New hotels in Singapore seem to be opening every few months, but there’s still something charming about checking into a place with real history behind it. Goodwood Park Hotel, the only heritage hotel in the Orchard Road area, is one of those spots.

If you’ve ever walked past its distinctive tower and wondered about the story behind this grand building that has seemingly stood its ground while the rest of Orchard transformed around it, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick look at the hotel’s long-standing history and why it’s still such an icon today.

First built in 1900 as a social club for German expats in Singapore

Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

Its story first began in 1900 – a whopping 126 years ago – as the Teutonia Club, an enclave for Singapore’s expatriate German community. Back then, Orchard Road wasn’t the shopping haven we know today, and entertainment options were few and far between.

To recreate a sense of familiarity while living overseas, 7 German expats came together to found the club as a space to socialise and build community.

Its architecture reflected those European roots too. Inspired by the grand castles along the Rhine, the building features regal details, with the iconic tower block, which still stands today, becoming its most recognisable feature.

Transformed into a hotel by 1929

Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

The building entered a new chapter in 1918, when it was acquired by 3 Jewish brothers from the Manasseh family, who renamed it Goodwood Hall after England’s famed Goodwood Racecourse. It even saw some star power in its heyday – legendary Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova performed there in 1922.

By 1929, it was transformed into the Goodwood Park Hotel, catering largely to businessmen from Malaya. Over the years, it also welcomed a fair share of notable guests, including the Duke of Windsor, who visited when he was the Prince of Wales of England.

1st hotel in Singapore to feature a swimming pool

Main Pool.
Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

After World War II ended, the building briefly served as a British War Crimes Court before eventually being returned in 1947 to Mr Vivian Bath, a descendant of the Manasseh family.

It was during this post-war revival that the hotel made local history once again, becoming the 1st hotel in Singapore to feature a swimming pool within its grounds!

The hotel changed hands & went under new management

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

In 1963, Goodwood Park Hotel was acquired by the Malayan Banking Group. Just a few years later, in 1968, it changed hands again and came under the ownership of the late Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat, a former Managing Director of the bank.

The legacy continues under his daughter, Mrs Mavis Oei, the hotel’s current Chairman, who has overseen massive upgrades while preserving its historic charm.

Fun fact: If you head to the entrance of the Tower Block, you’ll spot a bronze bust of Khoo Teck Puat himself.

Gazetted as a national monument in 1989

Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel via Facebook

Fast forward to March 1989, and Goodwood Park Hotel’s iconic tower was officially gazetted as a national monument, cementing its place in Singapore’s architectural and cultural heritage.

As you walk around the hotel, keep an eye out for the details that hint at its century-long history.

Newly refurbished Mayfair Wing rooms

Deluxe Poolside Room.
Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

Naturally, with a hotel that’s been around for over a century, the interiors need a refresh every now and then. The latest update comes in the form of the newly refurbished Mayfair Wing rooms, which now feature a more modern aesthetic.

There are 2 room types under the Mayfair Wing to choose from: the Deluxe Mayfair Room and the Deluxe Poolside Room.

We had the opportunity to stay in the latter, which is located on the ground floor and comes with direct access to the Mayfair Pool – perfect for couples who enjoy a quick dip.

The Deluxe Mayfair Room, on the other hand, features a private balcony overlooking either the garden or pool. It can also accommodate an extra bed, making it a more family-friendly option if you’re planning a stay with the kids in tow.

Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

We noticed the earthy tones the moment we stepped into the room, paired with wood finishes and vinyl flooring that made the space feel warm and homely instead of overly hotel-like. But the hotel hasn’t completely ditched its old-school charm. Framed black-and-white photographs line the walls, featuring local scenes by French artist Gilles Massot. It’s a subtle touch, but one that adds character to the otherwise modernised space.

You’ll also be happy to know that each room comes with a bathtub – great for soaking away any knots after a long day out.

Just take note that the TV doesn’t come equipped with Netflix, but there’s still a decent selection of international channels. If you’re planning a cosy night in with your shows, it’s probably worth bringing along your laptop or tablet.

Mayfair Pool.
Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

But our favourite part of the stay had to be the direct access to the Balinese-inspired Mayfair Pool. It almost felt like we’d been whisked away to a resort in Bali, except this time, the pool was just steps away.

A heritage hotel in the heart of Orchard Road

To celebrate the revamp of the Mayfair Wing rooms, the hotel has also rolled out curated stay packages.

There’s the A Timeless Retreat at Goodwood package, where you’ll get to stay in a Deluxe Premier Room. There’ll be additional perks too, like complimentary English Afternoon Tea and breakfast, late check-out until 3pm, and spa privileges. The package is valid for stays from now till 30th November 2026, with rates starting from $348/night.

Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

And with the June holidays just around the corner, it’s also an excuse to start planning a family staycation with the Little Explorer Getaway package. You’ll stay in a Poolside Suite, complete with an in-room teepee set-up that the little ones will love, and complimentary perks to keep the whole family entertained. The package can be booked from now till 10th August 2026, and rates start from $568/night.

At a time when staycations often mean chasing the newest opening in town, Goodwood Park Hotel is a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable stays come with a bit of history behind them.

Book a stay at Goodwood Park Hotel

More hotels to check out in SG:

• Hotel at Punggol Digital District
• W Singapore at Sentosa Cove
• St. Regis Singapore review

Cover image adapted from: Goodwood Park Hotel, Goodwood Park Hotel via Facebook

The post Goodwood Park Hotel, A National Monument, Was The First Hotel In Singapore To Offer A Swimming Pool appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Head down to Yishun, and you definitely won’t miss Northpoint City, the massive mall connected to the MRT station. But if you haven’t noticed, there isn’t a cinema located within the mall, because Golden Village Yishun is actually right next door at Yishun 10.

This old-school building stands out against the modern facade of Northpoint City and holds an important place in Singapore’s cinematic scene. With recent news that it’s set to be redeveloped into a residential and commercial building, here’s a look back at the history of this iconic spot.

Singapore’s 1st multiplex cinema

Image credit: u/urcommunist via Reddit

You might be used to going to the cinema and walking past rows of screening halls before finding yours, but 30-odd years ago, this wasn’t the norm at all. Back when most cinemas in Singapore only had a single screen, Yishun 10 changed the game as the country’s very 1st multiplex cinema. And as its name suggests, it housed a whopping 10 screening halls under 1 roof.

Sci-fi-inspired facade & interior

Image credit: u/ggkingg via Reddit

When Yishun 10 first opened on 27th May 1992, it looked like something straight out of a sci-fi film. While it was designed to look like a rocket ship from space, one look at the building might remind you of Optimus Prime if he transformed into a building instead of a truck, or as this Reddit comment describes it:

Screenshot from: Reddit

Image credit: u/ggkingg via Reddit

In true 90s fashion, the place was covered in neon lighting, so it really felt like you’d stepped into a spaceship.

Image credit: u/urcommunist via Reddit 

The neon aesthetic wasn’t just restricted to the interior. If you ever walked past the building back in the day – or rather, back in the night – you’d have seen it glowing, looking like it belonged in TRON: Ares.

Popular hangout spot back in the day

Image credit: u/ggkingg via Reddit

But Yishun 10 wasn’t just a spot for cinemagoers – the building also housed eateries on the ground floor, such as familiar favourites like Burger King and Long John Silver’s. In later years, it would also be home to eateries that are no longer around in Singapore, such as Wendy’s and BurgerUP.

Image credit: u/urcommunist via Reddit

This brand new concept proved popular among Singaporeans – by the end of 1993, the multiplex had seen more than 3 million visitors.

Major renovation in 2010

Image credit: Thiang

After 18 years in operation, the multiplex shuttered its doors temporarily in 2010 to undergo major renovations. Right before work started, they hosted a GV Yishun Renovation Party on 11th August 2010 to commemorate this milestone.

The party featured a screening of Phua Chu Kang The Movie, and the main characters, Phua Chu Kang and Rosie, even showed up to grace the event.

Image credit: Thiang

The event also featured a demolition hall, where visitors could take whatever they wanted from the multiplex, from movie posters and cutouts of the original carpets to even the cinema seats.

Image credit: Gabriel Ng via Google Maps 

After 3 months of renovations, the cinema reopened its doors on 4th November 2010, and officially rebranded to GV Yishun. The building also got a fresh coat of silver that you can still see today, saying goodbye to its iconic postmodern facade. That said, the new look still resembles a modern, sleeker spaceship.

Image credit: W Lee via Google Maps

The interior also went through major changes, reflecting the familiar style that you’d recognise from other Golden Village cinemas islandwide.

Also, it might not be obvious to the average audience member, but the upgrades turned the cinema into a green multiplex – features like energy-saving LED lights and “self-cooling” air conditioning help keep the cinema’s carbon emissions low.

