Did you know that Bedok was the party central of the past? Discover more immersing facts about the town in this tantalising trail
By Pamela Chow
A 17th-century map detailing the naval battle that led to the capture of the Santa Catarina, with one of the waterways on the main island likely to be Sungei Bedok. (Photo: Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps)
In the early-20th century, Bedok was home to Singapore’s wealthy as well as villagers, fishermen and farmers. Today, the land at East Coast has been reclaimed and extended by 1km — but vestiges of the past have survived.
Embark on a historical excursion around Bedok with the National Heritage Board’s (NHB) new Bedok Heritage Trail, which features 10 heritage markers at significant sites. Here are five noteworthy ones worth a visit.
The site of the former Cathay-Keris film studio as seen today. (Photo: NHB)
2. The former Cathay-Keris studio
In the 1800s, Frankel Estate comprised mainly coconut and nutmeg plantations. The land was sold to Abraham Frankel in 1912, and then to the Loke family in 1946.
The latter built the first Cathay-Keris Studio here, and the building can still be found along Siglap Road.
The Frankels also developed the nearby Opera Estate, which bears road names inspired by famous European operas including “Carmen” and “Fidelio”, and Malay operas like “Jula Juli Bintang Tiga”.
It was also home to Singapore’s first President, Yusof bin Ishak.
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