Dalhousie Obelisk
Dalhousie Obelisk
3.2
About
It is believed that the design was modelled after “Cleopatra’s Needle” on the Thames Embankment in London, which might explain the British influences in its tall, needle-like architectural structure.
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The area
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Neighborhood: City Hall
City Hall neighborhood in Singapore offers a unique blend of history, culture and modernity. The iconic Singapore Art Museum, National Museum of Singapore, and the National Gallery Singapore dot the landscape, offering a rich tapestry of the city-state's past and present. The historic Raffles Hotel, a legendary landmark, offers a taste of Singapore's colonial past while high-end restaurants and hawker centers cater to a variety of culinary delights from around the globe. The neighborhood is well-connected with the rest of the city through the City Hall MRT station, making it easy to explore other areas. A visit to City Hall, whether for history buffs, foodies or art lovers, promises a memorable experience.
How to get there
- Raffles Place • 6 min walk
- Telok Ayer • 9 min walk
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6,870 within 3 miles
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851 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.2
41 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
9
Average
31
Poor
1
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Dan L
Bunbury, Australia9,017 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
The inscribed plaques were more of interest that the ordinary monument to which they are attached. Inscribed in English, Jawi, Chinese and Tamil.
The English inscription reads; - "Erected by the European, Chinese, and Native Inhabitants of Singapore to commemorate the visit in the month of February 1850, of the Most Noble the Marquis of Dalhousie, K. T., Governor-General of British India on which occasion he emphatically recognised the wisdom of liberating commerce from all restraints under which enlightened policy this Settlement has rapidly attained its present rank among British Possessions and with which its future prosperity must ever be identified."
It was the first public monument erected in the then Straits Settlements in 1851, and subsequently relocated on a number of occasions before arriving in its present location in 1911. Its of brick construction and plastered over, standing on a platform with short wall/platform at each corner with a decorative pinnacle lamp atop each.
The English inscription reads; - "Erected by the European, Chinese, and Native Inhabitants of Singapore to commemorate the visit in the month of February 1850, of the Most Noble the Marquis of Dalhousie, K. T., Governor-General of British India on which occasion he emphatically recognised the wisdom of liberating commerce from all restraints under which enlightened policy this Settlement has rapidly attained its present rank among British Possessions and with which its future prosperity must ever be identified."
It was the first public monument erected in the then Straits Settlements in 1851, and subsequently relocated on a number of occasions before arriving in its present location in 1911. Its of brick construction and plastered over, standing on a platform with short wall/platform at each corner with a decorative pinnacle lamp atop each.
Written December 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Игорь
Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia32,591 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Probably the most uninteresting monument in the historical part of Singapore. What struck me was the story. The Governor-General of India, the Marquess of Dalhousie, James Andrew Brown-Ramsey, travelled to Singapore during his seaside recreation and study tour. I mean, not the chief Londoner, but his viceroy. It's for understanding what a village the town was then. So this very boss came, toured the city, talked in meetings, attended receptions in his honor, and left safely, promising to help. And so to celebrate this very visit, the local moneybags raised money and erected this pyramid-obelisk. That's the fucking reason!
Automatically translated
Written January 27, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,135 contributions
Mar 2020
This monument was raised to mark the visit of James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie. A Scotsman and colonial administrator in British India, he rose to become Governor-General of India. This obelisk was raised by the Chinese and Malay citizens of Singapore to mark his visit in 1850. Not a must see, but it’s a bit of a landmark in Boat Quay and is opposite Victoria Theatre, on Empress Lawn.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Devon, UK29,133 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Sunday 20th October and we were out and about exploring and sightseeing in Singapore.
We came across the The obelisk which is situated at Empress Place, it is very close to a number of other attractions like the Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall and Anderson Bridge.
A lot to see in the area, so worth including with other things, not worth a specific trip.
The Obelisk commemorates the visit of the governor-general of India (1848–1856), the Marquis of Dalhousie, James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, to Singapore in February 1850.
We came across the The obelisk which is situated at Empress Place, it is very close to a number of other attractions like the Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall and Anderson Bridge.
A lot to see in the area, so worth including with other things, not worth a specific trip.
The Obelisk commemorates the visit of the governor-general of India (1848–1856), the Marquis of Dalhousie, James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, to Singapore in February 1850.
Written October 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karhonleong
Singapore755 contributions
Jan 2014 • Solo
I just happen to pass by this place when going near the empress place building and esplanade park. Good to be able to capture some pictures at night. Unlit at night, light comes from nearby street lights. Not sure why this thing existed, just make the place nicer, I guess. Already declared a monument in Singapore.
Written January 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EarthlingOnline
Worldwide3,729 contributions
Nov 2013 • Solo
This is one of those monuments-features which help to make a community nicer. It might be a "must-visit destination attraction" for few. But it very nicely adds to the atmosphere, the vibe, of a place.
Written January 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel G
Singapore, Singapore8,559 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The obelisk stands to commemorate the work of the Marquis of Dalhousie who served the British administration governing the Strait Settlements. Dalhousie also was Governor General of India and played an important role in its advancement. Worth looking at if your in the area but nothing special.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohamed Sami
Alexandria, Egypt1,983 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
Ok if you are walking by this area, you can just have a quick look, if you have the time. Nothing much about it but definitely it is a reminder of the old Egyptian obelisk "the Cleaopatra's needle" now located on th Thames river side in London
Written August 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vasavapr
Lappeenranta, Finland711 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
While walking by or on the Anderson Bridge we noticed a needle like structure. It seemed interesting so I took some pictures. Later a very popular search engine told me that it was Dalhousie Obelisk.
Written July 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndyJohn74
Sydney, Australia6,057 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
If you are visiting the ACM you could have a quick peek at the obelisk. It is between the ACM and the Empress Lawn.
Written January 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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