The future of Yishun 10

Recently, it was announced that Yishun 10 would be redeveloped for residential purposes. The new residential building would also include commercial space on the 1st floor.

Screenshot from: Reddit

With news of the redevelopment, Yishun residents and those who frequent the space have been reflecting on what Yishun 10 means to them. For many, it isn’t just another building, but a familiar landmark filled with memories, shaped not only by its pioneering cinema days but also by the many iconic tenants that have come and gone through its history.

Screenshot from: Reddit

But don’t worry if you haven’t had your fill of Arnold’s Fried Chicken at Yishun 10 yet – Frasers Property, the building’s owner, says that it’s still business as usual for now. There isn’t a confirmed date for when Yishun 10 will close for the last time, though they will update should there be any new developments, so you can still head down and enjoy another movie in the meantime.

Yishun 10 will always be an important part of Singapore’s cinema history

I’m sure many of us have made core memories at the movies, so it’s sad to see yet another cinema bite the dust. But while it still stands, take the time to visit soon and relive some memories.

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For more movie reads:

• Dreamers at Shaw Lido
• Indie cinemas in Singapore
• Movies in 2026

Cover image adapted from: u/ggkingg & u/urcommunist via Reddit

The post Yishun 10 Was SG’s 1st Multiplex Cinema Known For Its Postmodern, Sci-Fi-Inspired Design appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Singapore’s National Monuments are the kind of places many of us walk past without realising how much history they carry. One moment you are rushing to lunch in the CBD, the next you are standing beside a building that survived World War II, witnessed the birth of modern Singapore, or housed generations of migrants finding their footing here.

As of 2026, Singapore has more than 75 National Monuments officially gazetted by the National Heritage Board. Here are some of the most fascinating National Monuments of Singapore and the fun facts behind them. Warning first, you may never look at these places the same way again.

What are National Monuments?

These monuments are given the highest level of heritage protection in the country because of their historical, cultural, or architectural significance. They include churches, temples, mosques, schools, bridges, hotels, civic buildings, and even open spaces like the Padang.

The first batch of National Monuments was gazetted in 1973, after concerns grew that rapid redevelopment could erase important pieces of Singapore’s past. Today, the Preservation of Sites and Monuments division under the National Heritage Board oversees their protection and restoration.

1. The Padang

Image credit: Singapore Cricket Club

The Padang is more than just a giant field in the Civic District. It has hosted National Day Parades, cricket matches, military marches, F1 concerts, and major historical events dating back to the colonial era. It also became Singapore’s first green open space to be gazetted as a National Monument in 2022.

2. St Andrew’s Cathedral

Image credit: @4402_39 via Instagram

This iconic white St Andrew’s Cathedral near City Hall has survived lightning strikes, wartime occupation, and decades of urban change. During World War II, the building even served as an emergency hospital.

3. Sri Mariamman Temple

Image credit: @ivanvictory via Instagram

Located in Chinatown, Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. Many early Indian immigrants reportedly came here for shelter and community support after arriving in Singapore.

4. Thian Hock Keng

Image credit: Visit Singapore

Before modern ports existed, newly arrived Chinese immigrants used to visit Thian Hock Keng temple to give thanks for surviving the sea journey to Singapore. Fun fact: the temple was built without using nails in many sections of its structure.

5. Armenian Church

Image credit: @armenian.church.sg via Instagram

Built in 1835, the Armenian Church is the oldest surviving Christian church in Singapore. Its quiet garden feels worlds away from the busy city outside, despite sitting right in the middle of town.

6. Former City Hall

Image credit: User: Sengkang via Wikimedia

This grand building now forms part of National Gallery Singapore. The Former City Hall was where the Japanese formally surrendered to the British in Singapore after World War II in 1945.

7. Former Supreme Court building

Image credit: National Gallery Singapore

The former Supreme Court building is instantly recognisable thanks to its large green dome. If you look closely, you can still spot old holding cells and courtroom features preserved inside National Gallery Singapore today.

8. Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

Image credit: @wanfanp via Instagram

This performing arts venue has been part of Singapore life for more than a century. During World War II, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall was also used as a hospital by the Japanese military.

9. Raffles Hotel Singapore

Image credit: @raffleshotelsingapore via Instagram

Yes, the famous hotel is also a National Monument. The Singapore Sling cocktail was said to have been created at Raffles Hotel Singapore, though locals still debate whether it is worth the price or not.

10. Former Telok Ayer Market

Image credit: Allie_Caulfield via Flickr

Most people know this place as Lau Pa Sat. Back in the day, the sea was actually much closer to the former Telok Ayer Market before land reclamation changed Singapore’s coastline.

11. Central Fire Station

Image credit: @sarah.uph via Instagram

This red and white building along Hill Street is Singapore’s oldest surviving fire station. In fact, the Central Fire Station still functions as an active fire station today, which honestly makes it extra shiok for history lovers. It also houses the Civil Defense Heritage Gallery.

12. Old Hill Street Police Station

Image credit: Ministry of Digital Development and Information

Known for its rainbow coloured windows, the Old Hill Street Police Station building once housed police officers and their families. It now contains government offices from MDDI and has become one of the most photographed spots in the Civic District.

13. The Fullerton Building

Image credit: @fullertonhotelsg via Instagram

Before becoming a luxury hotel, The Fullerton Building served as Singapore’s General Post Office. It was also nicknamed Mile Zero because distances in Singapore used to be measured from this point.

14. Asian Civilisations Museum

Image adapted from: @acm_sg via Instagram

The building housing the Asian Civilisations Museum used to be government offices during the colonial period. It sits right beside the Singapore River, which was once packed with bumboats and warehouses.

15. Fort Siloso, Sentosa

Image credit: Sentosa

Fort Siloso is Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort. It reminds visitors of Singapore’s wartime history and still contains old tunnels, guns, and military structures.

16. Istana Kampong Gelam

Image credit: Helmar2 via Wikimedia

Istana Kampong Gelam, a former Malay royal palace, is one of the key landmarks of Kampong Gelam. The iconic yellow building, AKA ‘geduning kuning’, was once home to Malay royalty connected to the Johor Sultanate, and has now been restored as the Malay Heritage Centre.

17. The Istana

Image credit: The Istana

Most Singaporeans know The Istana as the President’s official residence, but the building originally served as Government House during British rule. Its grounds are only opened to the public on selected public holidays during the Istana Open House.

18. Goodwood Park Hotel

Image credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

The tower block of Goodwood Park Hotel used to be a German club before World War I. Its castle-like design still stands out along Scotts Road today.

19. Maghain Aboth Synagogue

Image credit: Singapore Jews

Maghain Aboth Synagogue is Singapore’s oldest Jewish synagogue and a reminder that the country’s multicultural history goes far beyond the usual Chinese, Malay, and Indian categories we learnt in school.

20. Hajjah Fatimah Mosque

Image credit: Learn Islam

One unusual feature of Hajjah Fatimah Mosque is its slightly tilted minaret. Many people compare it to a mini Leaning Tower of Pisa, except this one is in Kampong Gelam.

21. Former Cathay Building

Image credit: National Heritage Board

The Cathay was once the tallest building in Southeast Asia and one of the first cinemas in Singapore. During World War II, it was used by the Japanese military as an administrative headquarters.

22. Cavenagh Bridge

Image credit: National Museum of Singapore

Cavenagh Bridge across the Singapore River has been around since 1869. You can still spot old signs warning people not to carry cattle across it.

23. Anderson Bridge

Image credit: Zairon via Wikimedia

Anderson Bridge is famous for its elegant steel arches and decorative lamps. During the Japanese Occupation, the heads of executed civilians were reportedly displayed here as a warning.

24. Elgin Bridge

Image credit: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas via Wikimedia

Elgin Bridge links the historic areas around Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. Earlier versions of the bridge were made from timber before the current structure was built. Interestingly, the original structures of all 3 Singapore River bridges were first built in Britain before being shipped over.

25. Jurong Town Hall

Image credit: Jurong Lake District

The Jurong Town Hall building symbolised Singapore’s industrialisation push during the 1960s. Back then, Jurong was still viewed as ulu territory filled with swamps and factories. A group of local architects designed this building for the JTC headquarters.

Why does Singapore preserve National Monuments?

Singapore changes fast. Entire neighbourhoods can look completely different within a generation, so National Monuments help preserve physical reminders of the country’s history.

According to the National Heritage Board, monuments are protected because they have exceptional historical, architectural, cultural, or social significance. Some are tied to major moments such as World War II, independence, migration, religion, or Singapore’s economic development.

How are buildings chosen as National Monuments?

The Preservation of Sites and Monuments division under NHB studies buildings, sites, and structures that may have national significance. If approved under the Preservation of Monuments Act, the monument is officially gazetted and legally protected from demolition or inappropriate alterations.

