I will be the first to admit that I was not too thrilled at the prospect of going on a heritage trail around an area that I have lived at for nearly six years. I thought that there was little or no history to discover since I would have known if there was any, but boy, was I dead wrong.

This trail has opened my eyes to tiny details that I have missed out before, and for that, I am grateful. Where I used to walk past an area without a second glance, I am now able to appreciate the rich culture and history that I have been surrounded with all along. Single-storey conserved terrace houses along East Coast Road with such unique architecture, the intricately crafted designs of Peranakan and European influences on the shophouses along Koon Seng Road, among others. It was indeed refreshing to find out something new about an area I thought I knew at my fingertips.

While there was the conservation of certain heritage sites, others are no longer standing and instead replaced by entirely new landmarks. For example, the Joo Chiat Community Club, which used to be a humble wooden hut has since been extensively renovated. However, in the face of urban redevelopment, the demolishing of certain heritage sites was inevitable.

I would say the based on the Katong/Joo Chiat heritage trail, I would consider Singapore to be successful in the conservation and commercial reuse of her historical heritage. In terms of food, the famous Katong Laksa has been retained. Upon surveying various shops such as Kim Choo and Rumah Bebe, we are able to see the preservation of activities such beading as well as other Peranakan arts and crafts in a joint store and museum setting. Hence, apart from the demolishment of certain historical buildings to pave the way for Singapore’s advancement, I feel that the present conserved historical sites sufficiently represent a past that future generations can appreciate.

Stephanie

I am an Indonesian and I have stayed in Singapore for the past 10 years. In the years that I have stayed, I feel that I have yet to get accustomed to the culture here and understanding of the history of Singapore. I am fortunate to have this module that allows me to have a deeper knowledge on Singapore’s history that were not covered during my Pre University education.

When we were given the task of going to Joo Chiat and Katong area, I was very much excited and thrilled. Although I have heard much about its rich history and heritage, I have never personally explored the area. I was really enthusiastic about going there, not just to find good food around, but also to know more about the history of the area.

Joo Chiat and Katong area is a relatively huge area and interestingly, although they have a number of heritage places and buildings, they look pretty modernized. Walking around the area made me feel as though I was in two different eras. At one moment, I can see contemporary buildings and at another moment, I can see the olden buildings. How interesting! I am amazed that our government has put in so much effort to preserve the historical buildings to enhance our culture and heritage. It is amazing to find the olden buildings in the 21st Century preserved well by converting them into shophouses.

As we walked along the road, we saw many Peranakan houses that are very attractive in colours. Its Peranakan houses have motifs not only depicting the Chinese and Malay cultures but also European influences which shows the different culture of people that were living around the area. Furthermore, I personally feel that the area has a rich Peranakan culture in terms of food too. We found many delicious food along the trail, such as Tua Kua Pau, the famous Katong Laksa and Chin Mee Chin Confectionery.

My perception of Singapore is of a place that is rich in history and culture heritage. I appreciate the government’s effort (especially the Urban Redevelopment Authority) in painstakingly to preserve and conserve some of the historical and cultural heritage around Singapore. My experience in the trail has not changed much of my perception of Singapore history and its heritage. However, this trail has helped me deepened my knowledge of the current historical sites and the increased my understanding of Singapore’s history of the different areas that I have not visited during my stay here.

By looking at Joo Chiat and Katong area, I find that Singapore has been rather successful in trying to preserve our heritage (taking into consideration Singapore’s rapid increase in population and modernization) for the younger generations to come. However, due to the different lifestyle that we are having now, these historical heritages, especially the conserved commercial shophouses seem to lose their individual uniqueness. It is definitely a commendable effort and I sincerely hope that Singaporeans are able to appreciate the historical sites that they have and take pride in the country’s heritage.

As for myself, I would not hesitate to bring my family and relatives to Joo Chiat and Katong area and share with them the history of this particular area of Singapore. Furthermore, the area is also a place for us to try Peranakan food, which I heard is yummy!

