Experience the all-new Maritime Experiential Museum at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore!
Reopened in 29 December 2017, the revamped 2-levels The Maritime Experiential Museum sets to transport you back to the Maritime Silk Route of eras past through 15 thematic galleries, along with informative displays, multi-sensory simulation, hands-on activities, and multi-media exhibits for interactive experiences.
The Maritime Silk Route comprised ancient water ways used for trading, began from the East, then connecting to the West. This marine route has played an important part in flourishing not only economic relations, but also civilization and cultural trade of many countries including China, Korea, Japan, Arabia, Persia, Indian subcontinent, Horn of Africa and Europe, within 15th – 19th century.
And here at The Maritime Experiential Museum, you will get to learn a lot about the history and growth related to this over-4000-miles-marine-network in an engaging way, better than reading a book!
Ready to take part in man’s glorious conquest of the seas? Let’s start!
Meet the Explorers
Don’t embark your voyage alone! The four holograms of four famous explorers from different eras of maritime history, namely Zhenghe, Marco Polo, Sang Nila Utama and Ibn Battuta will regale you with tales about themselves, and tell you what you are about to expect!
Discover knowledge in the Explorers’ Library
Find out why these legendary explorers ventured into Southeast Asia, and trace down the route they took.
Navigate in the Lower Deck
Take on the navigator’s role- learn to read nautical charts, navigate with a mariner’s compass, tie a boating knot and more. You have to know all these before you start exploring in the sea !
This zone is quite fun, as we get to touch on different nautical tools!
Try on clothes of the four famous explorers. After you are happy with your attire, take a picture!
Introducing the Maritime Silk Route Vessels
Holographic projections and models of Chinese, Borobudur and Javanese trading ships will greet you here. Be awed by these thoughtfully re-constructed replicas.
Behold the Jewel of the Muscat
The most iconic architecture in The Maritime Experiential Museum. It showcases magnificent reconstruction of a 9th century Arab Dhow built using traditional materials and techniques. The 18 metre-long Jewel of Muscat was put together using Coir, a rope weaved from coconut fibre. To protect the ship, a layer of goat fat and crushed seashells was coated to keep it watertight. In fact, no pegs and nails were used in the construction, yet it managed to sail its way from the shores of Muscat in Oman to Singapore.
Dive into the History of Coins
Have a look at the wide range of actual ancient coins! Some come in very unique shapes!
Visit a Spice Marketplace
This is the most Instagram-worthy section for us!
Apart from getting to know the spices that made the Maritime Silk Route so important in this recreation of spice market, we took many pictures too! Many Instagram-worthy spots not to be missed. Remember to #RWSMEM #rwsmoments
Survive the Typhoon Theatre
Terrifying storms happened during sailing sometimes, unpredictable yet unavoidable. Feels how this nature’s wrath affected the vessel and made it sunk to the bottom of the sea by joining the drama at Survive the Typhoon Theatre. It is a multi-sensory typhoon simulation enhanced by special effects, very unique, do try. NOTE: Separate ticket required (*Separate fee of SGD3 applies)
Escape from the Pirates
Pirates invade! RUN for your life! Are you able to escape in time?
Drop Anchor at Four Ports of Call
Congratulations! You survived the hard times!
The four legendary explorers will welcome you back with a multimedia presentation about four major ports on the Maritime Silk Route – Quan Zhou, Oman, Calicut and Malacca.
This is the starting point for the Basement 1 level gallery of this museum, and is next to the entrance to S.E.A. Aquarium.
Charming Quanzhou Comes to Life
Walk into a Chinese port, complete with traditional teahouse, famous Citong tree and more. Very photo-worthy spot too!
Awe-inspiring Oman
Be vowed by the port’s aromatic oils, fabrics and more – It is like wonders of old Oman appear before you.
Be Impressed by Incredible Calicut
Indian port’s marketplace, a Chola ship and array of spices.
Teleport to Malacca
This is something very familiar! The Christ Church Melaka, one of the heritage buildings in Malaysia! The building symbolizes the state of Malacca, which is a famous international trading port back then!
Watch Singapore’s Maritime Legacy Unfold
Finally! Be greeted by the Lion City’s landmarks that celebrate the port’s legacy through the ages.
Hooray… all zones completed!
Before you leave, do visit the souvenir shop too! You might find something that you like!
Overall Review: A highly informative museum with essential details about The Silk Road well-presented. Not boring at all! Very affordable admission fees too. It is worth to take some time walking down the gallery and immerse yourself in the days of The Silk Road. We spent 3 hours here, and would actually like to stay longer if time allowed. Recommended for multi-generational family trips.
