Last week during our trip to Sentosa we visited this place- The Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium. It was our first time visiting the museum and were excited to see what activities the museum had for the kids as I heard that it was a kid-oriented museum.
As we entered the museum we were greeted with this massive ship hull. The ship was a replica of Admiral Zheng He’s ship which he traveled during his voyage from China to the far west. The crest on the center of the ship is a Chinese Guardian Lion which is suppose to protect the ship and it’s passengers.
The journey begins in China where the ship stock up on silks and Chinese pottery which they would be selling/trading at the different ports of call.
Rice is another commodity which was traded. It too with the China brought along on the ship was highly valued. Earthenware and vases too were among the traded commodities.
The boys making their own paper Chinese Junk. Love these hands on activity stations which they have in the museum. The junk however wasn’t that easy to fold and the boys had to get some assistance to make their junks.
Wooden figurines made in Indonesia. The Indonesians are very famous for their carvings and here are some carvings depicting their traditional folklore with a batik tapestry in the background.
Wayang Kulit or more commonly known as Shadow puppets are commonly used to tell stories which are passed from one generation to another.
The kids were given cut out puppets to colour and play with. As you can see Tiger girl had different plans for the ice-cream stick which was used as the handle for the puppet.
Traditional Indonesian kites used for kite flying (layang layang). I love the intrigued sewing and patterns on these kites. They must look magnificent soaring high up in the sky.
Spices like pepper and nutmeg that are commonly used in Asian food were also found on board Admiral Zhang He’s fleet.
Spices used for Garam Masala- A famous Indian spice mix.
A loom used to make Persian rugs and carpets.
African drums made with animal skins.
It was a very educational trip for the boys and they learned a lot that afternoon about merchant routes and the origins of the various items like pottery, spices, instruments etc.
Is there a Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium where you are?
15 comments
NaturalHairLatina (@LatinaR)
January 3, 2012 at 11:05 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
We don’t have a Maritime Museum were I live. I was fascinated with African drums made of animal skin and Loom for Persian rugs. Thanks for sharing.
christine (lulobird)
January 3, 2012 at 12:24 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
oh my goodness, i love the photos of the items you shared! beautiful colors and textures. a trip to that museum looks like it could be very inspiring!
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Jade @ Tasting Grace
January 3, 2012 at 6:36 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Oh wow, fascinating! We don’t have a maritime museum here in Chiang Mai…actually, I don’t even recall seeing one in Bangkok. BUT we are going to Hong Kong in just over a week and one of the first things I want to do there is go to the Maritime Museum (…er…aside from shop, and eat, of course!). Your pictures are making me even more excited to go!
Happy New Year to you!
Dominique
January 3, 2012 at 9:00 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Jade,
This is the Maritime museum in Sentosa, Singapore. The one in HK is equally great but I haven’t been there lately.
Jade @ Tasting Grace
January 3, 2012 at 6:44 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Hmm…we don’t have a Maritime Museum in Chiang Mai, and I don’t think I even recall seeing one in Bangkok. BUT we are going to Hong Kong in just over a week, and one of the first things I plan on doing is going to the Maritime Museum (…er…apart from shopping and eating, of course). Your photos are making me so excited to go!
Happy New Year!
(Apologies if this is a repeated comment. I couldn’t tell if the first one went through.)
Jade @ Tasting Grace recently posted..As Spotted, on the Thai Side
Rose @ Walnut Acre
January 3, 2012 at 7:31 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
We don’t have a Maritime Musuem close to us but after seeing these photos I wish we did. It looks like a wonderful place.
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Regina
January 3, 2012 at 7:43 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I looks like you had a great time. There were so many things to see. What a great trip for your kids to learn about history and have activities for them to do.
I’m a new follower.
Regina
http://www.thecrazynutsmom.com
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tinajo
January 3, 2012 at 8:10 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Looks like a fantastic place!
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Life with Kaishon
January 3, 2012 at 10:01 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
What a fun place to visit with children. I love places like this that are so interactive and hands on. I think that makes learning much better for children!
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Cheryl Roth
January 4, 2012 at 12:15 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Hi Dominique, I’m tagging you! Stop by my blog today after noon to read the post and pick up your questions. Cheryl
hearttoheartathome.blogspot.com
angie
January 4, 2012 at 1:20 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
looks like an awesome place to visit
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Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
January 4, 2012 at 4:32 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
These are great pics – what a great museum!
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Kristina
January 4, 2012 at 9:12 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I’m not sure if there is a kid-friendly Maritime museum near me, but there is certainly a large Maritime exhibit that I am still yet to check out here (Pearl Harbour).
I once took my kids to a large museum in Wellington, New Zealand, and it was amazing – SO kid-friendly – lots of rooms of hands-on activities, special reading sessions and a great play room. Seeing your photos above reminds me of our visits there:)
Thanks for sharing,
Kristina
Amber--JadeLouise Designs
January 4, 2012 at 1:53 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
We don’t have one of those museums where we are, but after seeing your pictures and reading your post, boy do I wish we did! That looks absolutely amazing! Here is a museum that would interest my entire family! It looks like you had an amazing day! I love the Chinese section, but really I would be fascinated by all teh cultures featured there!
Your VB Friend
JadeLouise Designs
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Tiffany
February 12, 2012 at 8:11 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Great pictures!
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