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Similar to London’s Oxford Street or Hong Kong’s Tshimshatsui, this bustling boulevard got its name after the nutmeg and pepper plantations that once lined it in the 1800s. Flanked on both sides by local and international department stores, tiny boutiques, offices, spas, beauty salons, hotels, entertainment spots, restaurants, and cafes, one could spend a whole day trawling the stretch.
With the Chinese forming over 75% of the population, one can expect Chinatown to be a prominent landmark that evolved from the time of the first immigrants in the 19th century. Today, it is a vivid and energetic gazetted conservation precinct bounded by these major roads - Eu Tong Sen St, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road.
Since its early days, the Singapore River has played a significant role in the history of the island. From the time of Sir Stamford Raffles, the River established itself as a thriving centre for trading, commercial and financial activities.
Located in the Central South district, Marina Bay was artificially created through land development in the 1970s. Today, the area is known commercially for its hotels, offices, entertainment and shopping centres. Singapore’s first F1 race was held in the scenic backdrop by the Bay in 2008.
Located in the South of Singapore, this fairly recent business and lifestyle precinct enjoys a strategic location facing the island of Sentosa. This is the home to HabourFront Centre, Sentosa, Mt Faber, the Singapore Cruise Centre and the St James Power Station, a converted clubbing hub.
Little India is one of Singapore’s most colourful districts. A vibrant commercial centre for the Indian community spreading out along Serangoon Rd, occupied by the descendants of the Indians who arrived in Singapore in the mid 1800’s, the colour, smiles and smells are all authentically Indian and authentically warm.
Located east of the central area of Singapore, Geylang Serai has been the centre of the Malay community since the mid-19th century. ‘Geylang’ means ‘mill or factory’ named after the many processing plants in the old days. Today, one can browse around the markets and shops there selling wares catering to the needs of the Muslim community.
The original home of the Malay aristocracy during the time of Sir Stamford Raffles, Kampong Glam, named after a tree, is the Malay-Muslim enclave established centuries ago. Attracting traders and immigrants from Malaysia, Indonesia, India and the Middle East in those days, the area has grown into a rich cultural and flourishing hub.
Holland Village and the nearby Holland Road, Holland Avenue, Holland Close and Holland Drive, got its name from Hugh Holland in 1907, an early resident in Singapore who was an architect and an amateur actor.
Over the years, it has evolved into what has been dubbed the “bohemian enclave” of Singapore.
Positioned north of the Singapore River, North Bridge Road was constructed between 1833 and 1835 by Indian convict labor. The route was plied by trolley buses in the past and now features several prominent landmarks including the National Library and St Andrew’s Cathedral. |
