark proved to be a challenge for all of us in the group. Not only was this location rather isolated, so was the write-up about this historical architecture (Refer to the image below).

Information Board on Fullerton Waterboat House

It was amazing to see how the Singapore River deeply affected not just the lives of the people and that of the British authorities. From the architecture to the name of this building, the role of the river can never be emphasised enough in the colonial history of Singapore.

The Fullerton Boat House was an office used for the management and monitoring of trade activities. It was also a post office. Well, this makes sense as both goods and letters were received at this building (and still is today).

The visit to the Boat House as part of this trail taught us several lessons. Firstly, Singapore had come a long way over time. From an arguably sleepy settlement of not more than 500 inhabitants to a thriving port city, from the usage of slow sailing ships and boats to adapting with the inventions of steam boats and engines, and from being a building owned by the government to being managed by the Fullerton Hotel today, Singapore underwent changes in this dynamic world context in its stride to keep up with the times and stay relevant. That is undoubtedly the economic advantage of this city-state. Its relevance and futuristic outlook attracts foreign investors due to the promising environment it creates.

Fun Fact: The WaterBoat House is the home to some of the finest dining establishments today, conceptualised with the couples in mind, to provide an intimate and romantic ambiance that is also cosy!

Secondly, Singapore has been an open society that attracts foreign influences. That also meant that external events happening in other parts of the world will inevitably affect Singapore. The same example of Singapore being adaptive to the Industrial Revolution that happened elsewhere can be employed in this case in point. Steam ships, a by-product of the Revolution, paved the way for the setting up of the Fullerton Boat House. Despite its small size, Singapore's reliance on foreign trade is such a necessity for its survival that most colonial policies centered upon the idea of trade such as free trade and establishment of harbours. These were matters that were given immediate attention in terms of time and funding. Until today, Singapore boasts to be a global city state with a colourful cosmopolitan and metropolitan make-up, and this credit is owed to the colonial period.

Lastly, Singapore has been through many 'isms' in the course of its history such as colonialism, regionalism and nationalism. Singapore embraced all these chapters of its history. Colonialism is seen through the preservation of colonial structures and systems and the statue of Stamford Raffles at his Landing Site. Nationalism, interpreted as the building of a national identity, took place after the secession of Singapore from Malaysia. What is probably less known, which was an epiphany for us as we discussed this on site, was that Singapore had always had a regional identity as well. From the Majapahit times which consisted of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, to the goal of independence back in the 1950s and 1960s being defined as an ultimate merger with Malaya and the recent diggings at Fort Canning to revoke a regional identity for Singapore once again illustrate the idea that Singapore wants to establish itself in the regional context with an identity. The Fullerton Boat House also built on regional trade networks with the Malay Archipelago and the Straits Settlements, while maintaining an open policy with the wider region of Arabia, China and India.

Top Deck of Fullerton WaterBoat House

Fullerton Hotel 

The Fullerton Hotel (previously Fullerton Building) was completed in 1928. It was the largest structure in Singapore then, and it cost over $4 million to construct. 

Fun fact: Fullerton was where the crowds gathered to express their support for Merdeka (independence) during Singapore's transition from colonial status to nationhood. 

The building was designed by London architect, Major PH Keys, who brought with him the designs and concepts of Greek Classical architecture. Its architecture conveyed the power and splendor of the British Empire. Upon completion, it dominated the city's skyline, becoming the most prominent feature of the waterfront. On its rooftop stood the Lighthouse, whose beacon guided all ships approaching the harbour. It housed the General Post Office, The Exchange, Singapore Town Club and other government agencies such as the Inland Revenue Office. Fullerton was later restored and converted into a luxurious hotel in 2001.