Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research

Tucked away in a corner of Western Singapore is a fascinating museum perfect for the Science buff, or more specifically, the Biology enthusiast.

Established in 1998, the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research in National University of Singapore (NUS) contains the oldest and largest collection of plant and animal specimens from Southeast Asia, dating back to the 19th century.

The museum has its roots in the Raffles Museum which was founded in 1849 by Sir Stamford Raffles. Many people are probably not aware that Raffles was also a renowned naturalist.

Today, his historical collection of zoological specimens can be found in the museum's animal collection which is well known to international scientists as the Zoological Reference Collection.

Visitors to the museum will get to see various exhibits of stuffed and preserved wildlife, some of which are already extinct.

There is the famous banded-leaf monkey which was the last of its kind in Bukit Timah, the king cobra that was found at the Singapore Island Country Club, the Changi dugong and many other interesting creatures.

After the visit, pop over to the neighbouring NUS Museum for a look at its collection of Asian art pieces.

Address
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science
National University of Singapore
Block S6, Level 3
Science Drive 2
Singapore 117546

Tel: (65) 6516 5082
Fax: (65) 6774 8101

Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)

Admission
Free

Getting There
By MRT/Bus: Buona Vista (EW21). Take SBS bus no. 95 from the station and alight at the second bus stop after the bus turns right into Lower Kent Ridge Road. Science Drive 2 is a short distance down the road. Turn in and walk up to Block S6.

As bus services are subject to change, please refer to SBS Transit for latest information.

Website
Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research

Related books
Biodiversity Research

Photo Gallery
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