What is the oldest National Monument in Singapore?

Some of Singapore’s oldest National Monuments date back to the early 1800s, including the Armenian Church and Thian Hock Keng.

Can you visit Singapore’s National Monuments?

Many National Monuments are open to the public, including museums, hotels, religious buildings, and cultural sites. Some, like The Istana, are only accessible during selected open house dates.

Take a little trip around Singapore & spot our National Monuments

Singapore may be known for shiny new malls and ever-changing skylines, but the city also hides layers of history in plain sight. Some National Monuments are massive landmarks everyone recognises, while others quietly sit between office towers and HDB estates with stories most people have never even heard.

Full list of National Monuments of Singapore

More heritage places:

• Kampong Wak Hassan
• Punggol Zoo
• Atbara House
• Golden Bell Mansion

Cover image adapted from: Sentosa, @acm_sg, Uwe Aranas, Goodwood Park Hotel, Visit Singapore, @wanfanp, @raffleshotelsingapore, National Gallery Singapore, User: Sengkang, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Allie_Caulfield, @4402_39, @armenian.church.sg, @sarah.uph, Singapore Cricket Club, @ivanvictory

The post 25 National Monuments of Singapore & The Lesser-Known Stories Behind Them appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Most Singaporeans know Punggol today as a waterfront town with cycling paths, Punggol Coast Mall, and the new Punggol Digital District. But long before any of that, the area was home to something truly extraordinary – Punggol Zoo, a full-scale zoo and bird park that attracted visitors from around the region, and even one very famous physicist.

Who was behind Punggol Zoo?

Simply called Punggol Zoo, not to be confused with the modern Singapore Zoo at Mandai, it was founded by a wealthy Singaporean-Indian landowner, William Lawrence Soma Basapa.

Image credit: Singapore Basapa

Born in 1893, Basapa was an animal trader by profession and a genuine animal lover by nature. He was a wealthy man of Indian descent who had housed an extensive private collection of animals and birds on the grounds of a large family bungalow in Upper Serangoon Road in the 1920s.

His love for animals wasn’t just a hobby; it was practically a lifestyle. Basapa even earned the nickname “Animal Man.” He even donated a large portion of dead animal specimens to the then Raffles Museum, whose historical collections are today largely displayed at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.

How did the zoo end up in Punggol?

Here’s where it gets interesting. Basapa’s Serangoon Road collection grew so popular that it became a problem.

Image credit: Singapore Basapa

The increasing number of visitors, as well as the noise and stench from the growing collection of wild animals, eventually led Basapa to purchase a 27-acre plot of seafront land for the relocation of his wildlife collection. The new site was located on Punggol Road, overlooking the Straits of Johor.

But it wasn’t exactly a ready-made zoo. He began relocating his animal collection in 1928, gradually developing the site into a full-fledged zoo over the following years. Wah, the man was seriously committed.

What was inside Punggol Zoo?

Quite shiok, actually. The collection included 200 animals, including a Bengal tiger named Apay. Accounts mention animals such as tigers, orangutans, zebras, and even more unusual species like seals, as well as 2,000 birds.

Image credit: Singapore Basapa

Basapa’s pet Bengal tiger, Apay, was practically the zoo’s mascot. Sir Roland Braddell mentioned Basapa’s magnificent collection of birds, his orangutans, and his pet tiger that could be led around by a chain, even though he was 4 years old.

The zoo charged a nominal entrance fee of $0.40, and at $35 a day to run, it was maintained privately by Basapa from 1928 until the start of World War II.

Did anyone famous visit the zoo?

Possibly, and this one is a bit of a flex for Singapore history. According to contemporary newspaper articles, physicist Albert Einstein visited Singapore in November 1922 to raise funds for a proposed Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He mentioned visiting ‘zoological gardens’ in Singapore, and it is widely believed that this referred to Basapa’s private home zoo at Serangoon Road.

How did the zoo end?

Sadly, World War II brought it all crashing down. In 1942, just before the Japanese invasion, the zoo was ordered by the British to close, and the authorities were given very short notice to clear the area of birds and animals. The British had identified Punggol as a potential Japanese landing site and needed the land.

Image credit: Singapore Basapa

The time frame was tight, so oral accounts suggest that many animals were killed or released due to wartime urgency, though details vary. Basapa’s grandson recalled, “It makes us very sad till today that the animals were slaughtered and sacrificed. My grandfather died a broken-hearted man.” Basapa passed away in 1943, a year after the zoo’s forced closure.

During the Japanese Occupation, the generators and steel cages were removed, and the land was reportedly converted into an ordnance storage site. By the end of the Japanese Occupation, the remaining structures were flattened and the grounds levelled by bulldozers. In 1948, the land was sold to a private investor.

Where is the site today?

The site is currently part of the Punggol Promenade. So the next time you’re cycling along the waterfront, know that you’re rolling through what was once one of the more unusual and talked-about attractions of pre-war Singapore.

Punggol Zoo – A piece of SG history that deserves to be remembered

The Punggol Zoo may have been erased from the landscape, but it represents something remarkable: a private citizen who turned his passion into one of pre-war Singapore’s most iconic destinations. Before Mandai, before Night Safari, there was Basapa, a man who walked his pet tiger on a chain and built a zoo by the sea, all on his own.

Next time you jalan-jalan at Punggol Promenade, maybe spare a thought for the zebras, orangutans, and a certain big cat called Apay who once called this stretch of coastline home.

More historical places in Singapore:

• Kampong Wak Hassan
• Old Swiss Cottage Secondary School
• People’s Park Food Centre

Also read: Guide To Punggol – 19 Things To Do Such As Prawning, Nature Trails & Wakeboarding

Cover image adapted from: Singapore Basapa

The post Punggol Zoo Was Originally A Private Animal Collection Of A Trader Who Used To Walk His Pet Tiger appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Most people’s idea of a home with a seaside view probably includes villas or mansions, and while this often is the case today, it wasn’t necessarily so a few decades ago.

Seaside kampongs were common all around the island’s coastline, and in Sembawang, there was Kampong Wak Hassan, the last of its kind in Singapore.

History of Kampong Wak Hassan

People living in a Malay house in Kampong Wak Hassan.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore

Kampong Wak Hassan was first established in 1914, closer to Sungei Sembawang. It was founded by Wak Hassan bin Ali, a former policeman who bought the land in the area.

In 1923, this land was acquired by the British and the kampong was relocated to make way for a naval base. The villagers then landed at the former Seletar pier, and remained there at the seaside site that we know today. As such, a lot of the villagers ended up becoming fishermen, making a living by going out to sea.

The commemoration of Kampong Wak Hassan’s first asphalt road opening in 1966.
Image credit: BiblioAsia

Life at Kampong Wak Hassan went on, even surviving through World War 2, before reaching its peak in the 1960s.

In fact, 1966 marked a major milestone for the kampong with the introduction of its 1st asphalt-paved road. The occasion was commemorated with a ceremony attended by then-Minister of State for Culture, Lee Khoon Choy, who also praised the kampong for being a model village where villagers of all races got along well.

Kampong Wak Hassan, back in 1999, before its demolition.
Image credit: BiblioAsia

Sadly, as we all already know, the kampongs started clearing out as the country developed, with villagers all over the nation being relocated to HDB flats. This wave of development hit the Sembawang area in the 1980s, with kampongs being notified of relocation one after the other.

As the surrounding kampongs started clearing out, Kampong Wak Hassan outlasted all of them, becoming the oldest and longest-lasting kampong in the area. It was finally cleared out in 1998, marking an end to the era of our coastal kampongs.

What remains of Kampong Wak Hassan today

Image credit: VanGarrett James Lee via Facebook 

The road that once led to the kampong still remains, retaining the name Kg Wak Hassan on the street sign there. Walk a short distance from here, and you’ll also find some other roads in the area named after it.

Image adapted from: Google Street View 

But the old wooden houses that once stood here have been replaced with modern homes – the space has since been redeveloped into a new residential area, with the Watercove cluster houses enjoying the seaside view.

Image adapted from: The Long and Winding Road via Facebook

The only physical trace left of the kampong is the brick sea wall separating the land from the beach, though it unfortunately looks close to disrepair.

Bonus: The ghosts of the nearby Kampong Tengah

While many mistake the centre of paranormal activity to be Kampong Wak Hassan, it’s actually closer to the Kampong Tengah area nearby.

A map of the Kampongs in the area in 1973.
Image credit: BiblioAsia

Kampong Wak Hassan was located right next to the sea, but Kampong Tengah lay slightly more inland.

