Tour Leader: Susan Chong

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A classic short trip to Malacca City is being organised to celebrate FOM’s 40^th birthday, as FOM’s very first study tour group travelled to Malacca back in 1979. We have lined up many interesting places for our travel enthusiasts to visit.

Malacca is a historic and famous Malaysian port city with a colourful mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. It was the capital of the powerful Malacca Sultanate for centuries as it was a flourishing sea port and trading centre strategically located on the busy Malacca Straits before it fell to the Portuguese, then passed into the hands of the Dutch and later became part of the British Empire.  Even today, we find traces that remain of the Portuguese, Dutch and British presence in Malacca. An ideal trading destination in its early history, Malacca attracted Indian, Chinese and other Asian traders in great numbers, all of whom have left behind their cultural imprints here.

We will take a cruise on the Malacca River and enjoy night life on Jonker Street. The cruise takes us past historic buildings, old warehouses (godowns), and graffiti art on the buildings - one of the best ways to soak in the city’s beauty and learn of its rich history.

We will visit Malacca’s most well-known Malay village located right in the middle of the old city, Kampung Morten. A typical village, it is a living museum that showcases traditional Malay life in all its rustic charm.

Recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, Malacca’s city centre includes historic sights to visit - the Dutch Square, St. Paul’s Hill and the Portuguese A Formosa Complex; we will get a close look at old European architecture in the Malay world. 

A quaint city with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage, possessing an eclectic blend of customs, traditions, food and lifestyle, Malacca is a mix of old and new, where Peranakan culture still thrives, and where historical buildings stand side by side with ultra modern shopping centres.

Harmony Street is a testament to religious pluralism where people of different cultures live in harmony with their customs, habits, and mutual differences. Places of worship of different religions co-exist - the Kampung Kling Mosque (Islam), Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple (Hinduism), Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism), and Xiang Lin Si Temple (Buddhism).

There are museums galore to visit too, as listed below.

Melaka History and Ethnography Museum is housed in Stadthuys, an old Dutch VOC building built around the 1650s. The History Museum contains exhibits on the founding of Malacca and dioramas about the city during the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods.

Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum tells us about the mixed communities, the Peranakans, and takes us on a journey into late 19^th-century and early 20^th-century Malaya. We will meander through the home of Baba Chan Cheng Siew (1865-1919) whose eclectic taste offers a glimpse into the richness of the culture and the opulence that was fashionable in many pre-World War II Peranakan homes.

Chetti Melaka Museum where we will learn about the distinctive Indian Peranakan community that carved its destiny from the time of the rise of the Malacca Sultanate and the thriving ancient spice trade. Descendants of Indian merchants and local Malay women, the Chetti Melaka community is characterised by intermarriages, cultural assimilation and unique Hindu practices which are deeply woven into the fabric of Malacca’s history.

Portuguese Museum is in the Portuguese settlement where we will learn about Malacca’s Eurasian community. It’s an eye-opener to this colourful community with their songs and dances.

Hang Tuah Museum immerses visitors in the world of Malay warriors like Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu. It contains five houses which display the superior quality and uniqueness of Malay architecture.

Food - We will also savour local Malacca cuisine, featuring regional specialties that blend Chinese and Malay flavors.

Estimated cost:

SGD 550 based on twin sharing room

Deposit to be paid at registration: SGD 550

 Tour cost includes:

FOM Levy, Travel Insurance, Hotel Rooms, Meals, Bottled Water, Transport with Guide and Driver, and Tips

 Tour cost excludes: Laundry, Telephones, Internet, and Alcohol

To register, please complete the online registration Study Tour Form (click on the red bar below to access the form) and send the following to the FOM Office within three days of registering to secure your spot on the tour:

1. A completed FOM Release Form (download and print from the website)
2. A photocopy of the first page of your passport (containing relevant details), and
3. A deposit cheque for SGD 550 made payable to FOM (or pay via credit card details as indicated on the online registration from)

FOM Office Mailing Address:

FOM Study Tours, Malacca Journey 2018

61 Stamford Road, #02-06 Stamford Court, Singapore 178892

Please contact the tour leader or coordinator for this tour, Susan Chong, for more details.