Hui Shan

Katong Joochiat is not a place I visit often. I can say that throughout my near 20 years of life in Singapore, I have visited this place not more than 10 times. i wasn't really looking forward to visiting this place at first. but as we embarked on our journey through this culture-rich place, i became more and more interested in discovering this area. before this heritage trail, all i knew about Katong was laksa, rich people's house and for Joo chiat, only the infamous neighbourhood dispute. as we traveled through the different stations, we discovered more than just laksa (of course, it is still part of the trail). we saw interesting looking (and very beautiful) houses, different religious places, and of course, the president's house! the beautiful architecture of the old houses showed the rich culture local natives (Peranakans) had and made me realized that Singapore may not be such a 'young' country afterall. i also had a thought: did the locals felt intruded by the immigrants from many countries such as china just like many of us may now feel? in a way, our ancestors (at least mine) were not very different from the immigrants in Singapore now. They came here looking for opportunities, hoping to get a better life. i guess maybe we Singaporeans can try putting ourselves in the immigrants shoes for a while.

For part of the trail, we visited a few religious places such as churches, Indian and Chinese temple and a mosque. this may not seem interesting to many Singaporeans but if we were to look at this from a foreigner's perspective, it is actually quite incredible. in the area where I stay, boon lay, there is a church which is in between a Chinese temple and a Hindu temple. How many countries in the world have such a scenario? some countries don't even have religious harmony. I realised how blessed i am to live here, where my religious views are not judged and will most probably not cause me to get into conflict. this is truly a blessing in my life.

After visiting and exploring Katong Joo chiat, I became more interested in this area and I feel that I can appreciate our unique culture more whenever I get to tell it to someone else (even my family members) who wants to find out more about it, and also, when watching shows that tells about it (such as The Little Nonya). I feel really glad to have had such a fruitful trip and not having to go through it alone!

Darren

Having lived in the northern part of Singapore for most of my life, the chance to spend a day walking through the streets of Katong and Joo Chiat and visiting all the places provided to us was indeed memorable.

This part of Singapore is largely different than other places, as there appears to be a quaint serenity guarding this area. The rows upon rows of shop houses form the blueprint of the area and each step brought with it many unexpected surprises. One of which was the Chin Mee Chin Confectionery that we visited as one of our stops. Being a junkie for all things retro, the moment I stepped into the place, I was filled with amazement and a strong sense of anticipation for the surprises that were in store. Looking around and picking out different items from an era of the past, I was able to reconnect and started imagining what the place would have looked like decades ago. Then, I wondered perhaps it was not much different today from what it was in the past. People were still thronging in for their daily kaya toast and eggs fix, much like how the residents here decades ago would have done so. In a way, the essence of the eatery has remained regardles of the countless facelifts the area has undergone.

We were also fortunate enough to strike a conversation with one of the residents of the unique houses along East Coast Road. She was extremely hospitable and would have let us into her house if not for her dogs that she was not able to control without the presence of her daughter. Still, she gave us invaluable insight into the history of the area. She seemed immensely proud of being a resident of the area and I was sure the place had given her countless valuable memories. Memories that we hoped to tap on to help us along.

The strong hints of a Peranakan legacy in the area also appealed to me. The colours and vibrancy of the culture and not to mention the good food it is known for could be found in many bits and pieces within the area. Being an ethnic Chinese, it was an eye-opening experience to be able to walk into the various Peranakan themed and run establishments and be treated to a wide array of items unique to this culture.

The trail might have taken a physical toll on my body, however, the experiences I have gained more than make up for it. It was indeed a enriching trip that provided me with many pleasant surprises along the way.

Wei Xuan

On the 21st of January 2011, together with my AAH103 Heritage Trail group, we embarked on a journey to explore Katong and Joo Chiat area. Having done ample research on our own, we were all ready to physically check out the historical sites on the trail; even the morning rain did not deter any of our excitement and eagerness.