Image adapted from: Uncle Chris Driving Holidays 

If you’re ever adventurous enough to step into this area, you’ll find a creepy gate that seems to lead to nowhere. Back then, it used to be the entrance to a bungalow owned by Chua Boon Peng, the chairman of Cycle & Carriage. Yes, the same owner as the Green House over in Hillview. Now, some claim this gate leads to a supernatural world.

Walk further into the forest, and you’ll find an area near the seaside with trees wrapped in cloth as well as statues and images of religious deities. It is said that this is where people come to dispose of evil spirits.

Kampong Wak Hassan was an iconic part of Singapore’s history

While the kampong itself is long gone, its stories continue to live on. Pop by the area to get a glimpse of what seaside living used to look like, and feel the remnants of the kampong spirit here.

Kampong Wak Hassan

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Opening Hours:

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Thursday	Closed
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Read more about our local history:

• Abandoned Swiss Cottage Secondary School
• Heritage buildings in SG
• The Fullerton

Cover image adapted from: BiblioAsia, The Long and Winding Road via Facebook

The post This Seaside Kampong Was The Last One Standing In Singapore – Here’s A Look At Its History appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

After 4 long years, the Malay Heritage Centre is finally reopening its doors and welcoming visitors on 25th April 2026. You can expect refreshed galleries housing more artefacts and newly commissioned artworks – perfect for stepping back in time and exploring the culture of the Malay community.

We went down for a visit before the centre officially reopens – here’s what you can look forward to:

What is new at the revamped Malay Heritage Centre?

The Malay Heritage Centre showcases the history, culture, and contributions of the Malay community in Singapore. Its permanent 6 galleries have undergone renovations and now include new artefacts and artworks that highlight centuries of trade and cultural exchange across the Malay Archipelago.

To mark the reopening of the centre, there’ll be a 9-day festival, Pesta Pecah Panggung — Transcending Boundaries, which revolves around the theme of Dari Rantau Ke Rumah (From the Region to Home). Featuring exhibitions, workshops, community programmes, and performances, the festival will explore Singapore’s Malay heritage and its connections in relation to the broader Malay world, touching on questions such as “What is heritage?” and “What does it mean to be a Singaporean Malay?” More on that below.

What to expect at the revamped Malay Heritage Centre?

Aside from the 6 refreshed and permanent galleries, the centre is also hosting a series of performances and workshops where you can make your own jong or graffiti your name in Jawi on a permanent exhibition in the centre.

6 permanent galleries

The 6 galleries revolve around different themes in Malay heritage, ranging from the fostering of relationships between different Malay ethnic groups to family dynamics within the Malay community. What they all have in common is the highlighted roles played by women in the community, shedding light on their contributions throughout centuries, be it in kinship or the arts and entertainment industry.

Most notable is Gallery 4, City of Dreams: Making A Mark, which focuses on the changing visibility and roles of Malay women in the 1950s and 1960s. The gallery features notable women, such as Saleha Mohd Shah, Siput Sarawak, and Normadiah, who have contributed to the rise and recognition of the modern Malay woman in film and media.

You’ll even get to see original costumes, like the red and black kebaya worn by K Fatimah in the film Ibu Mertuaku, as well as tapestry prints of magazine covers featuring the women.

We also tried our hand at an interactive sound installation, Sistem penyulitan masyarakat lusa (sipemalu) (encryption system for society of the future / the shy one) by Bani Haykal, where you key in a message or word using the piano keys to transmit unique sounds.

Commissioned artworks by local artists

NEO_ARTEFACTS by Fazleen Karlan, which investigates the intersection of art and archaeology, is drawn from her own experience as a post-excavation technician. 

Something new to check out at the centre is the Corridors of Cultural Memories, which houses commissioned artworks by local Malay artists. Each piece is aimed at getting visitors to reflect on the question “What will we choose to inherit, and what will we evolve?” as part of the Dari Rantau Ke Rumah narrative.

Our New Home by Tumadi Patri, which tells the story of a storyteller who controls and narrates the performances of characters such as Semar, Petruk, and Garuda.

These pieces can be found all over the museum, even in the stairwells, so keep an eye out for hidden stories within the building.

There is also a graffiti feature by local artist Boon that’s still a work-in-progress. The wall depicts scenes from popular folktales such as Sang Nila Utama’s founding of Singapore, the tale of how Redhill got its name, and will also feature Malay ethnic groups such as the Orang Laut.

Interactive stations with fun activities

Another fun activity you wouldn’t want to miss is the Scripts of the Malay Archipelago station, where you’ll get to write your name in Jawi, Renjang, or Lontara. Simply type in your name, and you will be guided to write it out. At the end of it, the machine will print out your name in the selected script for you to keep.

Then there’s the Burung Petala Wati, where a carved wooden congkak set stands out on the 2nd floor due to its imposing size and design. Modelled after a mythical bird, this artefact is an example of how Malay artisans were influenced by Hindu-Buddhist and Muslim kingdoms from across the Siamese border.

Congkak, or mancala, is a game that requires 2 players to share a wooden board with 1 row of 7 holes along each side, with a bigger hole at both ends. The objective is to get as many “seeds” or stones as possible in the bigger hole. Try your hand at the game through the interactive screen adapted from the artefact itself.

9-day festival featuring community events

To celebrate the reopening, the Malay Heritage Centre will be hosting Pesta Pecah Panggung, a 9-day festival with a range of free and paid activities. Remember to purchase tickets to the workshops and performances beforehand.

Here are some highlights to check out:

Layar Tradisi: Build Your Own Mini Jong

Cik Fauzi assembling a miniature jong.

If you’re not familiar with what a jong is, the Layar Tradisi: Build Your Own Mini Jong workshop is all you need to dive into Singapore’s maritime heritage. The jong is a vessel that symbolises the seafaring skill, trading networks, and maritime strength that connected the Malay world to regional ports.

Guided by Cik Fauzi, a traditional jong craftsman, you will get to create your own miniature jong, test its floating ability, and then paint and sail it in the centre’s pool. The activity is suitable for children aged 5 and above.

Date: 3rd May 2026
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Venue: Gelam Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Price: $50 per parent-child pair (SG Culture Pass eligible)

Aksara Bebas: Exploring Jawi through Calligraffiti

Have you ever wondered how your name is spelt in Jawi? The Aksara Bebas: Exploring Jawi through Calligraffiti is your answer. Guided by graffiti artist Boon, you will get to write your name in Jawi script and add on modern, graffiti-inspired techniques. At the end of the session, you will then spray paint your design onto a permanent feature wall as part of the Malay Heritage Centre’s exhibition.

Date: 1st May 2026
Time: 3pm-4.30pm
Venue: Gelam Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Price: $25 per pax (SG Culture Pass eligible)

Wajah & Bayang: Nusantara Arts Showcase

Catch the Wajah & Bayang: Nusantara Arts Showcase, where performers will utilise traditional puppets and masks to bring the story to life. You’ll get to see performing groups from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and enjoy music, theatre, and dance spanning the Nusantara region.

We caught a snippet of Universitas Negeri Malang’s performance, which features the Sabrang mask dance, a cultural heritage dance in Malang. The dance depicts soldiers preparing for the battlefield, showcasing the brave, aggressive, and mighty ranks of Sabrang soldiers.

Date: 25th April 2026
Time: 12.30pm-1.45pm, 8pm-9.15pm (75 minutes with no intermission)
Venue: Auditorium, Malay Heritage Centre
Price: $30 per pax for adults, $24 per pax for Senior/Student/Child (SG Culture Pass eligible)
Event language: English, Malay

Pecah Panggung Parade

The Pecah Panggung Parade celebrates the diverse Malay communities integral to the shaping of the Kampong Gelam precinct.

Featuring themed pushcarts with contributions from different sub-ethnic communities such as the Orang Laut alongside cultural performances, the parade celebrates heritage and community spirit. Vendors prominent in the Kampung Gelam precinct have also been invited to participate in the parade, highlighting the different contributors to the Malay heritage and traditions.

Date: 25th April 2026
Time: 4.45pm-5.30pm
Venue: Bussorah Street
Admission: Free

Is entry to the Malay Heritage Centre free?

Entry to the galleries is currently free for all visitors, including tourists, from 25th April to 28th June 2026. Afterwards, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can still enjoy free admission to the galleries, while tourists will have to get a ticket for $10.

How to get to the Malay Heritage Centre?

The Malay Heritage Centre is just a 10-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station. For those who prefer taking the bus, buses 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 175, and 197 ply the Bef Sultan Mque bus stop, which is just a 3-minute walk from the centre.

Visit the revamped Malay Heritage Centre to learn more about the culture

With its exciting lineup of activities and performances, the Malay Heritage Centre’s opening is one to keep an eye out for. Their refreshed galleries and exhibitions also offer a deeper look into the Malay heritage and culture in Singapore. So if you’re looking for something new to do or simply want to learn more about Singapore’s own history, a trip down to the Malay Heritage Centre might be next on your list.

