Found in the central region, the streets of Tiong Bahru are a part of Singapore’s many attractions, a popular haunt for hipsters and tourists alike. Its distinctive art deco style is reminiscent of the colonial period.
Known for its wall murals and minimalist cafes, one could spend a whole day perusing its various lanes and alleys and still not cover everything. Despite how many times you’ve visited the place, there’s always something new
to discover.
However, hipster cafes are not all Tiong Bahru has to offer. The oldest housing estate in Singapore, the name “Tiong Bahru” actually means new cemetery. Prior to the 1920s, there were several cemeteries in the area, which were new at the time, in comparison to the established ones in Chinatown.
Originally existing as an exclusive estate where the rich kept their mistresses—hence, its nickname of “美人窝”, meaning den of beauties)—Tiong Bahru became a more mainstream estate after World War 2, when its population began increasing.
Tiong Bahru is not just home to indie boutiques and art galleries, but also Singapore’s last pre-war civilian air raid shelter and monkey god temple, the grave of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng, and the Tiong Bahru market, which has a history that traces back to 1945.
Befitting its present reputation as a modern, austere neighbourhood, this A-Z travel guide likewise mimics its minimalist style. With this book, readers are encouraged rediscover Tiong Bahru's charms, both old and new.
The guidebook also comes with a mini photo album, packed with plenty of photographs of people and streets in Tiong Bahru. They are presented with a duotone filter, which hints at vintage photography. The combination of pink and turquoise used, however, points at a more modern style.
The photo album provides a visual insight to the different highlights in Tiong Bahru, alongside the information and historical facts in the guidebook.
