Lost parks and missing promenades

In the not-too-distant past, people loved nothing more than chilling out in parks on a hot summer’s day or strolling along the city’s promenades, taking in the views of unique architecture or simply luxuriating in serene surroundings. Today, however, many of these destinations can no longer be visited, if indeed they exist at all. Some have been closed to preserve wildlife in the area, others have fallen victim to natural disasters, and yet others have simply lost their appeal over time and given way to other more interesting attractions.

But while many are little more than memories of a distant and calmer past, many urbanites wish they could go back in time and revisit these much-loved places.

Glorious past

Selangor in Malaysia was once home to a recreation water theme park called Mimaland, regarded as the country’s first theme park. Opened in 1975, it closed permanently in 1994, after a landslide damaged the property.

“Among its main attractions were a prehistoric animal park with huge dinosaur models, a lake for boating and fishing, a giant maze and a green forested area,” recalls local tour operator Tony Musa.

Then there was Singapore’s Happy World or Gay World Park, once one of the most famous amusement parks in the country. Bustling with people from the 1930s to 1960s, it was extremely popular among local residents. “It was their only form of entertainment before television and shopping malls were introduced. It was an all-in-one entertainment complex. However, its popularity waned in the 1970s and it was eventually demolished in 2000, to make way for residential projects,” says Dennis Koh, a retired university lecturer.

Joe Louis Puppet Theatre in Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Bangkok// PHOTO by Lerdsuwa via https://commons.wikimedia.org

Missing the beat

In Thailand, many long-time foreign visitors are wondering what happened to one of their favourite hang-outs and shopping places – the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Today, the grounds which it once called home boasts the mega mixed-use project known as One Bangkok.

“I think Suan Lum was extremely popular among foreign tourists because of its location right in the middle of the city,” says Daisy Fuente, a tourist. “It was very accessible for those of us who love to go shopping for local products. The other famous market is Chatuchak, but it is only open on weekends and it’s quite far from the city centre. Suan Lum, on the other hand, was open even on weekdays.”

The Night Bazaar was packed with vendors selling gifts, clothing, jewellery, fruits, handmade products, and fine arts. There was a large beer garden, with an array of food and live entertainment. It was also home to the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre. On the other side of the market was a quieter area with many restaurants offering both inside and outside garden seating.

A 6,000-capacity entertainment and special events hall was located in the Night Bazaar and hosted several major concerts. Not far away was a traditional Thai puppet troupe theatre, which drew both locals and curious foreigners.

The night bazaar is now closed, and the area where the market used to stand is now occupied by a modern residential and shopping complex.

Nayong Pilipino Rizal park//PHOTO by Hariboneagle927 via https://commons.wikimedia.org

Childhood memories

In the Philippines, the Nayong Pilipino or Philippine Village is sorely missed by all. Opened in 1970 beside Manila International Airport, Nayong Pilipino was a stunning showcase where meticulously crafted replicas of the country’s most famous landmarks, traditional villages, churches and historical sites were spread across 45 hectares.

“For generations of students, it became an educational rite of passage. Families also flocked there during weekends and holidays, making it one of Metro Manila’s most recognisable attractions,” recalls Linda Arceo, a retired public school teacher.

According to Arceo, its closure in 2002 had little to do with declining popularity. “It was mainly to accommodate the expansion of the airport. The miniature landmarks that once marked countless childhood memories were demolished, along with much of the park,” she says.

The Nayong Pilipino Foundation, which manages the institution, has shifted away from operating a permanent theme park. Instead, it now focuses on cultural preservation through travelling exhibitions, educational programmes, heritage research, and partnerships with other organisations exploring the prospects of having a modern creative and heritage hub that combines education, tourism, culture and technology.

“I believe it’s important to remember these landmarks and places even if they no longer exist and are almost forgotten. I think we have to take it upon ourselves to share their stories with younger generations. It will help us appreciate how much we have changed and evolved as a society, and as human beings,” Arceo concluded.

(This story is part of a series about the vanishing cultural traditions in Southeast Asia.)