Peranakan Houses
Peranakan Houses
4.4
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Marine Parade
Marine Parade, a picturesque neighborhood in Singapore, offers a distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary attractions. The neighborhood is home to the iconic East Coast Park, the largest coastal park in Singapore, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. Marine Parade also boasts the Parkway Parade Shopping Centre, a haven for shopaholics, and a variety of local and international dining options. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, an architectural gem within the neighborhood. With its efficient and convenient public transport, it's no wonder Marine Parade is a favorite among both locals and travelers.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
28 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
JeffLeong
Singapore, Singapore3,675 contributions
Oct 2020
After our lunch at Hjh Maimunah Restaurant in Joo Chiat Road, we walked to Kim Choo Kueh Chang in Joo Chiat Place to buy Nyonya dumplings and desserts. From there, we headed back to Joo Chiat Road and continued our walk to the area around Koon Seng Road to see the picturesque Peranakan houses.
A few of the offices and shops along Joo Chiat Road have been restored to their lovely Peranakan heritage. But it is the buildings in the vicinity of Koon Seng Road that showcase the Peranakan houses with their lively, lovely and colourful facades and accent wall tiles. The efforts to detail the architectural facades and windows are worth a visit. The palette of complementary colours and shades is Instagramable.
A visit in the cool early morning or late afternoon will provide nice facade lighting. We went after lunch and it was hot. Fortunately, clouds helped scatter the harsh sunlight. There are a few other nearby lanes that we did not explore and will do so in another visit.
A few of the offices and shops along Joo Chiat Road have been restored to their lovely Peranakan heritage. But it is the buildings in the vicinity of Koon Seng Road that showcase the Peranakan houses with their lively, lovely and colourful facades and accent wall tiles. The efforts to detail the architectural facades and windows are worth a visit. The palette of complementary colours and shades is Instagramable.
A visit in the cool early morning or late afternoon will provide nice facade lighting. We went after lunch and it was hot. Fortunately, clouds helped scatter the harsh sunlight. There are a few other nearby lanes that we did not explore and will do so in another visit.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VRNPerth
Perth, Australia157 contributions
Jan 2020
We'd thought of having breakfast at Mr. & Mrs. Moghan's Paratha stall in Joo Chiat Road. Took a bus upto the end of SIMS street and then walked down to the restaurant. Its a longish walk. But along the beautiful and elegant Joo Chiat road it doesn't seem all that long. Especially in the morning before the sun is out in full force and you start perspiring heavily.
The road itself is a narrow one, around the size of a normal suburban road. The houses on each side have been retained, either by design or by accident, I don't know.
Some of these old houses have been converted into elegant hotels. Some into shops selling a variety of goods and services.
You can see that most of these houses have been maintained and are in good knick. The old style wooden slats on their windows are operable. They are clean and not full of dust. The glass on some of the windows are clean and allow enough light in.
Walking along the street and a couple of others running off it you can let your imagination run wild and get an idea of the kind of lives that these inhabitants lived, say around 40-60 years ago.
Am posting a few photos of the buildings. Did not photograph any of the commercial establishments.
Definitely worth spending an hour or so wandering this street and its side roads.
The road itself is a narrow one, around the size of a normal suburban road. The houses on each side have been retained, either by design or by accident, I don't know.
Some of these old houses have been converted into elegant hotels. Some into shops selling a variety of goods and services.
You can see that most of these houses have been maintained and are in good knick. The old style wooden slats on their windows are operable. They are clean and not full of dust. The glass on some of the windows are clean and allow enough light in.
Walking along the street and a couple of others running off it you can let your imagination run wild and get an idea of the kind of lives that these inhabitants lived, say around 40-60 years ago.
Am posting a few photos of the buildings. Did not photograph any of the commercial establishments.
Definitely worth spending an hour or so wandering this street and its side roads.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Off their P
Manchester, UK4,059 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Our hotel was very close to these unusual buildings, and it was quite an eye-opener. We’ve never stayed over this side of the island before and it is highly recommended. It has a completely different feel than staying in the city and these buildings highlight that very well indeed.
They give an insight into old Singapore. They are beautiful, well maintained and the history fascinating.
It is to the city is great credit they have kept them intact whilst development goes on all around. Well worth a visit.
They give an insight into old Singapore. They are beautiful, well maintained and the history fascinating.
It is to the city is great credit they have kept them intact whilst development goes on all around. Well worth a visit.
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claude M
31 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
The houses are very unique and cute. We just took a Grab (Uber) to get there. Get your camera ready to take amazing pictures. Grab a bite to eat after your visit. There is a great authentic food court.
Enjoy your visit and the food.
Enjoy your visit and the food.
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell3939
Castle Rock, CO1,023 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We found the architecture and colors to be lovely. This is worth a quick stop if you are in the area. There is a nice park at the end of the street if you need a place to cool off after a long day. These are the house featured on the plastic cups being sold at Starbucks.
Written 26 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annminky
United States4,033 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
The colorful houses lined up the street adds beauty to this place. So much history to know, but I’m glad they were able to keep these houses.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
markitiki
Orlando, FL692 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Fun and cute houses to look at/get pictures of, but not as impressive as the Painted Ladies in San Francisco. The surrounding area offers some great food and drink options and is fun to walk.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manish
Singapore, Singapore689 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Katong and Joo Chiat are one of the main areas in Singapore where you can still have a taste of Peranakan lifestyle. The hint of Peranakan heritage can be found in rows of shophouses and residential houses that have accents that are distinctively Peranakan. These terrace houses on Koon Seng Road (near the intersection of Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road) had been gazetted by Urban Redevelopment Authority for conservation. The main difference between the facade of old and now will be the colourful splash of colours on them. The final output looks like one of Peranakan favourite snack - the Rainbow Keuh Lapis. The houses are beautiful to look at with vibrant splash of colours and totally Instagram worthy.
Written 8 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lidia K
Szczecin, Poland80 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
Beautiful, laid back place in the heart of metropolis that seems to never sleep. I have found myself travel back in time in this part of Singapore. Karong area is quiet, peaceful and still has so much to explore. Picturesque Peranakan houses are perfect to take selfies or instagram photos and a steoll along them is such a breath of originality. A must! Tip: go early for cooler weather, and have a classic Kopi in red Heavenly Wang bakery.
Written 15 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phutty
Tallinn, Estonia1,401 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Ridiculously photogenic, these row houses are a must-see if you're exploring the characterful Joo Chiat district, although it's worth bearing in mind that people do live in them, and that they and other locals do need to use the footpaths as well - they're not just there for people to take pictures from, or worse to spend ages posing for photos and videos for their Insta accounts or whatever.
Written 19 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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