Learn more about the Malay Heritage Centre 

Malay Heritage Centre

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Tuesday	10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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Sunday	10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

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For more things to do in Singapore:

• Minecraft experience at Mandai
• Friends experience
• IMBA at Gardens By The Bay

Photography by Chandelle Cheong.

The post First Look At The Newly Revamped Malay Heritage Centre, Featuring New Exhibitions & Interactive Stations appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Today, you know The Fullerton Hotel as one of the best hotels to catch NDP fireworks at, but did you know that it used to house Singapore’s General Post Office (GPO)? Or that, as one of Singapore’s oldest buildings, it has a history dating back to the 1800s?

Originally a fort guarding the SG River

The Rocky Point on which Fullerton Fort was built.
Image credit: Fullerton Heritage

Throwing us back to Singapore’s founding days is what was once Fort Fullerton, named for Robert Fullerton, the first governor of the Straits Settlements. Built in 1829, it was meant to defend the mouth of the Singapore River; later extensions saw it enlarged to 3 times its original size, stretching all the way to Johnston’s Pier.

Fullerton Square, 1867.
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore Collection

In 1872, a government review revealed that the fort was in line with the busiest and most valuable part of the town – should the fort be attacked, the town would likely be destroyed. Thus, it was decided that the fort should be demolished.

Housed SG’s General Post Office

Construction of Fullerton Building in 1919.
Image credit: Historic Hotels

Built at a cost of $4.75m – or approximately $100m in today’s currency, Fullerton Building was officially opened on 27th June 1928, after being commissioned by the colonial government as the new headquarters for the mail service.

Aerial view of Fullerton Building after completion, in 1928.
Image credit: Historic Hotels

Designed by government architect Major Percy Hubert Keys and his assistant Frank Dowdeswell, who later left to establish a private architectural firm, Keys & Dowdeswell, the building was 37m tall, with fluted colonnades on its base, a portico with trophy designs, and 14 elevators.

Image credit: Glenn Low via Facebook

A few weeks later, the General Post Office took up residence. Whatever mail was dropped in the post boxes would fall to the sub-ground floor, where it would be caught on a band conveyor and sent to the sorting room.

Image credit: Dolby Thx via Facebook

This sub-ground floor, FYI, was connected to a subway that ran beneath Fullerton Road to the Post Office Pier, facilitating the transfer and pick up of overseas mail.

Image credit: The Fullerton Heritage via Facebook

Though the GPO was the anchor tenant of the Fullerton Building, the Singapore Club could be found in the upper floors, housing atas amenities including dining rooms, club rooms, billiards and card rooms, and accommodation rooms too.

Over the years, other government organisations took up office here as well, including the Inland Revenue Department, and the Singapore Chamber of Commerce.

A makeshift hospital during WW2

Image credit: Historic Hotels

It was here at the Singapore Club that then-Governor Shenton Thomas was residing when the British forces surrendered to the invading Japanese military on 14th February 1942. In those last days, the building was also a makeshift hospital, complete with operating rooms, for wounded soldiers.

Japanese troops in front of Fullerton Building after the fall of Singapore.
Image credit: Heritage SG Memories via Facebook

During the Japanese Occupation, it would become the headquarters of the Japanese Military Administration Department, where they would receive a $50m cheque from the Overseas Chinese Association. This sum, demanded by the Japanese, was raised by the Chinese in Singapore and Malaya as atonement for the Chinese resistance against the Japanese invasion of Malaya, Singapore and China.

Where Fullerton Lighthouse used to stand

Image credit: Fullerton Heritage

On top of Fullerton Building used to stand Fullerton Lighthouse – one of 3 lighthouses which used to stand at Singapore Harbour. Erected in 1958, it would flash 4 times every 20 seconds, and could be seen from as far as 29km away.

It was eventually decommissioned 20 years later, and can now be found at Harbourfront Tower 1, where you take the Singapore Cable Car to Sentosa.

Transformation into a 5* hotel

Image credit: The Fullerton Hotels

In 1996, the GPO moved out of Fullerton Building, then converted into what is The Fullerton Hotel Singapore today – in 2015, it was gazetted as a national monument, with much of its original architectural features still preserved.

Travel back in time with an SG Culture Pass-eligible tour

Take a trip back through the decades with a walking tour such as The Fullerton Heritage Spice Trail, where you’ll get to walk through the old mail tunnels and enjoy a heritage tea break featuring the spices which our maritime past was built on.

Best of all, you can book the tour using your SG Culture Pass credits.

The Fullerton Hotel building & its history

These walls really have seen entire lifetimes worth of tales – if only they could talk. The next time you walk past The Fullerton Hotel, pause and have a look at what could well be a cornerstone of present-day Singapore.

For more heritage content:

• Visit SG’s oldest colonial bungalow in Singapore Botanic Gardens
• Join a tour to see inside Goldbell Mansion on Mount Faber
• The Malay Heritage Centre, formerly a palace, is reopening

Cover image adapted from: The Fullerton Heritage via Facebook, The Fullerton Hotels

The post The Fullerton Building Used To Be SG’s General Post Office, With Original Architectural Features Still Preserved appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

If you’ve ever wandered through the greenery of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and spotted a colonial-style building, that’s Atbara House. Located at the Gallop Extension, it houses the Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum, where you can find out more about Singapore’s forest ecosystems and history.

What is Atbara House?

A photo of Atbara House taken in 1985, which was occupied by the French Embassy back then.
Image credits: National Library Board

Built in 1898, Atbara House holds the title of one of Singapore’s oldest surviving colonial-era bungalows. It was originally built and owned by John Burkinshaw, a founding partner of one of the oldest independent law firms in Singapore.

Image adapted from: Kay Ngee Tan Architects

With 7 rooms and 5 bathrooms, the house featured high ceilings and arches, designed with tropical living in mind by architect Regent Alfred John Bidwell, the same man behind icons like the Raffles Hotel and Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

Over the years, the building took on new roles, serving as the French Embassy before being acquired by the Singapore government in 1990.

Image credit: Ym Jin via Google Maps

After years of planning, it finally opened its doors to the public in 2021 as the Forest Discovery Centre, now part of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

What is there to do at Atbara House?

Forest Discovery Centre

Inside the Forest Discovery Centre, you’ll find a mix of interactive and visual exhibits, including family-friendly displays and videos showcasing Singapore’s biodiversity.

Image credit: Timothy TM via Google Maps

You’ll also be greeted by century-old rooms upon stepping in, along with wood-panelled flooring and wide windows where you can admire the beautiful forest views.

But our favourite part has got to be the air conditioning and the benches, a welcome sight after a long and hot hike through the Botanic Gardens. But rest stop aside, there’s also plenty to discover in the bungalow once you’ve had your break.

Image credit: Jack Yam via Google Maps

Walk into a room dedicated to the history of the house, where you can look at old photographs of what it once was and the people who occupied it.

Image credit: CK C via Google Maps

Admire a photographic installation of forest trees and check out a biodiversity count of certain native species on the wall that is updated yearly.

Forest Conservation Gallery

Image credit: Rolf Zhi via Google Maps

Head into the Forest Conservation Gallery to learn about Singapore’s forest habitats and the flora and fauna found in them. Listen to what they sound like, and let your kids play with other interactive displays like a “camera trap”, where you can snap a picture and email it to yourself.

Here, you’ll also learn that Singapore was part of a wider Sundaland Peninsula and was not always an island.

Nature Explorer Zone

Image credit: siewlan liow via Google Maps

At the Nature Explorer Zone, you’ll find displays of butterflies and dragonflies for up-close viewing using a moving magnifying glass. Or look through the telescope and try to spot the birds listed on an infographic.

There’s also a mysterious safe built into the wall and a cabinet of curiosities showcasing book displays, forest models, and jars containing plant parts and insects. These will have you doing a double-take and wondering if they were once alive or just impressively lifelike.

Under the Atbara House

Image credit: Still A.N.U. via Google Maps

As the Atbara House is elevated on concrete pillars, you’ll be able to wander beneath it too. Spot the Lowland Forest Understorey Terrarium tucked under one of the arches.

Image credit: Our Momento

The unique Moorish cinquefoil arches also double up as a pretty photo spot – some people have even done pre-wedding photoshoots there.

What else can you do near Atbara House?

Visit the Botanical Art Gallery

Image credit: Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Forest Discovery Centre is actually not that big, so you could pair your visit with the Botanical Art Gallery. It’s located in Inverturret, another old colonial building right beside Atbara. Entry is free, and it’s open daily from 9am to 6pm, except on the last Thursday of each month.

