One of the oldest open spaces in Singapore for public recreation, the Padang has its beginnings as a natural plain near the mouth of Singapore River. The plain was first mentioned in the Sejarah Melayu (Malay: Malay Annals), which described Malay king Sang Nila Utama’s landing in the 13th century and spotting a creature believed to be a lion on the plain, inspiring him to name the island Singapura (Sanskrit: Lion City).
The British, who set up camp here when they arrived in 1819, extended the open space over time. Referred to as “the Plain”, then “Esplanade”, and finally “the Padang”, the space was used for recreation, official ceremonies and celebrations through the 19th and early 20th centuries. Two sporting institutions, Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club, were established here during the 1800s.
After World War II, the Padang became the backdrop to milestone events in Singapore’s history. In 1959, when Singapore achieved self-governance, the Padang was where the new government held its victory rally, marked the installation of the first Asian Yang Di-Pertuan (Malay: Head of State) Yusof bin Ishak with a march past and procession, and unveiled the new national flag. After Singapore became independent in 1965, the first National Day Parade of Singapore as a republic was held here in 1966.
Today, the Padang remains an important civic and recreational public space. Gazetted as a National Monument in 2022, the Padang continues to host key sporting and recreational events regularly, including the National Day Parade.
