Peranakan Terraces

Off to a latish start being somewhat over tired the day before, with balancing our “agenda” with rapidly rising temperatures (the Weather Network reporting a heat wave and to stay inside to avoid heat related illness). A bus ride with some excellent views of the development along the eastern waterfront and through an upscale residential street along Mountbatten to the Joo Chiat area named after Chew Joo Chiat, a wealthy Chinese landowner in the early 20th century. We walked the main streets noting the evolution in architectural style of the shophouses. Most were colourful two-storey shophouses and terrace houses with ornate facades, intricate motifs and ceramic tiles. Having been to Penang where such restoration has not yet taken place, one can appreciate the economic activity that has permitted Singapore to modernize while preserving the architecture.Read more