Find My Ah Gong at Kubur Kassim Cemetery
Nestled in the quiet enclave of Siglap, Kubur Kassim is one of Singapore’s oldest surviving Muslim cemeteries which stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the early Malay and Bugis communities. Among the buried are revered religious leaders and prominent figures including Singapore’s first Islamic doctor Sirajuddin Moonshi, popular Sufi ulama Sheikh Khawaja and former headmistress of Kampong Gelam School Che Lembek.
About the Programme
- What You'll Do
- Meet Your Host
- Important Details
What You'll Do
Nestled in a private housing estate on Siglap Road, Kubur Kassim is a quiet Muslim cemetery dating back to the early 19th century. Although burials stopped in the 1980s, the grounds continue to preserve the memories of over 3000 individuals.
This place holds particular significance for Sarafian. It was here, in the early 2000s, that he began his journey in heritage preservation. He spent months documenting the graves, befriending families who visit, and recording their stories. The cemetery is also the final resting place for Sarafian’s great grandfather and uncles.
During the tour, Sarafian will share some of his personal experiences here. Be warned, tales of supernatural beings linger, so this tour is not for the faint-hearted!
Meet Your Host
Sarafian Salleh is a passionate researcher of local history and has, since 1985, spent most of his spare time studying and researching the history of the Malay world. His passion intensified when he began constructing his family tree, most of whom are of Bugis descent. His knowledge and authority on the subject have led to him being honorifically called Tuah Bugis in social media.
Sarafian is presently the President of the Bugis Malay Society Singapore, a life member of the Genealogy Society Singapore and Member of the Institute of Engineers Singapore. He is an author of a book called ‘Tuah Bugis – chronicles of the seafaring people of Singapore’.
More Details
Attire
- Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes).
- Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed.
- Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
What to bring?
- Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
Other important information
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration.
- The event will proceed rain or shine.
- Parking is available at the basement of Siglap Centre.
- The venue is not wheelchair friendly.
- Photography is generally permitted during the event. However, please be mindful and avoid taking or sharing photos that include personal identifiers, such as faces or names, in order to respect the deceased.
Terms and Conditions
- All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
Time and Duration
Days & Dates
Sunday, 17 November 2024
Ticket Price
(excluding Eventbrite service fee)
Meeting Point
(Location Pin)
Ending Point
Language(s) / Age Limit(s)
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