Remnants of old Singapore that have survived in this hipster haunt
By Pamela Chow
Photo: David Shamma / Flickr
Look past the surge of hipster cafes and barbers in Tiong Bahru, and one can still catch a glimpse of that old Singapore in the popular enclave.
One of the oldest housing estates in Singapore, Tiong Bahru was an upper-class enclave during the pre-World War II years. It was also the place where the rich and powerful kept their mistresses - hence its lesser-known nickname, Mei Ren Wo ("nest of beauties" in Chinese).
Here are five gems that you can explore in Tiong Bahru that would whisk you back to the olden days of yore.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
3. Tiong Bahru air raid shelter
The air raid shelter at Blk 78 Guan Chuan Street is the last remaining pre-war civilian air raid shelter, which could accommodate up to an estimated 1,600 persons.
According to resident Mrs Linda Koh, who lived in the Tiong Bahru estate as child, the air raid shelter was used when the Japanese forces conducted air raids on 8 Dec, 1941. Mrs Koh recalled that her family, together with other residents, made their way to the shelter when the air raid siren sounded.
Today, it is conserved as part of the Tiong Bahru Conservation Area.
Tiong Bahru air raid shelter, Blk 78 Guan Chuan Street
ADVERTISEMENTS