WAITLIST OPEN - please register if interested; good chances that spots may open up between now & February!

Tour Leader: Abha Kaul; email: abhadkaul@gmail.com
Click here to register

This historically rich study tour to India takes us to the southwestern state of Karnataka with its varied cultural offerings, notably the ruined medieval city of Hampi, now recognised as one of the great tourist sites of the world. In the centre and south of the state, Karnataka entices us with some of the most important, ancient Hindu, Jain and Muslim buildings, while in the north, startling, unique architecture is well worth a visit to admire the remains of mighty Muslim sultanates of the Deccan Plateau that once flourished here. There’s also an exciting, newly excavated Buddhist stupa and Emperor Ashoka’s original inscription to be seen on this carefully curated itinerary.

Our journey begins in Hyderabad, in neighbouring Telangana state, home to the ruins of Golconda, one of India’s greatest and wealthiest medieval cities, and the famed Nizams of Hyderabad. From there, we will drive to the iconic cities of Gulbarga, Bidar, and Bijapur – erstwhile capitals of Deccan Sultans who controlled vital trade routes, ruled over lands of plenty and created amazing art. Their classic forts and tombs attest to a bygone era of opulence and sophistication that was the envy of the Mughals in north India, and attracted numerous foreign visitors and professionals to these parts.

We will then switch gears to explore the magnificent early cave and temple art and architecture left behind by the Chalukya Dynasty, in and around their ancient capital of Badami, including Aihole and Pattadakal – to see the wonderful experimentation and evolution of oldest Indian temple styles.

The latter is one of two exclusive UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka, the other being the spectacular capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi, which we will visit next.

At the remote, exceptionally beautiful, ruined city of Hampi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, we will see many of the Vijayanagar Empire’s great artistic and architectural masterpieces that have survived, from the time when this powerful Hindu empire controlled much of southern India – before the first Deccan Sultanate at Gulbarga, then Bidar. Imposing monuments dot a sprawling landscape of hills, water and outsized stone boulders. This region is considered to be the legendary site of Kishkinda from the epic Ramayana, the birthplace of Hanuman and the kingdom of monkeys that helped rescue Sita, Rama’s wife, from Ravana of Lanka.

Leaving Hampi, we will head south for the sacred temple complexes of the Hoysala Dynasty at Belur and Halebid – superb examples of Hindu temple art at its most intricate. Passing by several Jain shrines, we will lastly stop at the Jain pilgrimage town of Shravana Belagola to visit the enormous monolithic statue of Bahubali or Gomteshwara, the son of the first Jain Tirthankara. This is believed to be the place where the founder of the Maurya Dynasty, Chandragupta, went to die after embracing Jainism in the 3^rd century B.C.E.  

We will end the tour in Bangalore from where we will fly back to Singapore. All along, we will discover significant archaeological sites, vibrant living temples, museums filled with rare treasures, and other interesting sights. This unique tour expands our understanding and appreciation of India’s great civilisation and artistic traditions, and gives Indophiles a chance to travel on a special journey together with FOM history and culture buffs.

It is almost a two-week long trip, as we will drive along a wide arc across Karnataka from point to point. As always, this is not a typical holiday or tourist route with high-end or well-developed commercial infrastructure, other than in a couple of spots, but is a circuit for heritage lovers with modest amenities. Participants must be fully prepared for this, but we will stay in the most comfortable hotels available and travel in modern vehicles. It is a travel experience to be remembered as one that informs and expands our learning.

The approximate cost of this study tour is SGD$5,200 per person, which includes airfare, double-sharing accommodation in best quality hotels, all meals, bottled water, transport, entrance fees, guides, tips, and also travel insurance and a contribution to the FOM general fund. It does not include visa fees and personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, laundry or phone calls.

