Unusual Phenomenon

Nearly two years have passed since this Jurong West neighbourhood was gripped by a minor social mania that generated a lot of media buzz.

Around 3 September in 2007, a resident in the area purported that the image of a monkey appeared on the trunk on one of the trees (see left). Some residents living nearby believed that the image is a manifestation of the Monkey God, a deity from Chinese mythology.

The appearance of the monkey outline on the tree trunk was reported in the local papers and became sensational news. Overnight, hundreds of people, mainly Chinese and Indians, from all over Singapore flocked to the usually quiet HDB neighbourhood to pay homage to the tree.

This tree is merely one of the many ‘spirit trees’ in Singapore that some believe praying to it would bring luck.

We head down to Jurong West to investigate.

Read below to have a closer look at behind-the-scenes of the investigation or find out more about the species of the tree.

Behind-the-scenes investigation
by Mohammed Shah Bin Ibrahim


Upon arriving at the Jurong West Street 42, we did not have to look far to spot the tree in question.
The sight before us was a stark contrast to what was seen two years ago at the very same location (see right).

Gone are the masses that numbered in the hundreds who clamoured for a glimpse of the controversial phenomenon.

We first approached the caretaker of a nearby temple who directed us to the caretaker of the altars at the void deck of a nearby block. We met the said caretaker (pictured below) who enthusiastically shared the story of the trees.

Following his interview, we interviewed another two residents whom each gave slightly different information.

Though there were still a few devotees making their offerings, they declined to be interviewed on camera or comment on their practice.

Only time will tell if this trend will persevere or die off.

The African Mahogany
by Nur Ashikin Binte Mahmod

The Monkey God Tree was identified to be an African Mahogany. This species of tree is hardy and grows in most soil conditions.

As such, it was chosen by the National Parks Board to be planted in parks and along most major roads to provide shade.

Supplementary News

by Mohd Aliff Asraf


The Festival of Monkey God

http://www.singaporesights.com/sight/festival-monkey-god

This website introduces more about the history and festival of the Monkey God. It sheds light on the festival celebrated in Singapore. It allows first time readers to know more about the Monkey God and the reasons and rituals behind the festival. Readers will have a better overview of the festival and its purposes.

The Case of the Singapore Monkey Tree

http://api.sg/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=105

This site explains the phenomenon of the Singapore Monkey tree which is found in the heartlands. Detailed pictures and gallery images are also illustrated. On top of that, it also provides readers with other interesting animal looking trees which are found in the heartlands.

Our team members...