As I walked along and witness all the historical sites, I was overwhelmed with feelings, of how real history was actually present in our hectic and modern world. Having stayed in Eunos ever since birth, I had never gained any knowledge of such deep history, which can be witnessed, and experienced at an area just about 400metres away from my house.

For example, having frequently visited Katong Village for Pool and Snooker sessions, little did I pay attention to the surroundings building structure, and upon closer look during the trail, the bulidings are of a different architecture as compared to surroundings building, and I’ve learnt today that it was actually the Former Joo Chiat Police Station.

Also, having passed by the two ghostly looking buldings on the way the Parkway Parade, it never ever came to mind that these two building were actually the Former Grand Hotel. While visiting the Former Grand Hotel, we were denied access, however we did observe the old Reception counters and lobby used in the setting of an old Hotel. Standing opposite the Marine Parade Library and being beside a modern and posh private apartments, this historical site which has been chosen for conservation serve a reminder to residents of the rich and flourishing history that Katong/Joo Chiat used to enjoy.

It was also a fruitful trip where we met residents, shop owners who were ready to educate and impart any knowledge that they have to us. For example along the trail, we stumbled upon a Peranarakan Museum under National Hertiage Board and featured recently due to hot TV serial, “ Little Nonya “. While visiting Rumah Bebe, we also received educational packages and magazines, which educated us on the rich history of Peranakans who initially gathered and met in Katong and Joo Chiat area, leading to the rich Peranakan Culture being observed in Katong. One example will be the shophouses along Koon Seng Rd, which featured many Peranakan-style based architecture.

At the end of the trail, we were all glad that we had such an opportunity to explore along the Katong Joo Chiat area. Not just simply because of the food(hahaha), but also the different interesting facts on history that we learnt today. It has changed my perception of Singapore History being something boring, which only linger around the Singapore River area. Now I perceive Singapore History in a new light, where it can be just a weird looking bulding, which I passed by countless time, but simply did not bother to pay attention at all. The fact that many Peranakan restaurants and shops being present in Katong today, reflects the amount of impact that Singapore history and past culture has on the cultural heritage today.

I am thankful for the smart policy of building conversation and commercial reuse of old buildings to be converted into museums, into shop houses, into educational places, and restaurants. Without all such conservations and reuse, generations to follow may not ever be able to such my experience of witnessing history and watching how buildings used to stand and look like, like how I did along the trail. Personally I feel, if space allows, old buildings of each era should be conserved, because as compared to pictures and notes in museums, nothing beats the real-life experience of looking and being in the buildings itself.

All in all, this heritage trail was meaningful. Being a resident of Marine Parade, completing it and understanding all the rich history behind the historical sites brought me immense pride. The trip made me feel guilty that amidst all the effort the government is trying to conserve our history, we, however, often take such places for granted, whereas in actual fact, all we need is a little more attention and curious mind to fully embrace our cultural heritage. I’ve learnt to have a more seeking and learning attitude towards history, for history is not something of simply the old and the past, but something that is present and alive in today’s context.

The Katong Love Story

This is the story of three boys who went in search of their one true love. They left the comfort of their homes and made the ardous journey across to the fabled land of Katong & Joo Chiat. If there were one place where true love could be found, it was here.

Katong & Joo Chiat was famous for its daughters, the famous 'Katong Girls' - the protected children of the elites. Perhaps, this was a love story doomed to failure right from the start. After all, what did these three young boys have to offer to the daughters from the upper echelon of society? They were neither rich nor particularly attractive. On the other hand, the 'Katong Girls’ lived a lavish lifestyle and their beauty drew attention wherever they went.

However, love is irrational. Fate might dictate that these young boys and the 'Katong Girls' end up as star-crossed lovers; yet, it was this Romeo and Juliet like love story that made them embark on this journey.

Click

Katong Love Story

to download the full story. (PDF Format)

( we apologize for putting up an external link, as we are unable to upload our completed storyline unto blogger due to some technical error. Thanks for your understanding. )