To register for the waitlist please fill and submit the online registration form linked to this page, and then bring or send the following to the FOM Office:

1. a completed FOM Release Form (to download and print from the FOM website)
2. a photocopy of the first page of your passport (containing relevant details), and
3. a deposit cheque of SGD$1,500 payable to “FOM” (deposit payments may also be made via credit card or bank transfer)

FOM Office Mailing Address:

FOM Study Tours: Deccan Heritage, India 2019

Friends of the Museums

61 Stamford Road

#02-06 Stamford Court

Singapore 178892

PLEASE NOTE:

Cancellations incur penalties and can promise only partial refunds, so please register if you are sure you can travel in February.

Information on further payments will be sent out later with a detailed itinerary to registered participants.

All travellers must have updated membership status with FOM.

If you have questions, please contact Abha Kaul at 9825 1769 or abhadkaul@gmail.com

New Dates for Tour Relaunch - registration is open!

Invoking Happiness – A Bhutan Study Tour

Dates: March 17 – 23, 2019

Tour Leader: Khatiza Van Savage

Through the sights and sounds of Bhutan we will understand and appreciate the concept of Gross National Happiness and its Four Pillars, a unique development philosophy as envisioned by His Majesty The Fourth King – Jigme Singye Wangchuk. You will be immersed in a rich cultural experience which takes you back hundreds of years. Our journey begins from Singapore to Paro, with a breathtaking entry into the valley. From Paro, we will travel to Punakha, the winter capital for the religious body as the furthest point in our triangular loop. From Punakha we will circle to Thimphu, the bustling capital of Bhutan. We will return to Paro to scale the Taktsang Monastery in a hike and reward ourselves with hot stone baths and a cultural dance. Selected speakers and other experts will support the learning we will embark on before we arrive in Bhutan.

Highlights of the Tour: Paro Dzong / Museum – To appreciate Bhutanese Architecture; Taktsang Monastery – Hangs on a cliff and is a venerated pilgrim site for Buddhists; Dochula Pass - 108 memorial stupas commemorate fallen soldiers; Punakha Dzong – Winter residence of the religious leader Chimmi Lakhang; Temple of the Divine Madman also known as the Fertility God; Buddha Dordenma Point – Largest sitting Buddha; Royal Textile Academy and Museum – Dedicated to preserve and promote Bhutanese Textiles

Estimated cost: SGD $5,500 based on twin sharing room; single room supplement is SGD $360

Deposit to be paid at registration: SGD $1,750

Balance payment to be made by: September 01, 2018 – SGD $3,750 

Tour cost includes: FOM Levy, Travel Insurance, Singapore to Bhutan Flights, Bhutan Visa, Tourism Devt. Levy, Bhutan Hotels, Meals, Bottled Water, Transport with Guide and Driver, Cultural Immersion, Cultural Dance with National Dress Rental, Farewell Dinner, Hot Stone Bath, Gratuities, Speakers fees, donations

Tour cost excludes: Laundry, Telephones, Internet, Soft drinks, Alcohol, Pony Rental

To register, please complete the online registration Study Tour Form (click on the bar below to access the form) and send the following to the FOM Office within three days of registering to secure your spot on the tour: i) A completed FOM Release Form (download and print from the website) ii) A photocopy of the first page of your passport (containing relevant details), and iii) A deposit cheque for SGD $1,750 made payable to FOM (or pay via credit card details as indicated on the online registration from)

FOM Office Mailing Address: FOM Study Tours, Bhutan Journey 2018, 61 Stamford Road, #02-06 Stamford Court, Singapore 178892

Do not hesitate to contact the tour leader or coordinator for this tour, Khatiza Van Savage, for more details. Click on her name below to email Khatiza.FOMBhutan2018@gmail.com

Click Here To Register

This tour is now full; if interested, please put your name down on the waitlist. 

Click here to register for the the waitlist.

Dates: 12 - 20 January, 2019

We will be visiting Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of Gujarat, and Kutch. Kutch is India’s Wild West and promises visitors a culturally enriching experience. We will arrive in Ahmedabad on the night of 12 January, in time to attend the Uttarayan Kite festival on 14 January. After spending the first two days, 13 and 14 January, in Ahmedabad, we will drive to Bhuj, capital of Kutch, on 15 January, and fly back to Singapore on 19 Jan from Bhuj via Mumbai.

