Hidden Gems in Singapore

We are here to shine a light on Singapore's great secrets, such as old buildings, railway relics and tombs decked in Peranakan tiles. Can you hold a secret? Because we certainly can't. 

Little India

Located across from Chinatown, the area was initially a settlement for Indian convicts during the British colony era. Thanks to its location along the Serangoon River, it started to attract cattle and livestock traders, prompting fast economic development in the area. By the turn of the 20th century, the area began to look like what we all know now as Little India. 

Filled with sights, sounds, and colour, and in the bustling enclave, there's a colorful traditional building that blends colonial and Chinese architecture. Apparently, this is the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India. It was the former house of Tan Teng Niah, built in 1900 for his wife. It is a hybrid of Southern Chinese and European architectural influences featuring a bamboo tile roof and gilded nameplate by the entrance with the calligraphic inscription “Siew Song” (Elegant Pine). This heritage building is iconic for its psychedelic exterior, making it a perfect spot for an Instagram moment.

In the neighborhood we can see beautiful murals depicting stories about Little India’s past all the way to Tekka Centre, a multi-use building complex comprising a wet market, food center and shops. This is the place where you can go in the morning to get some local and traditional breakfast, from Tandoori bread to South Indian tiffin dishes. Not to forget the Chinese stalls with their delicious hawker food selection. Aside from that, the wet market is also one of the best places to find many food products.

Seawalls in East Coast

I’m intrigued with Singapore’s original coastline before the reclamation, and along East Coast you can still trace where it was.  Along Marine Parade, you can find remnants of seawalls – some more than a century old – that were once at the edge of properties and the sandy beach.

Haw Par Villa

The lovely streamline-modern mansion was built in the 1930s by Tiger Balm magnates, Aw Boon Par and Aw Boon Haw. It was damaged in WWII and torn down. All that remains is the footprint and the stairs that once led to the home that boasted wonderful sea views.

Paul Revere Bell

Paul Revere was a famous American folk hero, best known for his midnight horse ride through the Massachusetts countryside in 1775 to warn American officials and troops that the British were coming. He was a silversmith and bell maker. Revere’s daughter, Maria Revere Balestier, lived in Singapore with her husband Joseph Balestier. She gifted a Revere bell to Singapore.

Wessex Estate

Once home to British officers, this elegant enclave of black-and-white colonial buildings is where a community of local artists now live, muse and create. You can tour their studios  at the annual ArtWalk @ Wessex or make appointments with individual artists to have a gander around their workspaces at other times. Check out Dick Lim’s detailed works on canvas at d’Art Studio and Joyce Loo’s clay sculptures at JoyClay Studio & Gallery.

Ann Siang Hill Park

The lush trail begins at Telok Ayer Green and ends at Club Street, passing by historic landmarks such as Thian Hock Keng temple. Try to spot yellow rain, nutmeg and cinnamon trees along the meandering path. After that, enjoy a drink and the rest of the evening at one of the cool bars and eateries tucked in Ann Siang.