Image credit: Singapore Botanic Gardens

There, you can admire a selection of more than 2,000 botanical paintings, look at specimens under a microscope, and complete a stamp rally.

Have a picnic on the grass lawn

Image credit: Kay Ngee Tan Architects

The sprawling grass lawns outside Atbara House are perfect for picnics. You’ll also be able to find big trees with plenty of shade.

Is entry to Atbara House free?

Yes, entry to Atbara House is free. You can just walk in and out freely to admire the architecture, snap photos, and enjoy the exhibits and air conditioning anytime between 9am to 6pm. Just note that the centre is closed every last Monday of the month, so don’t make a wasted trip down on that day.

How to get to Atbara House

It’s located at the Gallop Extension of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Parking is available at the Gallop Extension carpark via Tyersall Avenue, and then it’s a 4-minute walk to Atbara House.

If you’re coming via public transport, the nearest MRT station is Farrer Road, a 1.2km or 20-minute hike away from Atbara House.

Image adapted from: NParksSG via YouTube

As the house is elevated, a ramp that snakes through the back garden has been installed so the Forest Discovery Centre is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Visit the Forest Discovery Centre at Atbara House

Even if you’re not there for the learning, it’s honestly the best place to hide from the heat with the air conditioning. The wide windows also let in plenty of natural light, which makes the whole space really perfect for photos. And there’s also a nice, clean toilet, if that’s what you need.

Forest Discovery Centre (Atbara)

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Tuesday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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Saturday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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More old bungalows in Singapore:

• Keppel House
• 42 Waterloo Street
• Matilda House in Punggol

Cover image adapted from: Ym Jin & Rolf Zhi via Google Maps, Kay Ngee Tan Architects

The post You Can Visit SG’s Oldest Colonial Bungalow That’s 127 Years Old At Singapore Botanic Gardens For Free appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

If you’ve hiked Mount Faber while on a Southern Ridges walk, you might have noticed a striking red and white-bricked building near the colonial black-and-whites on the way up. Currently occupied by the Danish Seamen’s Church, the building, known as Golden Bell Mansion, is set to open its doors for a tour on 18th April 2026 – here’s what you need to know:

What is Golden Bell Mansion?

Image credit: Roots.gov

Built in 1910 and designed by prominent local architect Wee Tech Moh, whose works include high-end residences at 45 Emerald Hill and 41 Scotts Road, Golden Bell Mansion was owned by Singaporean philanthropist Tan Boo Liat, the great-grandson of Tan Tock Seng. Yes, the one who’s got a hospital in his name.

Image credit: Singapore Land Authority via Facebook

Named for his father, Tan Kim Ching – AKA Golden Bell in Hokkien, Golden Bell Mansion was designed in an Edwardian style with Neoclassical architecture and Straits Chinese influences.

Image credit: Singapore Land Authority via Facebook

Today, it’s known for its “blood-and-bandages” facade, thanks to the red bricks and white plaster of the heritage building.

Image credit: Singapore Land Authority via Facebook

Its roof resembles a Siamese stupa, in honour of Tan’s close ties with the King of Thailand; it had 4 bedrooms, a billiard room, a smoking room, and a dining room.

Image credit: Jerome Lim

If none of that was illustrative enough of how atas this mansion was, consider this: the estate then was more than 171,000sqft big, with several gardens, 2 tennis courts, and 2 garages. That’s bigger than 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools, BTW.

Image credit: Singapore Land Authority via Facebook

Fun fact: Dr Sun Yat Sen, founder of the Kuomintang, stayed at the house with his wife and children on a visit in 1911.

What’s in Golden Bell Mansion today?

Image credit: Jerome Lim

Fast forward many years, and the estate has now been reduced to 28,000sqft. Since 1985, Golden Bell Mansion has been leased to the Danish Seamen’s Church, who held fundraisers to renovate and restore the mansion for their use.

When is the tour?

The upcoming Golden Bell Mansion tour is part of a new series of State Property Tours organised by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which are often led by Jerome Lim, a heritage researcher and guide who runs The Long and Winding Road.

Taking place on 18th April at 9am, the tour is approximately 1.5 hours long. The nearest MRT station is Telok Blangah MRT Station, which is a 20-minute walk away.

Tour tickets: pricing & where to buy

Image credit: Singapore Land Authority via Facebook

You’ll have to head to Peatix to sign up for the tour – bookings open on 12th April 2026 at 2pm. The tour is free, but participation is strictly by registration only. You must register for the tour with your name as stated on your NRIC, and your spot is not transferable.

Do note that you have to be at least 18 years old to join this tour, and there is no parking available on-site.

Don’t miss the Golden Bell Mansion tour on 18th April

This is a rare opportunity to tour the mansion and its grounds with a knowledgeable guide who will offer insights into its past. ICYMI, this is the 2nd time they’re running this Golden Bell Mansion tour.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Singapore’s heritage buildings, keep an eye on Singapore Land Authority’s Facebook page for their latest State Property Tours.

Get your tickets to the Golden Bell Mansion tour

For more content:

• Abandoned Swiss Cottage Secondary School on Dunearn Road
• The old Sentosa Monorail
• Last look at HarbourFront Centre before it closes down

Cover image adapted from: Singapore Land Authority via Facebook

The post Get A Chance To See Inside This Iconic Mansion On Mount Faber Built In 1910 appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Long gone are kampungs and the days before BTO ballot wars, but in a city as small and fast-paced as Singapore, even our newer buildings face an uncertain future. We’ve had to bid goodbye to the iconic Pearl Bank Apartments, the HDBs of Rochor Centre, and more recently, the indie arts and thrift haven that was Peace Centre.

Before you start saying the good old days were better, there’s still some good news. Thanks to the advocacy of local residents and heritage groups, you can still visit these heritage buildings in Singapore that were saved from extinction.

1. Tanjong Katong Complex

HDB’s 1st air-conditioned mall

Image adapted from: HDB Pictorial Record Editorial Committee 

Joo Chiat’s candy-coloured Peranakan shophouses are probably what locals and tourists know best, but they’re not the area’s only landmarks with a storied history. One example is Tanjong Katong Complex, the Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) 1st air-conditioned shopping and commercial centre.

Opened in 1983, the $17.4 million complex was home to 150 shops, including a fast food centre, a restaurant, and 21 office suites. One store in particular was so popular that it became a shorthand for the mall itself, with residents calling it the “Yokoso” building.

Home to Singapore’s earliest 24-hour store

Image adapted from: Diana Lydia via Facebook

Before late-night Don Don Donki runs, there was Yokoso Superstore – the nation’s 1st 24-hour supermarket and department store.

The Japanese mart was opened by Emporium Holdings, which also established the popular Oriental Emporium department stores across the heartlands. The 1,400sqm supermarket stocked raw meats, fruits, and vegetables, as well as household products and canned food. It drew as many as 10,000 visitors a day.

The original Yokoso price tag is still visible.
Image adapted from: Cecilia Fong Yee Lee via Facebook

Yokoso was also the OG one-stop shop before Giant Hypermarket and Mustafa Centre entered the picture, stocking men’s and women’s casual clothing, from striped polos to 80s-style matching sets with polka dots and plaid prints.

There was something for all ages, from children’s doll house playsets to badminton rackets, billiard game sets, and video cassettes.

2nd Chance outlet at Amara Hotel.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore 

Although the mall’s first few stores were short-lived – Yokoso closed in 1986 while another popular menswear shop, 2nd Chance, shuttered in the 1990s –  it remained culturally important for Malay residents around the area.

Revamping Tanjong Katong Complex

Tanjong Katong Complex under construction in the early 1980s.
Image credit: Mohd Noor Kadir Ambon Collection via National Archives Singapore 

Tanjong Katong Complex stands on the site of a former Malay settlement at Lorong Engku Aman in Geylang, right next to the Geylang Serai Malay Village – now Wisma Geylang Serai, a social and cultural heritage hub.

In 2008, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced plans to demolish the building to make way for Paya Lebar Central. 3 years later, they retracted their decision, instead announcing a 10-year extension of the lease.

An artist’s impression of the soon-to-be revamped Tanjong Katong Complex.
Image credit: Jun Jie Development

Following community feedback from engagement exercises held in late 2019 to early 2020, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) recognised the building’s rich heritage and importance to neighbouring residents, and closed the mall for upgrading works.

The mall has remained closed since the second half of 2023, but its new private developers are aiming to reopen by 2029. The revamped complex will feature a multipurpose rooftop community deck and food garden, as well as art and heritage installations paying homage to the area’s past.

2. Golden Mile Complex

An iconic landmark of Singaporean architectural history

Golden Mile Complex was opened in 1972.
Image credit: DP Architects 

Before it became affectionately known as “Little Thailand”, Golden Mile Complex was originally called Woh Hup Complex until it was sold to City Developments in 1981.

