Quaint Encounters

Outlining the neighbourhood is South Bridge Road, where you can find 3 prominent religious buildings – Sri Mariamman Temple, Jamae Mosque, and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Each of these religious buildings has their own unique story to share.

Kreta Ayer translates to “Water Cart” in Malay. In the past, bullock water carts were used to transport water drawn from a well near Ann Siang Hill. Hence, the district name was established! Within the Kreta Ayer, neighbourhood, you can find a variety of things to explore. One of it is the Chinatown Food Street. Try and locate Yip Yew Chong’ magnificent Cantonese opera mural in the area and try imagine what life around the opera was like.

Club Street sits on part of a larger area known as Ann Siang Hill. The hill was initially known as Scott’s Hill, named after the owner Charles Scott who cultivated a nutmeg and clove estate on it. He sold it to John Gemmill who later christened it as Gemmill’s Hill. Finally, the hill became known as Ann Siang Hill after it came to be owned by Chia Ann Siang, a wealthy Chinese businessman who built his house and estate on the site. Read on to see some of the gems we’ve picked out for you to enjoy in this neighbourhood.