Highlights of the tour:

- Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad, the only city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City in India

- Calico Textile Museum in Ahmedabad  

- Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad (Gandhi’s Ashram)

- UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rani ki Vav

- Double Ikat Patola weavers in Patan

- Sun Temple at Modhera

-  Ajrakhpur, where the eco-friendly technique of Ajrakh block printing is still being used

- Baandhni (tie and dye) makers

- The White Rann (desert)

- Tribal communities who excel in producing beautiful embroideries and crafts

Estimated Cost: $3,750 per person based on twin sharing room; single room supplement is $600

Deposit to be paid at registration: $1,750 

Final payment to be paid by 1 November, 2018 : $2,000 

Accomodation in Kutch is very limited in supply, hence it is advisable to choose the twin sharing option.

The tour cost includes flights, accommodation, transport, meals, bottled water, guides' fees, entrance fees, tips, travel insurance and the FOM levy.

It does not include visa and personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, laundry or camera fees.

To register, please complete the online registration Study Tour Registration Form (click on the red bar below to access the form from May 1 onwards), and then send the following to the FOM office within three days of registering, to secure your spot on the tour:
i) a completed FOM Release Form (download & print from the website) 
ii) a photocopy of the first page of your passport (containing relevant details), and
iii) a deposit cheque of S$1,750, made payable to FOM (or pay via credit card details as indicated on the online registration form) 
FOM Office Mailing Address:
FOM Study Tours, Kite Festival & Kutch 2019, 61 Stamford Road, #02-06 Stamford Court, Singapore 178892

Do not hesitate to contact the tour leader or coordinator for this tour, Rashmi Panchal, for more details - click on her name below to email Rashmi.

This tour is now full; however, you may register here to add your name to the waitlist.

Tour leader, Sarah Lev; born and raised in Jerusalem, and worked as a government licensed tour guide in Israel will lead a study tour to Israel: October 11 – 21,2018.

The tour will cover the holy sites for the three monotheistic religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity.  

Highlights; we will experience floating on the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth) take a cable car to the top of Masada a famous fortress in the Judean Desert, ride jeeps in the Golan Heights, take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit the mystical city of Safed (the centre of Kabbalah) and will place our prayer notes in the cracks between the stones of the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. We will also enjoy local food and wine, special lectures by archeologists and museum professional staff. 

Tour cost: $6,968.00 SGD per person – double occupancy

Single supplement: $1,290.00

Deposit: $2,500.00SGD per person

Second payment: $2,468.00 – to be paid by June 1^st.

Final payment: $2,000.00 – to be paid by September 1^st.

Registration opens March 1-15, 2018

Tour includes:

• Round-trip airfare in coach class Singapore – Tel Aviv
• Round trip transfers in Israel: airport - hotel
• Trip insurance (Premier plan)
• Deluxe boutique hotel accommodation (double occupancy)
• All entrance fees
• Sightseeing with a licensed government tour guide
• Deluxe coach throughout the tour
• Bottled water and wifi on coach
• All gratuities
• All meals (including wine tasting in a local winery).

For a full description of the tour please click here.

*Proposed Shanghai tour, May, 2019 - Tour Leader, Sarah Lev

~ Watch this space for new tour launch dates and registration details!

Fill out the Online Registration form linked to the tour you've selected.

Within 3 days of registration, the FOM office must also receive the following:

• A signed FOM Release Form Click here to print
• A copy of the first page of your passport (B&W or colour)
• Your deposit cheque (unless you elected to pay by credit card). Make cheque payable to FOM, write the Study Tour name on the back, and mail to the FOM Office, 61 Stamford Road, #02-06 Stamford Court, Singapore 178892
• Note: Participants are confirmed on a first-come basis, based on the order in which the registration and required documents are received. FOM members living in Singapore have priority over overseas FOM members during the first 1 week of the enrollment period.