Archaeological research spearheaded by Associate Professor John Miksic of the National University of Singapore, combined with John Crawfurd's observations in his journal of 1822, confirm the urban boundaries of the ancient city stretched from the Singapore River to Stamford Road, from the former seashore on the edge of the Padang to the peak of Fort Canning Hill.

The city in 1351 CE and 2011 (click to enlarge)

Three of the five “zones” in World of Temasek correspond to the major economic and ritual centres of the ancient city: the Docks (present-day Empress Place), the Market (Parliament House Complex) and the Forbidden Hill (Fort Canning Park). In addition, the Swamp recreates the mangrove swamp where the original inhabitants of Temasek would have gathered food and forest produce to trade and sell.

Forbiddden Hill

The Forbidden Hill

The Forbidden hill was the location of the royal palace and, to the Hindu and Buddhist population, a representation of Mount Meru, the sacred seat of the gods. Here players can enter the throne room of the Raja of Temasek, converse with ambassadors from China, Siam, Java and India, pick fruit and gather spices in the royal gardens, take a dip in the royal spring bath, explore the palace workshops, and tour Hindu-Buddhist monasteries.

The Docks

The Docks

The Docks zone encompasses the Singapore river mouth area (today’s Empress Place and Fullerton Hotel). Here you can board the ships anchored outside the harbour and discover the Singapore Stone and Garfish Rock –the original symbols of Singapore, six centuries before the Merlion was conceived. You can also explore the warehouses full of historically-correct trade goods, tour Chinese and Hindu temples and board ships from many kingdoms and empires.

The Market

The Market

The central feature of the market zone is the market (today’s Parliament House Complex). Archaeological evidence suggests this area had hawker stalls, blacksmiths, ceramics shops, and fishmongers. Also featured in the market zone is the house of the Temanggong (Chief of Police), the public watering hole, and the mosque.

The Swamp

The Swamp

The Swamp zone recreates the original mangrove swamp which occupied the area where Raffles Place and Boat Quay exist today. Sir Stamford Raffles ordered a nearby hill leveled to reclaim this swamp in 1819. The original inhabitants of this area --the Orang Laut (sea gypsy) people--collected natural produce here to trade. In the swamp zone you can collect the same produce and encounter amazing flora and fauna. Just watch out for tigers and pirates!