Revered for his pioneering spirit, the influence of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, extends far beyond his beloved city-state. From Cambridge University in the United Kingdom to official visits to Australia and Indonesia, his storied career took him around the world. Closer to home, Singapore landmarks conjure images of important milestones in Lee Kuan Yew’s life. In remembrance of the first anniversary of Mr Lee’s passing, our team at KAYAK.sg shares five iconic locations that played a role in his nation-building journey.
The late Lee Kuan Yew’s drive and indomitable spirit is still felt strongly in Singapore and around the world. At KAYAK, we believe travel can have a profound impact on people’s lives and to mark this significant anniversary we want to encourage travellers to visit the destinations that shaped Mr Lee’s life and, subsequently, modern-day Singapore.
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Destinations visited by Mr Lee Kuan Yew | ||
| Destination | Where to stay | Price (SGD) |
| Cambridge, United Kingdom | Hallmark Cambridge | 168 |
| National Gallery Singapore | Swissotel The Stamford Singapore | 314 |
| Canberra, Australia | Avenue Hotel Canberra | 163 |
| The Padang, Singapore | Raffles Hotel Singapore | 528 |
| Jakarta, Indonesia | Gran Meliá Jakarta | 186 |
Cambridge University, United Kingdom: Studying abroad
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In September 1946, Mr Lee left for England to study law, leaving behind his future wife, Mdm Kwa, who was studying at Raffles College. A year later she attained a Queen’s Scholarship and joined Mr Lee at Cambridge. One of the couple’s favourite spots during their time there was the Bridge of Sighs, and during a return visit to Cambridge in 2000 they strolled across the bridge again and reminisced about old times.
When you visit this famously charming university city, hire a boat and take a relaxing punt down the River Cam. This is the best way to enjoy views of the Cambridge colleges and landmarks like the King’s College Chapel, The Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs.
National Gallery Singapore: The first cabinet
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Singapore’s City Hall, which has now been converted into the National Gallery Singapore, has been the site of many important national milestones. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew addressed the nation from the building’s iconic steps to announce self-rule and the merger with Malaysia in 1950. Singapore’s first cabinet was sworn in here in 1959 and Mr Lee issued the Proclamation of Singapore from his office here in August 1965.
Today, after a massive restoration and conversion project, the National Gallery Singapore straddles the former City Hall building and the former Supreme Court. The gallery is an architecturally stunning site that houses an impressive collection of Southeast Asian art along with art-inspired shops, bars and restaurants.
Canberra, Australia: First official visit to Australia
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Mr Lee’s first official visit to Australia as the Prime Minister of Singapore occurred in March 1965.The 18-day visit took him to Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and marked the beginning of a strong relationship between the two nations. Starting with Sir Robert Menzies, Mr Lee met with every Australian Prime Minister during his life.
Australia’s capital city boasts plenty of green space along with monuments like Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial, dedicated to Australia’s contributions during the Second World War.
The Padang, Singapore: Site of the first National Day Parade
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Singapore’s first National Day Parade took place at the Padang on an August morning in 1966. The ceremony is remembered by older Singaporeans as “the day it rained on our parade”. Mr Lee decided the show must go on despite the inclement weather and declined the offer of an umbrella, choosing instead to stand in the rain with his fellow Singaporeans.
That National Day was especially significant as it showed the young country’s determination and solidarity. Today, the Padang is home to local cricket and rugby matches and plays a central role in the Formula One night race held every September.
Jakarta, Indonesia: Strengthening regional ties
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Mr Lee made his first official visit to the Suharto government in Indonesia in 1973 to establish mutually beneficial relations between the two Southeast Asian states. Mr Lee’s diplomatic efforts paved the way for decades of defence and economic cooperation between the neighbours. Interestingly, many Singaporeans can trace their roots back to parts of Indonesia including Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi.
Next time you’re in Jakarta, drop by the Museum Nasional to gain a deeper understanding of the role Indonesian culture has played in Singapore’s history.
*Analysis is based on desktop research on five iconic destinations highlighting former politician Lee Kuan Yew’s political trail. Hotel prices are based on hotel searches on KAYAK.sg for travel dates 19 to 25 June 2016. Prices are quoted in Singapore dollars and are based on double occupancy. Hotel prices quoted may be subject to change or conversion rate fluctuation and may no longer be available.
Main image credit: @Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock.com
