Hong Lim Park

Hong Lim Park is a small park located in the Chinatown area of Singapore, and was one of the only parks in the area till the 70’s. This park was named for a prominent Chinese businessman who bought the land in 1876 and was one of the earliest public parks in Singapore. It’s had a history closely associated with the local politics, and in the 50’s and 60’s was one of the venues for many political rallies. Other uses for the park throughout the years include a cricket ground for the Singapore Cricket Club and a popular stage area for Chinese operas, though these days it is mostly used for community events. A notable feature of Hong Lim Park is its Speakers Corner, Singapore’s first and only outdoor venue where any Singaporean is allowed to air their views about anything in public without the need for a police permit (which is a usual requirement in the rest of the country) that is meant to allow for more space for freedom of expression, though you still have to register with the National Parks first. The Speakers Corner is modelled after the one in London’s Hyde Park.