Image credit: DP Architects 

One of the first mixed-use developments in Singapore and Asia at large, the 16-storey complex took its cues from Brutalism in its now-iconic stepped terrace design.

There was even an open-air swimming pool.
Image credit: Akitek Tenggara Collection via National Archives of Singapore.

The topmost 7 floors were home to 64 apartments and maisonette penthouses, while the next 6 floors below housed 210 offices and studios. Accompanying this was a 3-storey podium, home to 360 shops.

A third space for Thai workers

From the mid 1980s onwards, as offices relocated and cheap Thai eateries, bus tour agencies, and remittance centres sprouted in the space, the building slowly transformed into the cultural enclave we remember as “Little Thailand”.

Image credit: Kiyoshi Nagashima via Google Maps 

The retail space was home to an eclectic mix of businesses, with highlights including a 50-seat makeshift theatre where patrons could watch kick-boxing and Thai films for just $3.

Image credit: Lukasz Oio via Google Maps

Golden Mile Complex became a third place for Thai foreign workers. Throngs of Thais gathered to eat, drink, and make merry, building a close-knit community miles away from home. During the 2007 ASEAN Football Championship match between Thailand and Singapore, Thai supporters gathered to watch the live telecast at the complex.

The mall also served as the home base for The Friends of Thai Workers Association, which held recreational activities and offered support for Thai workers.

Closing a chapter & upgrading the 53-year-old complex

The building’s glory days began waning from 2019 onwards, with 2 failed collective sales.

Around this time, the URA conducted a 2-year study to gain insights from building owners, heritage groups, and other industry stakeholders to decide whether granting conservation status would help preserve the site’s historical and architectural value.

Consequently, the building made history in 2021 by becoming the 1st modern large-scale, strata-titled development gazetted by the URA for conservation, but it wasn’t all sunshine and roses in the end.

Image credit: Jari Lindgren via Google Maps

While the building itself was saved, the Thai communities that gave the space its own unique character had no choice but to vacate the premises by May 2023.

An artist’s impression of The Golden Mile and Aurea.
Image credit: Perennial Holdings & Far East Organization

The building was later sold collectively to Perennial Holdings, Sino Land, and Far East Organization, with plans to rename it The Golden Mile, as well as add 4 storeys of office spaces, and convert its residential spaces into a 45-storey tower called Aurea.

While the building is set to undergo major changes, the silver lining is that DP Architects, who originally helped to construct the landmark in 1973, are reprising their roles and working with local conservation specialists to modernise Golden Mile Complex.

3. Dakota Crescent Estates

The public housing estate that predates Singapore’s independence

Image credit: Save Dakota Crescent via Facebook

With news of the upcoming 60-storey HDB project at Pearl’s Hill, it’s hard to imagine a time when the low-rise residential blocks like those at Dakota Crescent were considered novel.  Built in 1958 by HDB’s predecessor, Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), Dakota Crescent is one of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates, and is said to be the 1st to feature 1-room flats.

Originally part of the 2,936-unit Kallang Estate, the 17 blocks that make up Dakota Crescent were named after the Douglas DC-3 Dakota planes that often landed at the neighbouring Old Kallang Airport. The original airport runway, now Old Airport Road, still runs parallel to Dakota Crescent today.

Scenes from Lion City (1960) featuring the Dakota Crescent flats.
Image adapted from: Save Dakota Crescent via Facebook

Some of the estate’s earliest residents had been relocated there in the wake of the Kampong Tiong Bahru fire that occurred on 13th February 1959. Over 700 families were given 6 months of free rental as part of SIT’s relief efforts.

Image credit: Save Dakota Crescent via Facebook

Over the decades, the estate’s unique “dove” playground and “butterfly blocks” became the everyday sights for long-term residents, many of whom raised multiple generations under one roof.

Image credit: Save Dakota Crescent via Facebook

There was even a Chinese Medical Clinic that had been operating out of Block 12 since 1971, but as residents left the estate, business slowed too.

Rallying residents to save the old estate

This time capsule of an estate didn’t last long, as news broke of its impending demolition and redevelopment under Mountbatten’s renewal project in 2014.

The residential community pushed back, creating the Facebook group, Save Dakota Crescent, which garnered over 2,000 followers. In October 2016, their appeals for the blocks’ conservation were discussed in Parliament.

Image credit: Save Dakota Crescent via Facebook

The group also created a conservation report in September 2017, detailing suggestions to preserve specific parts of the estate, including the large open courtyards, the dove playground, and all 4 block types in the estate.

In the end, while only half of the 12 proposed blocks were saved, they were still successful in their goal of preserving some of the area’s original landmarks, like the courtyard and dove playground.

Most of the residents left the estate in 2016, with some moving to the nearby Cassia Crescent blocks, marking the end of an era.

4. The Grandstands at Bukit Timah Turf City

The historic racecourse that was once home to the Singapore Turf Club

Image credit: National Library Board  

On 5th October 2024, thousands gathered to watch Singapore’s last horse race at Kranji Racecourse, but for much of Singapore Turf Club’s history, Bukit Timah was its home turf.

In 1933, the Singapore Turf Club moved from Serangoon Road Race Course to Bukit Timah. Aside from racing tracks, the rubber plantation-turned-racecourse was also fitted with stables and the 3-storey tall South Grandstand. There were also amenities to accommodate club officials, including a betting house, luncheon rooms, and colonial-style bungalows.

Singapore Turf Club in 1933.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore

For the next 66 years, the 176ha site not only bore witness to the sport’s most historic highs, but also the nation’s greatest lows.

During WWII, the British military converted the racecourse into a convalescent hospital. Under Japanese Occupation, it became a prisoners-of-war camp where produce was grown to combat food shortages.

Singapore Turf Club at Bukit Timah in the 1970s.
Image credit: Roots

After the war, horse racing arguably reached new heights of popularity, especially in the 1970s when British royals graced the grounds of the racecourse.

When the British royal family came to visit

On 20th February 1972, Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Philip and Princess Anne, were greeted by a 26,000-strong crowd as they inaugurated The Queen Elizabeth II Cup hosted in her honour, marking her 1st state visit to Singapore.

The annual Cup continued until the closing of the Kranji Racecourse in 2024.

Queen Elizabeth II (left) pictured next to the then-chairman of the Singapore Turf Club, the late Tan Sri Dr Runme Shaw (right).
Image credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection via National Archives of Singapore

The monarchs weren’t the only famous people to have stepped foot on the racecourse. On 22nd August 1990, 60s’ rock singer and songwriter Rod Stewart held his 1st concert in Singapore at the Singapore Turf Club to an audience of 8,000 fans.

The club eventually relocated to Kranji in 1999, and the site was leased out until 2023. During this time, The Grandstand gained a new lease of life as a hub for local businesses, including Singapore’s 1st electric karting arena and axe-throwing range.

Bringing a bygone era into the future

Plans for the new Bukit Timah Turf City estate were announced in 2024. After conducting assessments and consulting heritage groups, residents from nearby estates, and former Turf Club employees, the URA decided to preserve parts of the site.

An artist’s impression of the new Bukit Timah Turf City.
Image credit: URA 

Of the 27 structures originally studied, 22 have been earmarked for retention, including the South and North Grandstands, which once housed thousands of spectators, with the latter built in the 1980s to accommodate new crowds flocking to the then-buzzing racecourse.

5. Former KD Malaya Admin Block

The former headquarters of the Malayan Naval Force

Image credit: Roots

The mere mention of Sembawang Camp might be enough to strike fear in those who’ve trained under the famous Naval Diving Unit during National Service, but few might know that the area was also once the training grounds for Malaysia’s navy too.

Built in the early 1950s,  Kapal di-Raja (KD) Malaya was located off Admiralty Road West. It became a home away from home for staff from the Malayan Naval Force, the predecessor of today’s Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

Royal Malayan Navy Day at KD Malaya.
Image credit: @rmnspc via X 

The naval barracks and parade ground were the stomping grounds of generations of navy personnel, from locals recruited by the British in the 1950s to RMN recruits who continued to train there even after Singapore’s independence.

Image credit: Angelina Chong via Facebook 

Children of former naval officers remember growing up in the surrounding blocks near the base and even visiting other families during Hari Raya celebrations.

Screenshot from Facebook.

It continued to serve as the navy’s headquarters until the 1980s, when a new naval base was established in Lumut, Perak.

Local prison-turned-residential estate

The naval barracks and jetty were eventually transferred to Singaporean hands after 1997 and later repurposed as the Admiralty West Prison from 2011 to 2018.

Image credit: Singapore Prison Service 

Today, most of the surrounding buildings, including waterfront workshops and accommodation blocks, have been demolished to make room for a residential estate. Only the former Malaysian Base Jetty was retained as part of Woodlands Waterfront Park.

