Before Singapore is known as today’s tiny red dot on the world map, it is known as the small island next to the Malaya. It all dated back when Sir Stamford Raffles founded the modern Singapore in 1819 to be the trading port on the island, the rest is history. Staying in Johor Bahru makes the travel time shorter to Singapore with just minutes away from the Second Link Expressway.
Over the years, we can always see skyscrapers and new projects taking place one after another in this island, but we must salute Singapore government for taking up the effort to preserve and maintain some of the historical sites. Singapore islanders know best where and what to visit and do with the historical parts.
Chinatown
In the 19th century, this area is known as “niu che shui”(water bullock cart) animal-powered barrows which is common to see in the streets. Today, you’ll find fascinating Chinese heritage sites like the sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Hokkien landmark Thian Hock Keng Temple, old-school street markets as well as an assortment of restaurants and bars enclaved in the hidden streets of Chinatown. During the night, there’s marketplace to satisfy your shopping desires.
Civic District
In 1822, Singapore’s colonial powers had chosen this area to be developed where it seats by the Singapore River which was also the seat of British government by Sir Stamford Raffles. Civic District features museums and memorial such as City Hall that archived documents of Japanese surrender after WWII were signed. There are plentiful of superb photo opportunities with restored landmarks such as Fullerton Hotel (the old General Post Office) and the quays that has shaped the Singapore’s trading port. Not to forget that there’s always new projects around Civic District like Civic District Outdoor Festival.
Dempsey Hill
The uphill mini forest located in Dempsey what used to be a military site for British army barracks during colonial times. This historical place has turned into a serene location for restaurants, cafés, weekend farmers’ markets and art galleries. The conserved black-and-white buildings is now a commercial property that house the restaurants, bars and cafés with an alluring laid-back vibe with the surrounding lush greeneries.
East Coast
The beachfront area along the stretch from Marina East to Bedok that was opened in 1970s as the government’s effort to serve the neighbourhood. The 15km stretch of coastline is now served as a recreational park for people to relax and unwind. You may find activities such as cycling, jogging, dining, bbq, mini golf, sailing and others in this East Coast Park. There’s plentiful of seafood restaurants that’s been there for the longer time like No Signboard Seafood, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant and Jumbo Seafood by the sea view.
Jalan Besar
A swampland filled with betel nut, nipah palm and fruit trees surrounding in Jalan Besar, which means “big road” in Malay in the 1830s. As years go by, it is then taken over by factories, shophouses, factories and religious sites which also includes the Hily Trinity Church. Now, it is a place for Art Deco and “Chinese baroque” architecture. Besides, the Jalan Besar Stadium is the hosting the football matches.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam, the home for Malay aristocracy in 1819, right before the British settlement in 1822 which is divided into ethnic groups. It is also remain as a stronghold among the Malay-Muslim community. This area is a centre for life and business with Malay-Arab wares like bohemian crafts, rugs and trendy cafés and drinking establishments. This one of a kind place is truly the combination of modern and historic.
Little India
Back then, Little India is the distinct from Kampung Chulia where ethnic India’s resided in this area under the Raffles Plan of Singapore. Today’s Little India is known for stunning temples with intricate cravings of Hindu deities facades and 24-hour shopping mall Mustafa Centre. Along this enclave, you will be able to indulge on the Indian eateries and a haven for Indian spices. Plus, you’ll also find this quirky art galleries and boutique hotels.
Tanjong Pagar
This former center of dock workers pre-WWII between the bay and the city in the south of Chinatown. In the 1980s, Tanjong Pager is the first area in Singapore gazetted for Singapore’’s conservation plan. Many of the old shophouses have been restored to their original appearance, the face lift of the area has turned the area into a lively area. It has became a bustling area with chic restaurants, trendy cafés, sophisticated offices and vintage stores. Getting here is easy from the Sunway Iskandar’s new project via PIE all the way from Tuas Second Link.
Tiong Bahru
Used to be known as ‘beauty den’ or ‘mei ren wo’ where the rich and powerful kept their mistresses. During the 20s, the British colonial built 2000 units of public housing. Tiong Bahru has an eclectic mix of public housing flats, Art Deco architecture and shophouses. This charming neighbourhood has an attraction of local gastronomy, particularly in the Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre. There are plentiful of quaint specialty shops like bookstores, vintage furniture and minimalist art galleries.
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