“Augmented Reality brings Singapore’s past to our present.”
In an era where children are more fluent in code than their nation’s history, the BALIKSG app ingeniously merges Singapore’s vibrant past with the digital world. Instead of merely flipping through pages in History or Social Studies books, the app offers an immersive dive into the country’s heritage.
Discover BALIKSG:
An innovative project by the National Heritage Board and National Parks Board, BALIKSG debuted in January as a tribute to the Singapore Bicentennial. This free app merges text, visuals, videos, and Augmented Reality (AR) to rewind users back to Singapore’s roots, all the way to the 14th century. Simply download the app on your smartphone, and embark on an exciting journey.
By scanning unique codes located along heritage paths, users are treated to immersive AR stories, bringing historical figures and events to life. Essentially, BALIKSG transforms Singapore into an open-air museum, accessible anytime.
The Heart of Singapore: The River Trail:
The inaugural trail of the app highlights the significance of the Singapore River in the nation’s narrative.
A Guided Experience:
During our guided media tour, experts introduced us to the app’s functionalities and spiced up the journey with interactive games.
Familiar landmarks, often taken for granted, transformed into living tales. The app’s captivating narratives and AR characters have forever altered our perceptions of locations such as Boat Quay, Elgin Bridge, and the National Gallery. Our kids, spellbound by the experience, eagerly anticipated revisiting the trail post-exams.
Our Take on BALIKSG:
Elegantly designed and user-friendly, even our youngest adapted to the app with ease.
Apart from unveiling Singapore’s heritage, it stands out with its flexibility (use anytime), free access, accuracy (endorsed by heritage boards), interactive design, and a fun “collect-them-all” feature.
It’s not just another app; it’s an engaging tool that helps bridge the gap between generations, making history tangible and more palatable for our tech-savvy generation.
Why You Should Dive into the BALIKSG Experience:
- Cost-Effective: Completely free with no hidden costs.
- Centrally Located: Trails are easily accessible.
- Authentic: Stories rooted in extensive research.
- Interactive: Real-life history events reimagined through state-of-the-art AR technology.
- Healthy: A delightful way to clock in your daily steps.
- Collectible: Gather virtual jigsaw pieces at every AR point.
The Future Awaits:
BALIKSG isn’t just another app; it’s a dynamic platform that adds layers of depth to our understanding of Singapore’s multicultural mosaic. Start your journey from the Sir Stamford Raffles Statue and traverse 2 km along the Singapore River, spanning 8 interactive AR pit-stops. And, good news! A new trail centered around Fort Canning Hill is slated to be added soon. So, gear up for your own BALIKSG adventure!