However, after consulting stakeholders from the Heritage and Identity Partnership panel alongside former residents, the 3-storey admin block was preserved.

Image credit: @singaporeheritage via Instagram

The Art Deco-inspired block, as well as its stone wall and twin stairways, will be incorporated in the design of the new housing development to honour the site’s historic importance.

Despite this, the demolition of the 2 barrack blocks behind the admin block, as well as the parade ground in front of it, has sadly permanently altered the building’s original resemblance to a ship’s bow.

6. Petain Road Shophouses

Near-100-year-old terrace houses

Petain Road shophouses in 1971.
Image credit: Lee Kip Lin via National Library Board

Said to have been built between the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Petain Road shophouses are known for more than the WWI French Marshal-turned-Nazi-collaborator they’re named after.

These 2-storey shophouses stand out from the many others in Jalan Besar because of their Chinese Baroque style.

Image adapted from: Lee Kip Lin via National Library Board. 

Like the melting pot of cuisine and cultures that make up Jalan Besar, the shophouses blend a mix of styles and influences from different communities. They feature Greco-Roman columns bearing intricate mouldings of flora and fauna, which are also seen on the Chinese-Peranakan ceramic tiles that line the rest of the shophouses.

Nearly lost to redevelopment

In 1977, private developer Kin Ann Pte Ltd bought the land with plans to erect a 6-storey apartment block. They were faced with resistance from residents, some of whom are believed to have sought help from the government’s Legal Aid Bureau.

Despite this, the developer boldly dismantled the front facades of 3 Petain Road shophouses without obtaining a permit.

Image credit: Tricia Teong

The damage was believed to be irreparable as there were no tile replacements at the time, and the works were stopped in time to prevent further damage.

A series of conservation appeals published in newspapers cited Petain Road as a case for keeping Singapore’s built heritage alive, and by 1981, the Petain Road shophouses were earmarked for preservation.

Image credit: GT Hodge via Google Maps 

In 1991, they became an official part of the Jalan Besar Conservation Area as outlined by the URA. Since then, they’ve become a fixture of the neighbourhood, even appearing on souvenirs and artwork sold in gift stores like Cat Socrates.

Screenshot from: Facebook

While some of the shophouses have since become spaces for yoga studios and boutique hotels, past residents of the area remember a time when they got sweets and snacks from the provision shop that once operated there decades ago.

7. Ellison Building 

One of the few surviving pre-WWII monuments built by early Jewish migrants

Image credit: G P Reichelt Collection via National Archives of Singapore

You may have passed by this rundown building on your way to Dhoby Ghaut or Little India without a second glance, but this 2-storey building is not just a forgotten relic of the past. In fact, it was once a marker of Jewish prominence in the area.

Located on the junction of Selegie Road and Bukit Timah Road, the Ellison Building has been standing for over a century. Isaac Ellison, a Romanian businessman and influential member of the Jewish community at the time, established the building in 1924.

Image credit: B.F via Google Maps 

Besides the Star of David on its facade, the Ellison Building is easily recognisable from the 2 cupolas found at both ends of the building.

Isaac Ellison (left) and his wife, Flora Ellison (right).
Image adapted from: Joan Bieder 

Originally believed to have been dedicated to his wife, Flora Ellison, Ellison’s grandson later clarified that the building was created as a commercial space.

A gathering place for people from all walks of life

Back in the colonial days, governors were said to have gathered on the roof to catch races at Race Course Road every Sunday. Ellison was also an eager fan of the sport and had 3 racehorses himself.

People on their way to the Singapore Boxing Stadium next door – which later became Rex Cinema after 1946 – would often pop by the building for a quick meal. It was especially popular with the Indian community as it housed some of the earliest Indian vegetarian restaurants like Krishna Vilas and Ananda Bhavan.

Ellison Building next to Rex Cinema, taken on 15th October 1978.
Image credit: Lee Kip Lin via National Library Board

Passers-by could also spot the illuminated movie signs of the now-defunct Rex Cinema next door on the building’s roof back in the 1960s.

Bird’s eye view of the National Day Parade in 1984, with the Ellison Building on the right.
Image credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection via National Archives of Singapore

After a 40-year run, the building was sold by the family in 1989 to a property developer due to high maintenance costs. The property passed through a few hands before eventually coming under the government’s ownership.

Making way for a new expressway

In August 2016, it was announced that a significant portion of the heritage structure was slated for partial demolition and rebuilding, despite having been gazetted for conservation in 2008.

Due to construction on the North-South Corridor, 3 sections of the curved part of the building facing Bukit Timah Road were originally at risk of demolition, but strong protests from heritage groups led to a year-long deliberation.

Image credit: Alex SP via Google Maps

After consulting several heritage groups, it was decided that 2 of the 3 sections would remain untouched, and the cupola would remain intact. Some of the building’s original elements – like its timber window frames and metal name plate – would also be temporarily stored and reinstalled in the future.

However, the interior and back of the building’s corner unit are still slated for demolition since the expressway passes under this section.

Trishaws with tourists near the junction of Selegie Road and Bukit Timah Road, with the Ellison Building in the background.
Image credit: G P Reichelt Collection via National Archives of Singapore

Ellison Building remains fenced off till today, but when its doors were still open, visitors remember patronising the popular Colonial Bar & Restaurant, as well as the mama shop, fruit stall, and several eateries.

With the North-South Corridor set to be completed in phases from 2027 onwards, it may be a long while before the building reopens again.

Bonus: Pearl’s Hill Terrace

The artsy enclave that was once a hospital

The Chinese Pauper Hospital, now Tan Tock Seng Hospital, on Pearl’s Hill.
Image credit: National Library Board 

Before it became a second home for artists and small businesses, Pearl’s Hill was the site of multiple hospitals in the mid-1800s. The Chinese Pauper Hospital (CPH) – now Tan Tock Seng Hospital – was located on the eastern foot of the hill next to the Seamen’s Hospital, the 4th general hospital in Singapore.

Image credit: Singapore Police Force via National Archives of Singapore 

By the early 1930s, CPH relocated, and the Upper Barracks were established by the Straits Settlements government for the expanding local police force. The barracks housed the families of married Sikh policemen for a little over a decade until the contingent was dissolved in 1946.

A new base for government officials & law enforcers

The 3-storey barracks stood at an imposing length of 160m, making it one of the longest pre-war civic buildings. Its strategic location was also helpful for surveillance and efforts to combat the crime that plagued Chinatown.

Fun fact: The Upper Barracks also housed a bomb-proof bunker, which became an important nerve centre for police communications, known as the Combined Operations Headquarters.

The rostrum where 999 calls were attended to in the Combined Operations Room, circa 1960s.
Image credit: Singapore Police Force via Facebook 

From the post-independence period onwards, a revolving door of ministries and government agencies occupied the building, including the Ministry of Interior and Defence – predecessor of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs – and the Singapore Police Force.

In the early 2000s, the Upper Barracks, along with the Lower Barracks at Eu Tong Sen Street, were gazetted as conservation buildings and leased out.

A shared space for entrepreneurs & artists

Image credit: 195pearlshillterace 

Over the next few decades, over 100 independent artists, small businesses, and cafes, including Singapore’s 1st and only commercial taxidermy and art studio, injected new life into Pearl’s Hill Terrace.

Image credit: Black Crow Taxidermy & Art via Google Maps 

Close to the end of the space’s lease in March 2025, the URA announced tentative plans to build 6,000 public and private homes in the area over the next 10 years.

In an effort to keep the creative hub alive, master tenant Jerry Tan gathered a list of his tenants’ contributions to charity and the community, hoping to sway the authorities’ minds.

Stranger Conversations is a free-for-all community space in Pearl’s Hill Terrace that forges connections and hosts social events.
Image credit: GY Ong via Google Maps

It seemed to have worked – in May 2024, the SLA extended the lease by 1 year to March 2026, and later further extended it to March 2028.

While no official changes to the redevelopment plans have been made, Pearl’s Hill Terrace lives to see another day thanks to the persistent efforts of its strong-willed community.

Old heritage buildings in Singapore that are still around today

Singapore may be one of the youngest independent nations in the world, but our tiny island has more history than we might realise. As kiasu as we may be, the success of these community efforts to preserve everyday spaces is proof that change doesn’t always have to be the only constant.

These places can only survive if we stop and pay attention to what we often take for granted, so consider this your sign to take a tour of your neighbourhood and play tourist in your own city.

For more heritage-related reads:

• Old Swiss Cottage Secondary School 
• People’s Park Food Centre
• Former SIA Sports Complex

Cover image adapted from: Save Dakota Crescent via Facebook, Roots 

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