Explore the vibrant history of Myanmar at these under-the-radar attractions – but before you hop on the next flight out, why not check out this exciting showcase at the ACM first?
Lush vistas, majestic temples, postcard-perfect sunsets and a culture steeped in faith, modern Myanmar boasts both the energy of an emerging and bustling metropolis in cities like Yangon and Mandalay, and the serenity of its surrounding small towns and villages. It’s easy to get lost in the exotic appeal of this enigmatic Southeast Asian locale, which has a history spanning centuries (the earliest recorded urban civilisations dates back to the start of the first millennium). With over 100 ethnic groups making up the nation’s population, it’s hard to pin a singular, collective style when it comes to the art of Myanmar. But if there’s one constant, it’s that it borrows heavily from a melting pot of influences that ranges from Theravada Buddhism, Hinduism, the early Mon and Pyu cultures, and the kingdoms of India, China and Thailand.
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Tracing the evolution of Myanmar’s art and culture is the Cities & Kings showcase at the Asian Civilisations Museum, happening from now ‘til 5 March 2017. This intimate walk through time features the grand stone sculptures of the Pyu and the Mon (early inhabitants of Myanmar during the first millennium), the austere simplicity of the Buddha statues from the Bagan period (1044-1287), and the opulent woodworks of Mandalay from the 19th to 20th centuries. Also on display are intricate silver pieces by Burmese silversmiths – think incredibly detailed miniatures of stupas and temples, alms bowls and ornamental crafts. One highlight in particular, shows elaborate scenes from the Vessantara Jataka, which tells the story of one of the Buddha’s past lives, all hammered in repoussé on a silver epistle case.
The artefacts displayed were sourced from museums and archaeological sites such as the National Museums of Myanmar in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, the Department of Archaeology in Yangon and the Bagan Archaeological Museum. With this fascinating travel destination ranking high on our bucket list, we approached Stephen Murphy (ACM’s Curator, Southeast Asia) and Conan Cheong (ACM’s Assistant Curator for Cross-Cultural Art) for tips on where to find off-the-beaten-path, historical attractions in Bagan, Yangon and Mandalay.
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Bagan
See: “I would recommend checking out the Lokananda (Lawkananda) Stupa, near New Bagan, right on the Ayeyarwady River for an incredible river view. This holy stupa contains a replica of a Buddha tooth relic and it’s located a little farther off the main temple stretch. Another attraction worth visiting is the Kyauk Gu-umin Temple, where one of the statues in the exhibition was found (Prince Siddhattha Cutting His Hair, Bagan, 11th century) – it’s a very unusual temple that’s built into a ravine, with many niches featuring sculptures telling the life story of the Buddha (though all replicas, unfortunately).”
Do: “Rent an electric scooter or bicycle for less than SGD10 per day and go around the temples; I saw more than 15 in one day. There are many temples in the main temple district of Old Bagan, including the all-important and famous Shwezigon Pagoda (with Buddha’s collar bone, frontal bone and tooth) and the Ananda Temple.” – Conan
Mandalay
See: “I have not been to Mandalay, but the two places I would love to visit are the replica of the Mandalay Palace (designed and built by a rather well-respected traditional wood craftsman), and the Shwenandaw Kyaung Temple, the only surviving building from the original Mandalay Palace. With very intricate carvings in teak, this was the apartment where King Mindon (a revered 19th-century monarch in Myanmar) died and it was later converted to a monastery.” – Conan
Do: “Take the time to climb Mandalay Hill when you arrive. From the top, there are great vistas of the city and the palace moats below. On your ascent, look out for the life-size statue of the Buddha pointing to the spot where the city was prophesied to be founded. Also not to be missed is the Mahamuni Buddha. The shrine is located on the outskirts of the city and houses one of Myanmar’s most spectacular religious icons. Devotees have attached so many gold leaves on its body that it bears little resemblance to its original form!” – Stephen
Yangon
See: “If you want a slow day, there’s a three-hour circular train from the Yangon Central Railway Station that takes you on a scenic ride around Yangon’s suburbs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangon_Circular_Railway). For less than a dollar, you can hop on and off as you wish.”
Do: “Go on the city downtown tour conducted by the Yangon Heritage Trust and support the amazing work they are doing in preserving old Yangon buildings (http://www.yangonheritagetrust.org/tours). You’ll learn a lot about the colonial period and Yangon’s growth as a port city. Highlights include the Armenian Church, Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue, and various government buildings like the Central Telegraph Office (Myanmar still uses telegraphs to communicate with more far-flung villages not connected to the grid, amazingly). You even get to explore some really grungy-looking but fascinating old buildings.” – Conan
Essentials
Visa Singaporeans are granted an exemption of visa for stays of up to 30 days, subject to prevailing entry requirements.
Currency 1 SGD = 932.660 MMK (Burmese Kyat)
Best time to travel Avoid scorching heat waves from March to May, where temperatures can often climb to 40ºC in major cities. An ideal period to go would be from November to February, for cooler temperatures with lesser rain fall. Do book your accommodation and transport in advance during this busy holiday season.
Entry to all ACM exhibitions is free through the month of December 2016.
Cities & Kings exhibition runs from now ‘til 5 March 2017 at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, p. 6332 7798. Open Mon-Sun 10am-7pm (9pm on Fri).