Singapore Bird Series $5 Banknote

One of my favourite notes thus far. This note has serial no of 67 (low no) which corresponds to the prefix A/67. This note is special to me as the number 67 is an integral part of my life.

Vintage Thermo Flask

I chanced upon this Vintage Thermo Flask at a shop and it was in a very bad shape with oxidised aluminium covered with layers of dirt and grease. This kind of thermo flask was very common back in the 1960s where water was kept at a hot temperature at home instead of using electric kettles. They were often also part of the dowry in traditional Chinese weddings. My mum claims that its known as Diang Gong in Hokkien. I spent an hour cleaning this item up and its ready for display!

Framing of Banknotes

Banknotes can also make a nice display piece when they are framed. They also make nice gifts and conversation starters! This is one of the sets that I have assembled with the Orchid and Bird series banknotes. I also do sell these framed up pieces which can be personalized(your own choice of frame, notes etc). so if anyone is interested, you can contact me at my email!

Set of Uncirculated Singapore Bird Series Notes

This is a set of uncirculated Singapore Bird Series notes which I have assembled. I have a couple of spare sets and they are available for sale as well as exchange with other Singapore banknotes.

Consecutive Singapore Orchid Series 5 Dollars - HSS W Seal

4 x Consecutive Singapore Orchid Series 5 Dollars - HSS W Seal

Vintage Boutique Hotel in Phuket

During a trip to Phuket last year, I came across a small boutique hotel quietly hidden behind the bustling streets of Phuket. This boutique hotel decorated its lobby with vintage items, and I felt that it was very well done!

Here are some photos to share!

Malaya Japanese Occupation Banknote (World War 2)

The Japanese Occupation of Singapore was a dark time in our history and one of the most iconic item that relates people to this period was the money used, which was also known as the banana note. This note was printed when the Japanese needed more money which led to hyperinflation.

"The Japanese issued banana money as their main currency since Straits currency became rare. The Japanese instituted elements of a command economy in which there were restrictions on the demand and supply of resources, thus creating a popular black market. The "banana currency" started to suffer from high inflation and dropped drastically in value because the authorities would simply print more whenever they needed more money; consequently the black market often used Straits currency."

Currently, this is one of the cheapest Malaya note that can be collected. I am selling this uncirculated 10 dollars note at 4 dollars each for anyone who is interested to obtain a piece of Singapore history.

A Brief History of the Japanese Occupation

The Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II occurred between about 1942 and 1945 after the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Military forces of the Empire of Japan occupied Singapore after defeating the combined Australian, British, Indian and Malayan garrison in the Battle of Singapore. The occupation was to become a major turning point in the history of several nations, including that of Japan, Britain and the then colonial state of Singapore. Singapore was renamed to Syonan-to (昭南島 Shōnan-tō), which means "Island of the Light of the South" or "Southern Island (obtained) during Shōwa period".

Singapore was officially returned to British colonial rule on 12 September 1945, following the formal signing of the surrender instrument at City Hall.