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.
Along this historical seafood stretch, the popular Hua Yu Wee seafood restaurant still remains housed in a 1920s bungalow. (Photo: NHB)
4. 1920s seaside seafood
East Coast has long been a playground for Singaporeans and visitors to our sunny island, even in the early-18th century.
When the coastline still existed along Upper East Coast Road in the 1920s, regatta races drew in spectators who also participated in beach activities such as pole-climbing and post-race dance parties.
Now that land has been reclaimed, few beacons of the past remain. One is the popular Hua Yu Wee seafood restaurant housed in a 1920s bungalow, where you can spot the remaining steps that once led out to the former beachfront.
Other popular restaurants that used to be located in this area include Long Beach Seafood, Wyman’s Haven and Bedok Restaurant.
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