Atbara House is one of the historic buildings of Singapore and is the oldest colonial-era bungalow in the island.
Going back to its beginnings, Atbara House was built in 1898 and was designed by architect Regent Alfred John Bidwell—the man behind the Raffles Hotel and Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. It passed ownership several times before it was converted into the French Embassy in 1939, until the Singaporean government acquired possession of the building in 1990.
The Atbara House officially underwent restoration efforts led by the Singapore Land Authority in 2012, reopening its doors in 2021 as the Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum. It’s located in the Gallop extension of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and offers an exploration of Singapore’s biodiverse forest systems. It is also Southeast Asia’s first high-tech arboretum where visitors can experience a mix of fun activities like interactive and visual exhibits, including family-friendly displays and videos.
Sections of the house are open to the public like the photographic installation of forest trees through transparent panels shaped like an actual tree; the Forest Conservation Gallery where visitors can learn about Singapore’s forest habitats and wildlife; the Nature Explorer Zone where displays of butterflies and dragonflies litter the walls or up-close viewing using a moving magnifying glass; the Lowland Forest Understorey Terrarium where a tiny forest is tucked under arches; and the Moorish cinquefoil arches that’s a popular photo spot for weddings.
If you’re interested in witnessing this key part of Singapore’s history and learning more about the country’s forests, then you’re in for a treat! Entry to the Atbara House is free, and it’s open every day except the last Monday of the month.
Make your visit to this historic site and tell us about your experience in the comments below!