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.
Do you know the real reason why Bedok Food Centre is also known as “Bedok Corner”? (Photo: NHB)
3. The truth behind Bedok Corner
Denizens in the East love Bedok Food Centre — affectionately known as Bedok Corner — for its hearty cheng tng dessert, Hokkien mee and more, but do you know why it’s called “Bedok Corner”?
According to residents, it’s actually adopted from a racing term as the hawker centre flanks a sharp curve where road racers used to challenge. The route also has a notorious nickname: “selekoh maut”, or “death bend”.
In the past, this was the site of Kampong Bedok, which used to house many villages, rubber plantations, farms, upscale restaurants and beachside holiday homes.
In the neighbouring Jalan Haji Salam, you can still spot the grand 1920s residence, Villa Kahar, which has passed through renowned owners like Palembang businessman Haji Kahar Abdul Ghani and Singapore’s first female doctor, Dr Lee Choo Neo. It was known for parties, operas and post-regatta entertainment.
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