Natural Science Museum

Haze has taken overcome Singapore the last week and it dampened the Public Holiday on Thursday. I was still hoping we could go to the beach or the park for some sun and ride. We woke up to a hazy day and was still deliberating where to go and what to do. It wasn't till almost lunch that we decided to make a quick trip to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, better known as the Natural Science Museum. Located in National University of Singapore, next to the University Cultural Centre, it is an eye-catching building by itself.

Picture Source :  The Straits Times

The museum houses a large biodiversity of specimens from plants to trees, fossils to bones, small nematode worms to Japanese Spider Crab (Arthropoda), smallest mammal to biggest mammal to date, this museum fascinates all ages.

Of course, the highlight of the museum is the three dinosaurs bones on display.

Dino Dino Dino

The three sauropod fossils are secured with metal frame and stand majestically in the middle of the exhibition hall. Around the display, lined the biodiversified specimens around South East Asia.

The main attraction

Explaining to the boys

the many different species of plants, trees and herbs

a model of Rafflesia

the different species of slithering creatures

and we met our nemesis - the Monitor Lizard

There is ample of space for the boys to roam freely, hands-on exhibit for the young and curious mind. The boys are running around for a while, taking in with the new sight and sound. Yes, there are videos equipped with audio aids that explained the specimen's origins and the occupation of these researchers.

watching a short clip

examining the skull of an Asia Elephant

There are also pull-up information if you would like to find out more. Empty bench space is conveniently situated next to such informative section. So you could sit and read.

Understanding Nature More

There is a Heritage Gallery one level up, where you get more understated specimens and their description.

Examining the Bengal Tiger Skin

Resting at the Heritage Gallery

We took about 1.5 hrs to complete the tour although there were more to read and learn. To really find out every specimen on displayed, I reckon you would need 3 hours. Yup, the whole museum is that "well-stocked" to revolute your mind on nature and history.



Additional Information

There are 6 different sessions for admission to the museum. Admission tickets can be purchased over the counter or at Sistic. Admission tickets are not cheap but worth going. Local Resident (Adult) is priced at $15 +  $1 (booking) and Student/ Child is priced at $8 + $1 (booking). Child below 3 enters free.

At the dinosaurs section, do look out for the half hourly light show, the timing is such that you would have at least 3 chances to catch the light show. For example, if you go for the 1st session which is at 10am, the light show is scheduled at 10.26am, then 10.56am and so on.

The session allocation means effective crowd control so you won't be jostling with strangers trying to read off the description. Ample space for strollers and the active pre-schoolers. Exhibit that allows hands-on would be explicit.