Explore SG: Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum at Chinese Garden

The Chinese has a saying, “天下没有不散的宴席“, which conveys the inevitable ending of all good things. Literally translated as “there is no banquet in the world that will last forever”, I supposed this is a wise saying that provides a certain sense of consolation for people that get overcome by separation anxiety irrational emotions at times of goodbye.  

The Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum has come a long way. Born out of love between a doting father and his daughter, this humble establishment has blossomed with accolades of being a one-of-its-kind tortoise and turtle museum in the world and holding a Guinness World Record since 2005 for the largest collection of tortoise and turtle items! While these prestigious titles sound impressive, they meant little.

It certainly seems so, considering the challenges that the museum and its 500+ live animals have been facing in recent years to stay in the place that they have called home since 2001. In the face of development of the Jurong Lake Gardens, it is inevitable that we lose some. The Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum has not been granted a space in the new gardens, and it is currently preparing its exit from Chinese Garden (whose name is fast fading as well) by March 2018.

Well, all good things must come to an end. But we can take comfort in remembering those that truly matters.

“He was an admirable man… humble, dedicated and giving his best in everything that he did. She took after her father, and they both love the tortoises and turtles.” – the museum manager

The Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum embodies beloved memories, and in the heart of it lies a beautiful story of a father-and-daughter joint efforts to sustain a home for more than 500 turtles, tortoises and terrapins. It began with a childhood pet.   

Today, the private museum takes care of more than 40 species of reptiles from all over the world, including China, Madagascar, Malaysia, India, Myanmar and South America. Many of them are endangered. The late founder, Mr. Danny Tan, and his daughter, Ms. Connie Tan, wanted the Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum to be a place for family fun and excitement.

If you are planning to visit the Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum (I strongly urge you to do so), you should know that this is not just another visitors’ attraction. It is a quaint space for fun outdoor learning and bonding with loved ones.

When you look back upon your memories on a fine day in the unknown future, this could be that one place where pig-nosed turtles coax an innocent smile out of your half-scared, half-intrigued kid. It could be that one place where you stroll alongside your partner, hand in hand, excitedly gushing over the free roaming tortoises.

I would certainly remember that first visit with my beloved nephew, then 4-year old, holding my hand tightly as we looked at tortoises sunbathing. His look of wonder and love is etched in my mind. Undoubtedly, I have earned the award of ‘Best Aunt Ever’.  

“There comes a time in your life when you have to choose to turn the page, write another book or simply close it.” ― Shannon L. Alder

Beyond the impressive accolades, the unassuming Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum is a place for lessons of love and bonding. So, go before it closes its door forever at the Chinese Garden.

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum is located steps away from the 13-arch White Rainbow Bridge at the main entrance of Chinese Garden.
• Road works are currently in progress, so parking is best at the nearest residential blocks along Tah Ching Road or take public transport and alight at Chinese Garden MRT station.
• Each entry costs S$5 per adult and S$3 per child. Workshops and guided tours are also available for groups.
  

THE LIVE TURTLE & TORTOISE MUSEUM 

1 Chinese Garden Road
Singapore 619795

Tel: (+65) 6268 5363
Fax: (+65) 62787109
Website: http://www.turtle-tortoise.com  
Email: connie@turtle-tortoise.com 

OPEN: 7 days a week, 10 am till 7 pm daily
Getting There: The museum is a 5-minute walk from the Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25).

The above information is based on the author’s own experience and should only be used as a reference. For more information on the destination, do check out the following sites:  http://www.turtle-tortoise.com