Upon arriving at the Singapore Changi Airport, the 57th Kowloon Scout Group was welcomed by Kelvin (Singapore counterpart main organiser), Mr Koh and his Lightning Scouts, as well as Mr Fong from the Triace Scout Troop.

© Photos courtesy of 57th Kowloon Scout Group photo gallery.

Article contributed by: Ariel Tay Ee Ling

Mr Koh introducing our newly launched Circle Line MRT system.

During the first day of the trip, the Kowloon Scouts visited the Suntec City’s Fountain of Wealth and the Singapore Flyer. The troop which consists of many Cub Scouts, was thrilled by the night view of the brightly lit city. It was an unforgettable moment and most of the Scouts enjoyed themselves.

At the Fountain of Wealth, Suntech City with Kelvin(third from the left, first row).

Excited Cub Scouts taking their ride at the Singapore Flyer.

Mr Fong teaching the Cub Scouts on how to play the Angklong.

Photo taken at the Old Johor Sultan Palace.

Group photo at the Sri Tebrau Secondary School

On the second day, the Kowloon Scouts woke up at  6am to catch a train to where they boarded a bus to Johor Baru, Malaysia.

Crowd gathered when Mr Fong shared his badges.

In the afternoon, the Kowloon Scouts visited the old Johor Sultan Palace. Many of the Cub Scouts were amazed by the fruits they saw in the palace garden which was not usually seen in Hong Kong. There was a lot of laughtera nd sharing when the Kowloon Scouts interacted with the Rovers from Sri Tebrau Secondary School.

In the evening, the Kowloon Scouts enjoyed their dinner at a hawker centre. Among all the food served, the satays and coconut juice were their favourites. After dinner, the Scouts from Singapore and Hong Kong bid farewell to our gracious hosts and left for Singapore.

Led by Ryan Tan, a Malaysia Rover Scout, the Kowloon Scouts first visited a Batik workshop, where they learnt how the Batik shirt was designed and tried their hands at the Angklong, a traditional malay instrument.

Bonding with great tasting food at a famous Johor hawker centre.

Eating roti prata for breakfast.

Visiting the Sultan Mosque at Kampong Klam.

Trying out the different kind of Malay snack sold in Kampong Klam

On the third day at 7am in the morning, 36 Triace Scouts gathered at Peirce Secondary School to take a bus trip down to the hotel where the Kowloon Scouts were staying and brought them to a roti prata restaurant along Thomson Road for breakfast. For most of the Kowloon Scouts, it was their first time eating the Indian pancakes. Many of them liked the crispiness of the Indian pancake.

After breakfast, we proceeded to our first stop which was Kampong Glam. The Kowloon Scouts had the opportunity to visit the Sultan Mosque and learnt that proper modest clothing must be worn before entering. They were also given some Malay snacks to try. When the Cub Scouts reached the souvenir stores, they bought many of the traditional Malay toys like the bamboo whistles and the gasing (wooden tops).

Right after Kampong Glam, we arrived at Little India along Serangoon Road. Many Cub Scouts tried Henna Painting They were amazed to see many goldsmith shops along Serangoon Road, and decided to take a look at the Indian jewelry. One of the drink which the Kowloon Scouts tried was the lassi, an Indian yogurt drink.

and actively participated when the emcee called for volunteers. It was nearly midnight when the show ended and the Scouts left the night safari, tired but happy. The Triace Scouts and the Kowloon Scouts bid a final farewell before heading separate ways.

Showing their Henna painting

Playing simple games while waiting for the food

Group photo with the small Merlion

Chung Sir blowing the Malay bamboo whistle

“Let’s hope this will help to speed up the drying”

After the long tour in Little India, we had our lunch at Annalakshmi, an Indian vegetarian restaurant in Chinatown Point. Some of our Scouts played a small game with the Kowloon Scouts while waiting for the food. Friendships soon built up among the two Scout Troops.

Choosing the Indian bangle

After lunch, the Kowloon Scouts played a game where they had to scour through Chinatown, to look for souvenirs that best represent Singapore. The Kowloon Scouts were delighted to take the opportunity to

explore the bustling road. By the end of the game, the Kowloon Scouts were carrying many souvenirs including traditional Chinese fans and calligraphy brushes.

The Scouts reluctantly left Chinatown and took the bus to the Merlion Park. Although the heat was unbearable, the Kowloon Scouts expressed enthusiasm when they saw the Merlion. It was an unusual sight for them to see a part lion, part fish creature as one of Singapore's national icon.

After a dozen pictures, the Scouts set off to the Peranakan Museum, where they were given worksheets to fill in while they explored the three story building. The Kowloon Scouts were fascinated by the intricate displays and the comprehensive collections of Peranakan artefacts. They were mesmerised by the gallery which illustrated the important practices and rituals of the Peranakan culture. When it was time to leave, groans could be heard as the Kowloon Scouts were dragged off to dinner.

Ho Yuan (left) and Ho Yun (right)

Group photo with the big Merlion

Learning our root of culture

The Kowloon Scouts had Hainanese chicken rice for dinner. The aroma that filled the restaurant left the Scouts anticipating as they waited for their meal to be served.

After the delicious meal, the Scouts left for the Night Safari. Excitement filled the air, as the Scouts made their way to the night safari. They were delighted by the idea of visiting the nocturnal animals. They eagerly queued up for their tram ride, and was impressed with the vast collection and exhibits at the night safari. After the tram ride, the Scouts settled down to an animal performance. The Scouts watched the show with utter fascination

Great Hainanese tasting food for the Cantonese

Although it was a short exchange with the Scouts from Hong Kong, it was nevertheless a meaningful one as both Scouts from both Singapore and Hong Kong were able to interact amicably and enjoyed the experience. We looked forward to the continuous friendship with our Hong Kong counterparts and wished them all the best in their journey home.

Miss Pang receiving the token of appreciation from Stephen Sir

Waiting for the tram

57th Kowloon Scouts & Triace Scouts enjoying the tram ride

Event badges for this exchange programme.

(From left): Badge with the Singapore flag as the background with a Scout in grey silhouette wearing the 57th Kowloon Scout Group scarf, badge with landmarks of Singapore’s Merlion and Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers, badge with the Malaysia flag as the background with a Scout in grey silhouette wearing the 57th Kowloon Scout Group scarf. Chinese inscription on the first and third badges wrote as “57th Kowloon Scout Group • Singapore and Malaysia Exchange Tour.